Σιλουανός (Silouanos)
Silouanos
Silvanus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Silouanos, rendered in English as Silvanus, identifies a significant companion of the Apostle Paul. It is the Latinized form of Silas, a man described in ancient sources as a Roman citizen and a trusted helper in the early church. The name itself carries the meaning "woody," likely referencing strength or stability, though its primary biblical importance lies in the person it represents rather than its etymology.
Silvanus appears in four specific New Testament verses, serving as a co-author on several of Paul’s epistles. He is listed alongside Paul in the opening greetings of 2 Corinthians 1:19, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, and 2 Thessalonians 1:1. This repeated association highlights his role not merely as an assistant, but as a fellow worker whose ministry was closely linked to Paul’s own mission among the Gentiles.
His presence in these letters underscores the collaborative nature of early Christian leadership. While Paul is often the sole voice in theological argumentation, the inclusion of Silvanus in the salutations signals shared authority and partnership. He stands as a figure of reliability, bridging the Jewish and Roman worlds through his citizenship and his steadfast service alongside one of Christianity’s most influential apostles.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Silvanus appears in the opening greetings of several New Testament letters, standing shoulder to shoulder with Paul and Timothy. This name, often rendered as Silvanus in English translations, identifies a trusted companion who helped carry the gospel message to early Christian communities. His presence in these texts reminds us that faith is rarely lived out in isolation; it thrives within a network of shared labor and mutual support.
When we read his name alongside Paul’s, we see a model of humble partnership. Silvanus was not merely an assistant but a fellow worker whose ministry carried equal weight in the eyes of the churches he served. This collaborative spirit invites us to value our own roles within the body of Christ, recognizing that every faithful contribution matters.
Whether writing to believers in Thessalonica or Peter addressing scattered Christians, Silvanus’s name signals reliability and grace. We can take comfort in knowing that God uses ordinary people to build His church, weaving their lives together for a purpose greater than themselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Silvanus4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Σιλουανὸς2×
- Σιλουανοῦ2×
Key Verses
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I Thessalonians 1:1
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the assembly of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Silvanus is listed first among the senders alongside Paul and Timothy, highlighting his equal standing in the mission to the Thessalonian church.
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II Corinthians 1:19
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not “Yes and no,” but in him is “Yes.”
The verse groups Silvanus with Paul and Timothy as those who preached Jesus Christ, emphasizing their unified witness rather than individual authority.
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I Peter 5:12
Through Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I consider him, I have written to you briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand.
Peter refers to Silvanus as a 'faithful brother,' indicating that his role extended beyond Paul’s circles to include trusted leadership in the broader early church.