diminutive of Πρίσκα; Priscilla (i.e. little Prisca), a Christian woman:--Priscilla.
Transliteration:Prískilla
Pronunciation:pris'-cil-lah
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
* **Lemma:** Πρίσκιλλα (Prískilla)
* **Transliteration:** Priscilla
* **Base Definition:** Diminutive of Πρίσκα (Prisca), meaning "little Prisca."
* **Semantic Range:** This term refers exclusively to a specific individual, a prominent woman in the early Christian church. The diminutive form was a common naming convention in the Roman world and may suggest affection or familiarity, though it does not carry a broader conceptual meaning beyond identifying this particular person.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Priscilla, often mentioned alongside her husband Aquila, is a significant figure in the New Testament, appearing six times. She is interchangeably referred to as "Prisca" (the longer, more formal form) in [[Romans 16:3]] and [[2 Timothy 4:19]], and "Priscilla" in [[Acts 18:2]], [[Acts 18:18]], [[Acts 18:26]], and [[1 Corinthians 16:19]].
* **[[Acts 18:1-3]]**: Paul first encounters Priscilla and Aquila in Corinth. They are Jewish tentmakers, recently expelled from Rome by Claudius's edict. Paul, sharing their trade, lives and works with them, establishing a foundational partnership that highlights their hospitality and shared vocational ministry.
* **[[Acts 18:18]]**: They accompany Paul from Corinth to Syria, demonstrating their commitment to his missionary endeavors. Priscilla and Aquila then remain in Ephesus.
* **[[Acts 18:24-26]]**: In Ephesus, they encounter Apollos, an eloquent and learned preacher who "knew only the baptism of John." Remarkably, Priscilla and Aquila "took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately." This incident is a powerful testament to their deep understanding of Christian doctrine and their capacity to teach, even instructing a prominent male leader. The fact that Priscilla is mentioned *before* Aquila in this instance, and in three other occurrences ([[Romans 16:3]], [[2 Timothy 4:19]], [[Acts 18:26]]), is notable, suggesting her prominent role in their joint ministry and perhaps her theological giftedness.
* **[[1 Corinthians 16:19]]**: Paul sends greetings from "Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house." This indicates their continued ministry in Ephesus, hosting a house church, which was a vital center for early Christian fellowship and instruction.
* **[[Romans 16:3-5]]**: Paul greets "Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I but also all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks." This greeting, sent from Corinth to Rome, suggests they had returned to Rome after the edict against Jews was lifted. The phrase "risked their own necks" implies a significant act of courage or sacrifice for Paul's safety. They also host a house church in Rome.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:19]]**: Paul sends greetings to "Prisca and Aquila" in his final letter, indicating their continued service and faithfulness, likely still ministering in Ephesus or another location.
Across these occurrences, Priscilla consistently appears as an active, knowledgeable, and dedicated leader in the early church, always in partnership with her husband Aquila.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{G4250}}` Πρίσκα (Priska)**: The longer, more formal form of her name, underscoring the interchangeable usage in the New Testament.
* **`{{G4862}}` συνέργος (synergos)**: Fellow worker/co-worker. Paul consistently uses this term to describe Priscilla and Aquila ([[Romans 16:3]]), highlighting their indispensable partnership in gospel ministry.
* **`{{G1321}}` διδάσκω (didaskō)**: To teach. Their instruction of Apollos ([[Acts 18:26]]) exemplifies their teaching ministry, a significant aspect of early church life not exclusively reserved for male apostles or elders.
* **`{{G1778}}` ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia)**: Church. Their consistent hosting of house churches ([[1 Corinthians 16:19]], [[Romans 16:5]]) demonstrates their foundational role in establishing and nurturing local Christian communities.
* **`{{G3624}}` οἶκος (oikos)**: House/household. The concept of the "house church" (ἐκκλησία κατ’ οἶκον αὐτῶν) is central to their ministry model.
* **`{{G2071}}` Ἰουδαῖος (Ioudaios)**: Jewish. Priscilla and Aquila were Jewish, illustrating the Jewish roots of early Christianity and the eventual inclusion of Gentiles.
### Theological Significance
Priscilla's life and ministry offer profound theological insights into the nature of early Christian community and leadership:
1. **Exemplar of Co-Labor in Ministry**: Priscilla, alongside Aquila, embodies the New Testament ideal of mutual ministry and partnership in the gospel. Paul's commendation of them as "fellow workers" ([[Romans 16:3]]) underscores the value he placed on their contributions. Their shared efforts were integral to the spread of the early church.
2. **Lay Leadership and Theological Instruction**: The most striking aspect of Priscilla's ministry is her involvement in instructing Apollos ([[Acts 18:26]]). This incident demonstrates that spiritual authority and the ability to teach sound doctrine were not limited to ordained male leaders. It challenges rigid hierarchical interpretations of early church leadership, showcasing the vital role of gifted lay individuals, including women, in theological education and discipleship. Her ability to "explain the way of God more accurately" points to a depth of theological understanding and an authoritative teaching gift.
3. **Crucial Role of Hospitality and House Churches**: Their consistent practice of hosting house churches ([[1 Corinthians 16:19]], [[Romans 16:5]]) highlights the crucial role of hospitality in the early Christian movement. These homes were not merely meeting places but vibrant centers of worship, teaching, fellowship, and evangelism, fostering community and providing a base for missionary activity.
4. **Courage and Sacrifice for the Gospel**: The statement that they "risked their own necks" for Paul's life ([[Romans 16:4]]) speaks to their extraordinary courage and self-sacrificial love for the sake of the gospel and their fellow believers. This level of commitment underscores the high stakes of early Christian witness.
5. **Gender Inclusivity in Ministry**: Priscilla's prominent and active role in ministry, often mentioned before her husband, provides a significant New Testament example of a woman exercising leadership, teaching, and co-laboring with apostles. Her example has been foundational for discussions on women's roles in the church, demonstrating that giftedness and faithfulness, rather than gender, were paramount for effective ministry in the early Christian community.
### Summary
Πρίσκιλλα (Priscilla, `{{G4252}}`), a diminutive of Πρίσκα (Prisca, `{{G4250}}`), identifies a remarkable Christian woman in the New Testament, consistently mentioned with her husband, Aquila. Their shared ministry is characterized by faithful partnership, significant theological contribution, and unwavering dedication to the early church. Priscilla's presence in key narratives—from hosting Paul and sharing their trade ([[Acts 18:1-3]]) to correcting Apollos's understanding of the faith ([[Acts 18:24-26]]) and hosting vibrant house churches ([[1 Corinthians 16:19]], [[Romans 16:5]])—underscores her pivotal role. She is lauded by Paul as a "fellow worker" ([[Romans 16:3]]) who even "risked her own neck" for his life ([[Romans 16:4]]). Priscilla's example is a powerful testament to the active and authoritative participation of women in early Christian leadership, teaching, and the propagation of the gospel, showcasing the inclusive nature of the Spirit's gifting for ministry. Her life embodies the principles of devoted service, theological acumen, and courageous witness within the nascent Christian community.
TRV