Ὑμεναῖος (Humenaios)
Humenaios
Hymenaeus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Hymenaeus appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s pastoral letters to Timothy (1 Timothy 1:20 and 2 Timothy 2:17). It is not a theological term but a proper noun referring to a specific individual who opposed apostolic teaching. The sources note that his name likely derives from Hymen, the Greek god of weddings, suggesting a meaning like "belonging to marriage."
Paul identifies Hymenaeus as someone whose teachings had gone astray, specifically regarding the resurrection (2 Timothy 2:18). In 1 Timothy, Paul mentions handing him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, likely so his spirit might be saved. This rare name serves as a historical marker for early church conflicts over doctrine rather than offering a linguistic concept for study.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Hymenaeus appears in Scripture not as a lesson to memorize, but as a sobering reminder that even those within the church community can drift from the truth. Paul mentions him twice in his letters to Timothy, highlighting how false teaching can spread quietly and cause harm. This name reminds us that our faith requires vigilance and care for sound doctrine.
When we encounter stories of individuals like Hymenaeus who strayed from apostolic teaching, it invites reflection on the importance of staying grounded in Scripture. It is a call to examine our own beliefs and ensure they align with the core truths of the gospel. May we remain steadfast in the faith, supporting one another in truth and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hymenaeus2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ὑμέναιος2×
Key Verses
-
I Timothy 1:20
of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I delivered to Satan that they might be taught not to blaspheme.
This verse shows Paul’s severe action against Hymenaeus to correct his error and protect the church's integrity.
-
II Timothy 2:17
and those words will consume like gangrene, of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus:
Here, Hymenaeus is linked with Philetus, illustrating how false teaching about the resurrection was spreading like gangrene.