### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun Παῦλος (Paûlos), Strong's `{{G3972}}`, is of Latin origin, derived from the Roman cognomen *Paulus*. Its fundamental meaning is "little" or "small." While the Strong's definition notes a remote connection to the Greek verb παύω (paúō), meaning "to cease" or "to stop," the primary etymological root for the name itself is Latin, conveying the sense of diminutiveness. In the biblical context, Παῦλος exclusively refers to two distinct individuals: Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul, and most significantly, the Apostle Paul, originally known as Saul.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Παῦλος (Paûlos) appears prominently throughout the New Testament. Its first significant occurrence is in [[Acts 13:7]], where Sergius Paulus, the proconsul of Cyprus, is encountered by Barnabas and Saul. This Roman official is described as an "intelligent man" who desired to hear the word of God.
However, the overwhelming majority of occurrences refer to the Apostle Paul. His adoption of this name is first recorded in [[Acts 13:9]]: "But Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked intently at him..." This verse marks a pivotal moment, as Saul, the persecutor of the church, now fully embraced his identity as Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles. While the precise reason for the name change is not explicitly stated, it is widely understood to be a strategic or providential shift. It may reflect his Roman citizenship, making him more accessible to Gentiles, or it may symbolize his new mission and identity in Christ.
Throughout the book of Acts, Paul is depicted as the primary missionary to the Gentile world, establishing churches and enduring immense suffering for the Gospel. His epistles, which comprise a significant portion of the New Testament, are addressed from "Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus" (e.g., [[Romans 1:1]], [[1 Corinthians 1:1]], [[Galatians 1:1]]). The consistent use of "Paul" in these letters underscores his apostolic authority and unique calling. His life and ministry, as documented in Acts and his own writings, provide the primary contextual backdrop for understanding the significance of this name.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most directly related name is Σαῦλος (Saûlos), Strong's `{{G4569}}`, the Apostle's original Hebrew name, meaning "asked" or "prayed for." The transition from Saul to Paul in [[Acts 13:9]] is a crucial point of connection, symbolizing a new phase in his life and ministry. While the etymological link between Παῦλος and παύω (paúō), Strong's `{{G3973}}`, is noted as remote in the Strong's definition, the verb means "to cease" or "to stop." This remote connection could be seen as an ironic or profound contrast to Paul's tireless and unceasing labor for the Gospel.
The concept of "apostle" (ἀπόστολος, apostolos, Strong's `{{G652}}`) is intrinsically linked with Paul, as he consistently asserted his apostleship, particularly in defense of his authority (e.g., [[Romans 1:1]], [[1 Corinthians 9:1-2]]). His specific calling as "apostle to the Gentiles" (e.g., [[Romans 11:13]], [[Galatians 2:8]]) further defines his identity.
### Theological Significance
The name Παῦλος (Paûlos), despite its humble meaning of "little," carries immense theological weight due to the figure who bore it.
1. **Transformation and New Identity:** The shift from Saul to Paul signifies a profound spiritual transformation. It marks the transition from a persecutor of Christ's followers to the foremost proclaimer of the Gospel. This change underscores the power of divine grace to radically alter a person's life and purpose. While the name change itself may have been practical for Gentile ministry, its meaning ("little") can be seen as providentially fitting for a man who would later describe himself as "the least of the apostles" ([[1 Corinthians 15:9]]) and "the very least of all saints" ([[Ephesians 3:8]]).
2. **Humility in Service:** Paul's self-identification as "little" or "least" resonates with the meaning of his name, whether he consciously chose the name for this reason or not. This deep humility, despite his extraordinary revelations and labors, serves as a powerful model for Christian leadership. His weakness became a conduit for God's power ([[2 Corinthians 12:9-10]]).
3. **Apostle to the Gentiles:** Paul's name is synonymous with the expansion of the Gospel beyond its Jewish origins to the entire Gentile world. His ministry broke down barriers between Jew and Gentile, demonstrating the universal scope of God's redemptive plan in Christ (e.g., [[Ephesians 2:14-18]]).
4. **Theological Depth:** The writings of Paul (Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, etc.) have profoundly shaped Christian doctrine, particularly concerning justification by faith, the nature of the church, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and Christian ethics. His name is thus inextricably linked to foundational theological concepts.
### Summary
The Greek word Παῦλος (Paûlos), Strong's `{{G3972}}`, is a proper noun of Latin origin meaning "little" or "small." While it refers to Sergius Paulus, a Roman proconsul in [[Acts 13:7]], its primary significance in the New Testament is as the adopted name of the Apostle Paul. His transition from Saul to Paul in [[Acts 13:9]] marks a pivotal moment, signifying his new identity and mission as the preeminent apostle to the Gentiles. The humble meaning of his name, "little," resonates powerfully with his later self-description as "the least of the apostles" ([[1 Corinthians 15:9]]) and serves as a testament to his profound humility and reliance on divine grace. Paul's name is thus not merely an identifier but a symbol of radical transformation, universal evangelism, and foundational theological contribution within the Christian faith.
TRV