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.
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.
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.
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.
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