Ὀνησίφορος (Onēsiphoros)
Onēsiphoros
Onesiphorus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Onēsiphoros carries a straightforward meaning: "bringing profit" or "providing advantage." It is not a common biblical term but appears exclusively as a proper noun in the Second Letter to Timothy. The sources identify him as a Christian from the province of Asia, known for his specific actions toward the Apostle Paul during imprisonment.
Paul’s greetings highlight Onēsiphorus’s practical support. In 2 Timothy 1:16-18, he is remembered for refreshing Paul and seeking him out diligently when others in Asia had turned away. Later, in 4:19, Paul sends greetings to his household, indicating that Onēsiphorus’s influence extended beyond himself to those in his home.
The name itself serves as a fitting description of his character. Rather than offering abstract encouragement, he provided tangible relief to a prisoner. This concrete service distinguishes him in the text, marking him as someone who actively sought to help when it was difficult or risky to do so.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Onesiphoros literally means "bringing profit" or "providing advantage." In the context of 2 Timothy, this is not about financial gain but about human kindness. When Paul was imprisoned and others in Asia turned away, Onesiphorus did not hesitate. He sought him out diligently and refreshed him, showing that he was not ashamed of Paul's chains. This name serves as a perfect description of his character: someone who actively provided tangible relief when it was difficult to do so.
His story reminds us that faith is often shown through concrete actions rather than abstract words. It can be scary or inconvenient to support someone who is suffering or marginalized, yet Onesiphorus chose loyalty over safety. His influence extended beyond himself to his household, suggesting that this kind of faithful service shapes entire families and communities.
May we find courage to seek out those who are lonely or discouraged. Like Onesiphorus, we can offer practical help and presence to others, reflecting the mercy of the Lord in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of Onesiphorus2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ὀνησιφόρου2×
Key Verses
-
II Timothy 1:16
May the Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain,
This verse highlights his specific action of seeking out Paul and refreshing him when others had abandoned the Apostle.
-
II Timothy 4:19
Greet Prisca and Aquila, and the house of Onesiphorus.
Paul’s greeting to the house of Onesiphorus shows that his faithful service impacted his entire family circle.