### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, `{{G2815}}`) is a proper noun of Latin origin, derived from the Latin "clemens." The root meaning of "clemens" is "merciful," "mild," or "gentle." As a personal name, Κλήμης inherently carries these positive connotations, suggesting a disposition characterized by compassion and kindness. In the biblical context, it functions solely as the name of an individual, rather than an adjective describing a quality.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, `{{G2815}}`) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians.
In [[Philippians 4:3]], Paul writes: "Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have struggled side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."
From this verse, we gather several key pieces of information about Clement:
1. **Fellow Worker:** Paul explicitly identifies Clement as one of his "fellow workers" (συνεργοί, *synergoi*, `{{G4904}}`) in the gospel. This indicates a close partnership and shared commitment to the mission of spreading the Christian message. Clement was not merely a passive follower but an active participant in ministry.
2. **Association with Paul:** His inclusion in this list suggests he was known to the Philippian church and had a significant role alongside Paul, likely in the evangelistic efforts in Philippi or the broader Aegean region.
3. **Name in the Book of Life:** Most profoundly, Paul affirms that Clement's name, along with the other fellow workers, is "in the book of life." This phrase, rich with Old Testament imagery (e.g., [[Exodus 32:32]], [[Psalm 69:28]], [[Daniel 12:1]]), signifies divine election and assurance of eternal salvation. It is the highest commendation of one's spiritual standing before God.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, `{{G2815}}`) does not have direct lexical synonyms. However, its etymological root "clemens" connects it conceptually to a cluster of virtues highly valued in Christian ethics:
* **Mercy/Compassion:** ἔλεος (*eleos*, `{{G1656}}`), σπλαγχνίζομαι (*splagchnizomai*, `{{G4697}}`).
* **Gentleness/Meekness:** πραΰτης (*praÿtēs*, `{{G4236}}`).
* **Kindness/Goodness:** χρηστότης (*chrēstotēs*, `{{G5544}}`).
While not explicitly stated as Clement's personal qualities, the name itself subtly points to these desirable attributes.
More directly related to the biblical context of Κλήμης are the concepts found in [[Philippians 4:3]]:
* **Fellow Worker:** συνεργός (*synergos*, `{{G4904}}`), emphasizing collaboration, partnership, and shared labor in the Gospel. This term is frequently used by Paul to describe his co-laborers in ministry (e.g., [[Romans 16:3]], [[2 Corinthians 8:23]]).
* **Gospel:** εὐαγγέλιον (*euangelion*, `{{G2098}}`), referring to the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ, the central message of the early church's mission.
* **Book of Life:** βίβλος ζωῆς (*biblos zōēs*, `{{G976}}` `{{G2222}}`), a theological concept signifying God's divine register of those who are chosen for eternal life. This concept is further developed in Revelation (e.g., [[Revelation 3:5]], [[Revelation 20:12]], [[Revelation 21:27]]).
### Theological Significance
While Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, `{{G2815}}`) is a person's name, its solitary mention in the New Testament carries important theological implications.
1. **The Nature of Christian Ministry:** Clement's designation as a "fellow worker" underscores the inherently collaborative and communal nature of Christian ministry. The advancement of the Gospel was not a solitary enterprise but relied on the dedicated service and partnership of many individuals. This emphasizes the value of every believer's contribution to God's kingdom.
2. **Divine Election and Assurance:** The most profound theological statement concerning Clement is that his name is "in the book of life." This phrase is a powerful affirmation of God's sovereign knowledge and election of His people. It offers a profound sense of assurance regarding salvation, rooted not in human merit but in God's eternal decree. For Clement, and by extension for all believers whose names are written there, it signifies an unshakeable security in their relationship with God and their destiny in His eternal presence.
3. **Recognition of Faithful Service:** Paul's public commendation of Clement serves as an example of recognizing and honoring those who faithfully serve the Lord. It highlights the importance of acknowledging the contributions of all who labor for the Gospel, even if their specific roles are not extensively detailed in Scripture.
4. **Virtuous Character (Implied):** The etymological meaning of "merciful" or "gentle" for the name Clement aligns with the virtues that are central to Christian character. While we cannot definitively attribute these qualities to this specific Clement based solely on his name, it is consistent with the kind of character expected of those who serve the Lord and whose names are recorded in the book of life.
### Summary
Κλήμης (Klḗmēs, `{{G2815}}`) is a Greek proper noun of Latin origin, meaning "merciful" or "gentle." It appears once in the New Testament, in [[Philippians 4:3]], where the Apostle Paul identifies Clement as a "fellow worker" in the gospel. This brief but significant mention reveals Clement as an active and valued participant in the early Christian mission, collaborating closely with Paul. The profound theological significance of Clement's mention lies in Paul's affirmation that his name is "in the book of life," a powerful statement of divine election and assured salvation. Thus, Clement stands as a testament to the collaborative nature of Christian ministry and the eternal security of those faithfully serving the Lord.
TRV