probably from Ἑρμῆς; Hermas, a Christian:--Hermas.
Transliteration:Hermâs
Pronunciation:her-mas'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma Ἑρμᾶς (Hermâs), Strong's number `{{G2057}}`, is a proper noun, serving as the personal name of an individual. Its etymology is traced to Ἑρμῆς (Hermēs), the name of the Greek mythological god, known as the messenger of the gods, and patron of commerce, eloquence, and travelers. As a personal name, its semantic range is inherently limited to identifying a specific person. Unlike common nouns or verbs, it does not convey a broad conceptual meaning but rather functions as a unique identifier within the biblical narrative. While its root name alludes to a significant figure in Greek mythology, the New Testament usage of Hermas simply designates an individual within the early Christian community, without necessarily imputing the characteristics of the pagan deity to the person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Hermas appears in the New Testament only once, within Paul's extensive list of greetings at the conclusion of his Epistle to the Romans.
* **[[Romans 16:14]]**: "Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers with them."
In this verse, Hermas is listed among a group of five individuals, immediately followed by another person named Hermes (`{{G2059}}`). This placement suggests he was a recognizable member of the Christian community in Rome, known to Paul, either personally or by reputation. The context is a series of personal salutations, which highlights the deeply relational and communal nature of the early church. Paul's detailed greetings underscore his pastoral care and his intimate knowledge of the individuals comprising the Roman congregation. The inclusion of Hermas, alongside many others, indicates the diverse composition of the early Christian fellowship and the personal connections that bound believers together across geographical distances. His presence in this list affirms his standing as a valued member within the believing community to whom Paul wished to extend his apostolic blessing.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G2059}}` Ἑρμῆς (Hermēs):** This is the mythological deity from whom the name Hermas is derived. Interestingly, a person also named Hermes is greeted in [[Romans 16:14]], immediately after Hermas, potentially suggesting a family connection or simply the commonality of such names in the Roman world.
* **Personal Names in the New Testament:** The New Testament, particularly Paul's epistles, is rich with personal names (e.g., Priscilla, Aquila, Phoebe, Andronicus, Junia, Rufus). These names collectively paint a vivid picture of the social fabric of the early church, demonstrating its diversity in terms of gender, social status, and ethnicity. The practice of greeting specific individuals underscores the personal and communal dimensions of early Christian life.
* **Fellowship (κοινωνία - koinonia):** The act of Paul greeting specific individuals like Hermas exemplifies the concept of koinonia, which signifies the shared life, partnership, and communion among believers in Christ. It points to the deep bonds of affection and mutual recognition within the global body of Christ.
* **The Body of Christ:** Each individual named, including Hermas, contributed to the overall identity and functioning of the church as the body of Christ. Their unique presence, however briefly noted, signifies the importance of every member in the divine organism.
### Theological Significance
The mention of Hermas, though brief, carries significant theological implications.
* **The Inclusivity of the Early Church:** Hermas's presence in Paul's greetings underscores the broad and diverse composition of the early Christian community. The Gospel transcended social, ethnic, and cultural barriers, drawing individuals from all walks of life into a unified fellowship.
* **The Value of Every Believer:** While Hermas is not a prominent figure in the biblical narrative, his inclusion affirms the inherent worth and significance of every individual member within the church. God's economy values each person, known or unknown to history, as a vital part of His redemptive plan and the ongoing life of His people.
* **Apostolic Care and Relational Ministry:** Paul's detailed greetings reveal his profound pastoral care and personal investment in the churches he served and knew. This highlights that apostolic ministry was not merely doctrinal or administrative but deeply personal and relational, built on genuine affection and concern for individuals.
* **Historical Continuity and Legacy:** While not explicitly stated in the New Testament, early Christian tradition, particularly from the 2nd century, identifies this Hermas with the author of *The Shepherd of Hermas*, a significant and influential early Christian apocalyptic work. This extra-biblical connection, though not part of the biblical word study itself, illustrates how even briefly mentioned individuals could leave a profound and enduring legacy within the broader history of the Church, testifying to the ripple effect of individual lives lived in Christ.
### Summary
The Greek proper noun Ἑρμᾶς (Hermâs), `{{G2057}}`, designates a specific individual in the early Roman Christian community, mentioned solely in [[Romans 16:14]]. Derived from the name of the Greek deity Hermes, its primary biblical function is to identify a member of the diverse fellowship to whom Paul extends greetings. This singular reference highlights the deeply relational nature of the early church, the apostle's personal pastoral care, and the inherent value of every individual believer within the body of Christ. Although his specific contributions are not detailed in Scripture, Hermas's inclusion serves as a testament to the broad inclusivity of the Gospel and the foundational importance of each person in the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive work. He represents the myriad unnamed or briefly mentioned individuals who formed the vibrant fabric of the nascent Christian movement.
TRV