### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **Νηρεύς (Nēreús)**, represented by `{{G3517}}`, identifies a specific Christian man named **Nereus**. The name is apparently derived from a word meaning "wet." It is a rare term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, marking it as a specific personal reference rather than a general concept.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G3517}}` is in [[Romans 16:15]], as part of the final greetings in Paul's letter to the Roman church. In this verse, the instruction is given to "Salute Philologus, and Julia, **Nereus**, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them" [[Romans 16:15]]. This places **Nereus** within a community of believers in Rome, mentioned by name alongside his own **sister** and other Christians like Philologus and Olympas.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context in [[Romans 16:15]] help clarify the significance of this greeting:
* `{{G782}}` **aspázomai** (salute): This is the action directed toward Nereus and the others. It means "to enfold in the arms... to salute, (figuratively) to welcome," indicating a warm and personal greeting within the church.
* `{{G79}}` **adelphḗ** (sister): This word, meaning a **sister** naturally or ecclesiastically, is used here to identify a specific family relationship within the faith community, as Nereus is greeted alongside "his **sister**."
* `{{G40}}` **hágios** (saint): Nereus is part of a group that includes "all the **saints**." This word means "sacred... holy," and identifies believers as those set apart for God.
* `{{G4862}}` **sýn** (with): A preposition denoting "union; with or together," it connects Nereus and his companions to the larger group of "saints which are **with** them," highlighting their communal life.
### Theological Significance
While the mention is brief, the inclusion of `{{G3517}}` carries relational and communal significance.
* **Personal Recognition:** The specific naming of **Nereus** demonstrates the value placed on individual members within the early church. The greeting is not generic but personal and specific.
* **Familial Bonds:** The explicit mention of Nereus alongside "his **sister**" `{{G79}}` in [[Romans 16:15]] underscores that family units were an integral part of the Christian fellowship.
* **Corporate Identity:** By being included in the list that concludes with "all the **saints** which are with them" [[Romans 16:15]], Nereus is affirmed as part of the collective body of believers, who are designated as **holy** `{{G40}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3517}}` is the proper name of a Christian man, **Nereus**. His significance is not found in any recorded deeds but in his inclusion within the greetings to the Roman church. This single reference in [[Romans 16:15]] provides a valuable glimpse into the personal, familial, and communal nature of the early Christian faith, illustrating how every believer, including **Nereus** and his **sister**, was a valued part of the body of **saints**.
TRV