### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Phýgellos**, represented by `{{G5436}}`, identifies an individual defined as a "fugitive; Phygellus, an apostate Christian." It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. The name itself is likely derived from a word meaning "fugitive," which aligns with his description as an apostate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole mention of `{{G5436}}` is in [[2 Timothy 1:15]], where the author writes, "This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are **Phygellus** and Hermogenes." In this context, he is listed by name as a specific and known example of a widespread desertion. He, along with Hermogenes `{{G2061}}`, serves as a representative of the group in Asia `{{G773}}` that had abandoned the apostle.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its single biblical context illuminate the significance of Phygellus:
* `{{G2061}}` **Hermogénēs** (born of Hermes; Hermogenes, an apostate Christian): This individual is named alongside Phygellus, directly linking them as prominent figures in the same act of desertion [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
* `{{G654}}` **apostréphō** (to turn away or back): This verb describes the action taken by Phygellus and the others. It signifies a deliberate turning away from the apostle and his teaching [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
* `{{G773}}` **Asía** (Asia, i.e. Asia Minor): This specifies the geographical region where the abandonment occurred, indicating the event was widespread among the believers there [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
* `{{G3956}}` **pâs** (all, any, every, the whole): This word highlights the scope of the desertion, emphasizing that "all" in that region had turned away and that Phygellus was part of this collective action [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (to see, know): The verse begins by stating "This thou knowest," establishing that the desertion of Phygellus was a known event and not a private matter [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5436}}` is entirely as a negative example.
* **Example of Apostasy:** Phygellus is presented as a clear case of an "apostate Christian." His act of turning away `{{G654}}` serves as a solemn warning about the reality of deserting spiritual leaders and the faith [[2 Timothy 1:15]].
* **Personal Accountability:** By being specifically named alongside Hermogenes `{{G2061}}`, Phygellus's story underscores that individuals are held accountable for their choices. His desertion is not an anonymous event but is recorded for a specific reason.
* **The Danger of Widespread Desertion:** Phygellus is mentioned as part of a larger group—"all they which are in Asia" [[2 Timothy 1:15]]. This illustrates how apostasy can be a collective phenomenon, highlighting the danger of negative influence within a community.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5436}}` is not a theological concept but the name of a person, **Phýgellos**, remembered for a single, negative act. He appears once in scripture as a prominent example of an "apostate Christian" who, as part of a larger group in Asia, turned away from the apostle [[2 Timothy 1:15]]. His story serves as a permanent biblical illustration of apostasy and a stark warning about personal accountability in faith.
TRV