ῥώννυμι (rhōnnumi)
rhōnnumi
farewell
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rhōnnumi means to make strong or to give strength. In the New Testament it appears only twice, both in the book of Acts (15:29 and 23:30), where it is used in the imperative form to close letters or messages. The meaning shifts from the active sense of strengthening someone to a parting wish for their well-being.
This word comes from a root related to dashing forward or being vigorous, which explains its connection to strength and vitality. In Acts 15:29, the Jerusalem council sends a letter with the instruction "farewell" (ῥρώσθε), literally wishing the Gentile believers strength and prosperity. Similarly, in Acts 23:30, Paul’s relatives are told to "farewell" as they take him to Rome. The term captures a sense of robust health and spiritual vigor at the moment of departure.
Translators often render this as "farewell," but the original Greek carries more weight than a simple goodbye. It is a wish for the recipient to remain strong and steadfast in their faith or journey. This usage reflects a deep concern for the ongoing life and resilience of those being addressed, rather than just a polite sign-off.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rhōnnumi, often translated as "farewell," carries a weight far deeper than a simple goodbye. Derived from a root meaning to make strong, it is essentially a prayer for the recipient’s continued strength and vitality. When early Christians used this term, they were not merely closing a letter; they were actively wishing that God would sustain the other person in their daily walk.
In Acts 15:29, the Jerusalem council sends this blessing to Gentile believers, linking moral obedience with spiritual well-being. It reminds us that our parting wishes for friends and family can be powerful acts of faith. We can ask God to strengthen them as they face new challenges, trusting that His grace is sufficient for every step ahead.
This ancient greeting invites us to view departure not as an end, but as a transition where divine support remains constant. May you feel encouraged knowing that your relationships are held in the hands of One who gives strength. Let your own goodbyes reflect this deep care, hoping for the best in those you love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Farewell!2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἔρρωσο¶1×
- ἔρρωσθε.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Acts 15:29
that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols, from blood, from things strangled, and from sexual immorality, from which if you keep yourselves, it will be well with you. Farewell.”
This occurrence matters because it pairs a moral instruction with a wish for spiritual strength, showing that obedience is linked to well-being.
-
Acts 23:30
When I was told that the Jews lay in wait for the man, I sent him to you immediately, charging his accusers also to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.”
Here the term closes a formal legal report, highlighting how even in tense political situations, believers maintained a tone of care and respect.