a flower of the same name, from (stupefaction, as a "narcotic"); Narcissus, a Roman:--Narcissus.
Transliteration:Nárkissos
Pronunciation:nar'-kis-sos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek lemma Νάρκισσος (Nárkissos), Strong's G3488, functions exclusively as a proper noun in the New Testament. Its base definition refers to "Narcissus," a Roman personal name. The etymological root, as indicated by the Strong's definition, is connected to the concept of "stupefaction" or "narcotic," akin to the properties of the narcissus flower. However, in its biblical usage, this etymological background does not contribute to the word's semantic range; it solely identifies a specific individual or, more precisely, a household associated with this individual. Therefore, its semantic range is limited to its function as an anthroponym.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Νάρκισσος (Nárkissos) appears only once in the New Testament, in Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 16:11]]: "Greet Herodion, my kinsman. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord."
In this context, Paul is sending greetings to various individuals and house churches in Rome. The specific phrase "those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord" is noteworthy. It suggests that while Narcissus himself may or may not have been a Christian, a significant number of people associated with his household – likely slaves, freedmen, or family members – had embraced faith in Christ. This detail provides a glimpse into the social composition of the early Roman church, indicating that the gospel had penetrated various strata of Roman society, potentially even reaching into the imperial household or its extended network, given the prominence of certain historical figures named Narcissus during that era (e.g., Narcissus, the powerful freedman of Emperor Claudius). The distinction "who are in the Lord" implies that not everyone in the household was necessarily a believer, highlighting the selective nature of Paul's greeting.
### Related Words & Concepts
While the etymological root of Νάρκισσος (Nárkissos) is linked to concepts of "numbness" or "stupor" (e.g., from *narkē*), this connection is not directly relevant to its theological or contextual meaning in [[Romans 16:11]]. More pertinent are concepts related to:
* **Household (οἶκος, *oikos* or οἰκία, *oikia*)**: The greeting is directed to "those in the household of Narcissus," emphasizing the importance of the household as a locus of Christian faith and community in the early church. Many early churches met in homes, and the conversion of entire households was a significant aspect of the gospel's spread.
* **Greetings (ἀσπάζομαι, *aspazomai*)**: Paul's extensive greetings in Romans 16 underscore the personal nature of early Christian fellowship and the network of relationships that sustained and propagated the faith. This practice highlights the apostle's pastoral care and awareness of individual believers and their specific circumstances.
* **"In the Lord" (ἐν Κυρίῳ, *en Kyriō*)**: This phrase, frequently used by Paul, denotes a spiritual union with Christ and identifies individuals as genuine believers, distinguishing them from others who might be part of the same social or familial unit but do not share the faith.
### Theological Significance
The mention of "those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord" holds several theological implications:
* **Inclusivity of the Gospel**: It demonstrates that the message of Christ transcended social hierarchies and reached individuals from all walks of life, including those potentially connected to powerful or elite Roman households. The gospel's power was not limited by social status or origin.
* **Household Conversion**: This verse, along with others (e.g., [[Acts 16:15]], [[Acts 16:34]], [[1 Corinthians 1:16]]), illustrates the pattern of household conversions in the early church. The family unit and its extended network often served as a primary conduit for the spread of Christianity, establishing nascent communities of faith.
* **The Church as a Diverse Community**: The specificity of Paul's greetings in Romans 16 reveals the diverse composition of the Roman church, comprising individuals from various backgrounds, social standings, and personal histories, all united by their common faith "in the Lord."
* **Pauline Pastoral Care**: The apostle's meticulous attention to greeting specific individuals and households underscores his deep pastoral concern for the scattered believers and house churches, emphasizing the personal and relational dimensions of his apostolic ministry.
### Summary
Νάρκισσος (Nárkissos), Strong's G3488, is a Greek proper noun appearing once in the New Testament at [[Romans 16:11]]. While its etymological root points to "stupefaction," this connection is not relevant to its biblical meaning, which is purely nominative, identifying a Roman individual. Paul's greeting to "those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord" is highly significant. It illustrates the pervasive reach of the gospel into diverse segments of Roman society, potentially including those connected to prominent or even imperial circles. This single verse underscores the inclusive nature of early Christian faith, the importance of household conversions as a means of church growth, and Paul's personal and meticulous pastoral care for the nascent Christian communities in Rome. It serves as a historical testament to the transformative power of the gospel to unite individuals from varied backgrounds into a common fellowship "in the Lord."
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