Τρόφιμος (Trophimos)
Trophimos
Trophimus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Trophimos appears three times in the New Testament, identifying an Ephesian companion of the Apostle Paul. The sources define him as a Christian from the city of Ephesus in Asia Minor, placing him within the inner circle of those who traveled and worked alongside Paul during his missionary journeys.
His significance lies in his proximity to Paul’s final days and travels. He is mentioned in Acts 20:4 as part of the group accompanying Paul to Jerusalem, and again in Acts 21:29, where he is wrongly accused by Jews from Asia of bringing a Gentile into the temple area. This incident highlights the tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.
In his final letter, written from prison, Paul sends greetings from Trophimus in 2 Timothy 4:20, noting that he had left him sick at Miletus. This detail offers a rare glimpse into the physical hardships and personal relationships that sustained Paul’s ministry. The name itself, derived from a root meaning "nourished" or "fed," may reflect his role as one who was spiritually nurtured by Paul’s teaching.
Though not an apostle or elder with recorded doctrine, Trophimos serves as a concrete example of the ordinary believers who enabled the spread of the Gospel. His presence in these texts reminds readers that the early church relied on many faithful individuals whose names are preserved only in passing references.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Trophimos was a faithful companion who walked alongside Paul through difficult seasons. As an Ephesian believer, he represents the many unnamed Christians who supported the spread of the Gospel through their presence and service. His story reminds us that ministry is often a shared journey, sustained by the loyalty of friends who stand with us in both joy and hardship.
Even when falsely accused or left behind due to illness, Trophimos remained part of Paul’s inner circle. This shows that faithfulness is not measured by public acclaim but by steady commitment to the work God has given us. In a world that often values visibility over reliability, his life encourages us to serve quietly and well.
Whether you are traveling with others or working alone in sickness, you are part of this same community of believers. The early church thrived because people like Trophimos chose to stay close to the truth and to those who taught it. May your own faithfulness, however unseen, contribute to the growth of God’s kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Trophimus2×
- Trophimus,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Τρόφιμον2×
- Τρόφιμος,1×
Key Verses
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Acts 20:4
These accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea, Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
This verse lists Trophimus among Paul’s trusted travel partners, showing he was a reliable companion during critical missionary efforts.
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Acts 21:29
For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
Here Trophimus becomes the focal point of a false accusation, illustrating the real dangers and tensions faced by Gentile believers in the early church.
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II Timothy 4:20
Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
Paul’s final mention of leaving Trophimus sick at Miletus reveals the personal cost of ministry and the enduring bonds between coworkers despite physical separation.