### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Κούαρτος (Koúartos), Strong's `{{G2890}}`, is a transliteration of the Latin personal name *Quartus*. Its etymological root is the Latin ordinal number *quartus*, meaning "fourth." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual. It does not carry a broader conceptual or theological meaning beyond its function as a name, though the numerical origin implies he may have been the fourth-born child or slave in a household, a common Roman naming convention.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Κούαρτος (Koúartos) appears only once in the New Testament, in the apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* "Gaius, host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus greet you." [[Romans 16:23]]
In this sole occurrence, Quartus is listed among several individuals who send greetings to the Roman believers. Paul refers to him as "our brother," a common designation in early Christian communities signifying shared faith and fellowship in Christ. This indicates that Quartus was a known and respected member of the Christian community in Corinth, from where Paul was likely writing the Epistle to the Romans. His inclusion in these final greetings underscores his connection to Paul and the broader network of believers. While his specific role or background is not detailed, his presence among figures like Gaius (Paul's host) and Erastus (a city official) suggests he was an established part of the Corinthian church.
### Related Words & Concepts
As a proper noun, Κούαρτος (Koúartos) does not have direct lexical synonyms or antonyms. However, it is conceptually related to:
* **Proper Names of Early Christians:** Like other names in Paul's salutations (e.g., Priscilla, Aquila, Phoebe, Gaius, Erastus), Quartus represents an individual member of the early Christian community. These names collectively paint a picture of the diverse individuals who comprised the nascent church.
* **Fellowship and Community:** The act of sending greetings, a common feature of ancient letters, highlights the strong bonds of fellowship and mutual care that characterized the early church. Individuals like Quartus were integral parts of this spiritual family.
* **Latin Influence:** The name itself points to the Roman cultural context in which the early church operated. The presence of Latin names among Greek-speaking Christians demonstrates the cross-cultural appeal and growth of the gospel.
### Theological Significance
While Quartus himself is not a figure of explicit theological teaching, his inclusion in [[Romans 16:23]] carries subtle but significant theological implications:
* **The Value of Every Believer:** The apostle Paul's practice of naming numerous individuals, even those without prominent roles, underscores the New Testament's emphasis on the value and significance of every member within the body of Christ. Each person, regardless of their public profile, contributes to the life and witness of the church.
* **Communal Nature of the Church:** The greetings emphasize the communal and relational aspect of Christian faith. The church is not merely a collection of individuals but a interconnected community bound by shared faith in Christ. Quartus's greeting is a testament to this shared identity and mutual concern.
* **Unity in Diversity:** The list of names in Romans 16, including those of various social standings and ethnic backgrounds (Jewish, Greek, Roman), illustrates the unifying power of the gospel. In Christ, distinctions of origin or status are transcended, creating a unified body. Quartus, with his Latin name, is a part of this diverse yet unified family.
* **The Global Reach of the Gospel:** The network of individuals mentioned in Paul's letters, extending greetings across geographical distances, testifies to the burgeoning expansion of the gospel message and the establishment of Christian communities throughout the Roman world.
### Summary
Κούαρτος (Koúartos), Strong's `{{G2890}}`, is a Greek transliteration of the Latin personal name *Quartus*, meaning "fourth." It appears only once in the New Testament, in [[Romans 16:23]], where he is identified as "our brother" and sends greetings to the Roman believers from Corinth. Though a minor figure, his inclusion in Paul's salutations is significant. It subtly highlights the importance of every individual within the early Christian community, underscores the profound sense of fellowship and mutual care that characterized the nascent church, and illustrates the unifying power of the gospel across diverse cultural backgrounds in the Roman world. Quartus stands as a quiet witness to the communal and relational essence of early Christian faith.
TRV