of Latin origin; Urbanus (of the city, "urbane"), a Christian:--Urbanus.
Transliteration:Ourbanós
Pronunciation:oor-ban-os'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
G3773 Ourbanós is a proper noun, a transliteration of the Latin name *Urbanus*. Its etymological root is the Latin word *urbs*, meaning "city." Thus, the name inherently carries the connotation of "of the city" or "urbane," suggesting a person associated with urban life or possessing characteristics of civility and refinement. As a proper noun, its primary function in the biblical text is to identify a specific individual. Therefore, its semantic range is fixed to this particular referent, rather than denoting a concept or action with multiple shades of meaning. The significance of G3773 lies not in a broad lexical field, but in the identity and role of the person it names within the early Christian community.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Urbanus (G3773) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Paul's epistle to the Romans:
* [[Romans 16:9]]: "Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my dear Stachys."
This solitary occurrence is found within the concluding chapter of Romans, where Paul extends personal greetings to numerous individuals within the Roman Christian community. The context is a list of commendations and salutations, revealing Paul's personal connections and the network of relationships that formed the fabric of the early church.
The most significant detail provided about Urbanus is Paul's designation of him as "our fellow worker in Christ." The Greek term for "fellow worker" is synergos `{{G4904}}`, a word Paul frequently uses to describe those who labor alongside him in the gospel ministry (e.g., Timothy, Titus, Epaphroditus, Philemon). This title indicates that Urbanus was not merely a passive member of the church but an active participant in the propagation of the Christian message. The qualifying phrase "in Christ" further emphasizes that this partnership in labor is rooted in their shared faith and dedication to Jesus Christ, making their work sacred and divinely purposed. The placement of Urbanus's name between Ampliatus and Stachys, both also greeted with affection, suggests his recognized standing and perhaps a close relationship with Paul or with others prominent in the Roman church.
### Related Words & Concepts
While G3773 Ourbanós is a proper noun and thus does not have a direct semantic field of related words in the same way common nouns or verbs do, its contextual usage and etymology connect it to several important biblical concepts:
* **synergos `{{G4904}}` (fellow worker, co-worker):** This is the most explicit conceptual link. The term highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. Paul's use of synergos underscores the idea that the spread of the gospel was a shared endeavor, involving many faithful individuals working together under divine commission.
* **polis `{{G4172}}` (city):** Though Ourbanós is a Greek transliteration of a Latin name, its root *urbs* (city) connects it conceptually to the urban centers where the early church often established its presence. The name itself subtly points to the metropolitan environments that were crucial for the growth and dissemination of the gospel.
* **Christian Fellowship and Community:** The entire chapter of Romans 16, where Urbanus is mentioned, is a testament to the profound sense of community and fellowship (koinonia `{{G2842}}`) that characterized the early church. The personal greetings underscore the importance of individual relationships and mutual recognition among believers, transcending geographical and social boundaries.
* **The Body of Christ:** The concept that each member plays a vital role within the larger body of Christ (e.g., [[1 Corinthians 12:12-27]]) is implicitly affirmed by the specific mention of individuals like Urbanus. Each "fellow worker" contributed to the spiritual health and outward mission of the church.
### Theological Significance
The brief mention of Urbanus, "our fellow worker in Christ," carries significant theological weight, illuminating several aspects of early Christian life and mission:
* **The Dignity of the Individual Believer:** The inclusion of Urbanus by name, alongside many others, underscores the New Testament's high regard for every individual within the community of faith. It demonstrates that each person, regardless of their public prominence, is known, valued, and recognized by God and by His apostles for their unique contribution to the gospel. This challenges any notion that only a select few are important in God's kingdom.
* **The Collaborative Nature of Ministry:** The designation synergos `{{G4904}}` is profoundly theological. It reveals that the advance of God's kingdom is not solely the work of a few highly visible leaders but a shared enterprise involving many dedicated individuals. God calls and equips various people to partner with Him and with one another in His redemptive purposes. This concept of co-laboring in Christ is central to Pauline theology, emphasizing that divine grace empowers human effort.
* **Unity in Diversity:** The diverse list of names in Romans 16, including Urbanus, reflects the rich tapestry of the early Christian community in Rome—a mosaic of different backgrounds, social statuses, and perhaps ethnicities. Despite their differences, they were united "in Christ," working together for the common goal of spreading the gospel. This exemplifies the church as a unified body composed of diverse members.
* **Apostolic Care and Connection:** Paul's personal greetings, even to those he may not have personally founded, demonstrate his deep pastoral heart and the relational depth of early Christian leadership. It highlights the importance of personal connection and mutual encouragement within the Christian network, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
### Summary
G3773 Ourbanós refers to Urbanus, an individual in the Roman church greeted by the Apostle Paul in [[Romans 16:9]]. Derived from a Latin word meaning "of the city," his name hints at an urban background. Most significantly, Paul identifies Urbanus as "our fellow worker in Christ" (synergos `{{G4904}}`), a designation that underscores his active participation in gospel ministry alongside the apostle. This brief but powerful mention highlights several key theological truths: the inherent value and dignity of every individual believer within the body of Christ, the collaborative nature of Christian ministry where many contribute to God's work, and the profound unity and fellowship that characterized the early church. Urbanus stands as a testament to the countless faithful individuals whose dedicated service, often unsung, was foundational to the spread of the Christian faith.
TRV