### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Iouniâs**, represented by `{{G2458}}`, is a name of Latin origin for **Junias, a Christian**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, making its sole mention highly significant for understanding this individual's role in the early church.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical reference to `{{G2458}}` is found in a list of greetings from the Apostle Paul. In [[Romans 16:7]], Paul writes, "Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me" [[Romans 16:7]]. In this verse, Junias is identified alongside Andronicus. They are described with several important qualifiers: they are Paul's **kinsmen** `{{G4773}}`, his **fellowprisoners** `{{G4869}}`, are considered **of note** `{{G1978}}` among the apostles, and they became believers **in** `{{G1722}}` Christ even **before** `{{G4253}}` Paul did.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this passage provide a fuller picture of Junias:
* `{{G408}}` **Andrónikos** (man of victory; Andronicos, an Israelite): This is the individual greeted alongside Junias, indicating a close association between them [[Romans 16:7]].
* `{{G4773}}` **syngenḗs** (a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman): This term defines Junias's relationship to Paul as one of his kinsmen [[Romans 16:7]].
* `{{G4869}}` **synaichmálōtos** (a co-captive): This word reveals that Junias shared in Paul's sufferings, having been his fellowprisoner for the faith [[Romans 16:7]].
* `{{G1978}}` **epísēmos** (remarkable, i.e. (figuratively) eminent): This adjective highlights the high regard in which Junias was held, being described as "of note" [[Romans 16:7]].
* `{{G652}}` **apóstolos** (a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel): This specifies the group among whom Junias held an eminent reputation [[Romans 16:7]].
### Theological Significance
The brief mention of `{{G2458}}` carries significant weight regarding the character of early believers.
* **Shared Suffering:** By being identified as Paul's **fellowprisoner** `{{G4869}}`, Junias is presented as someone who endured hardship for the sake of **Christ** `{{G5547}}`, a key theme of faithful discipleship [[Romans 16:7]].
* **Eminence in Ministry:** The description of being "of note among the apostles" suggests a respected and prominent position within the early church's leadership and missionary circles [[Romans 16:7]].
* **Early Faithfulness:** The detail that Junias was in Christ **before** `{{G4253}}` Paul is a powerful statement. It establishes Junias as one of the foundational members of the Christian faith, whose commitment predated that of one of its most prominent apostles [[Romans 16:7]].
### Summary
In summary, while the name **Iouniâs** `{{G2458}}` appears only once, its context in [[Romans 16:7]] paints a detailed portrait of a remarkable Christian. Junias was a kinsman and fellowsufferer with Paul, a believer of long standing, and a figure held in high esteem among the apostles. This single verse preserves the memory of an important, though seldom mentioned, member of the early church.
TRV