### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word Ἀσύγκριτος (Asýnkritos), Strong's number `{{G799}}`, is a proper noun, a personal name. Its etymology provides significant insight into its meaning. It is formed from the alpha privative Α (a negative particle, meaning "not" or "un-") and a derivative of the verb συγκρίνω (synkrinō, `{{G4793}}`), which means "to compare," "to put together for comparison," or "to discern by comparison." Therefore, the name Ἀσύγκριτος literally means "incomparable," "not to be compared," or "without equal." While functioning as a name, its inherent semantic range points to a quality of uniqueness, peerlessness, or an inability to be matched or surpassed.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ἀσύγκριτος (Asýnkritos) appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans. In [[Romans 16:14]], Paul sends greetings to a group of believers in Rome: "Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers who are with them."
This occurrence is embedded within the final chapter of Romans, which is largely comprised of Paul's personal greetings to various individuals and households in the Roman Christian community. The context reveals Paul's extensive network of relationships and his deep pastoral care for the believers, even those he may not have personally founded. Asyncritus is listed among a cluster of five men, followed by the phrase "and the brothers who are with them," suggesting they may have formed a specific group, perhaps a house church or a close fellowship within the larger Roman Christian body. No specific actions, roles, or characteristics are attributed to Asyncritus beyond being a recipient of Paul's affectionate greetings, indicating he was a recognized and valued member of the Roman church.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verb from which Ἀσύγκριτος is derived: συγκρίνω (synkrinō, `{{G4793}}`). This verb means "to compare," "to combine," or "to discern," highlighting the root concept of evaluation by putting things side by side. The alpha privative Α is a common Greek prefix that negates the meaning of the word it precedes, emphasizing the "un-" or "not" aspect.
While Asyncritus is a proper name, its etymological meaning of "incomparable" resonates with broader biblical concepts. The idea of "incomparability" is frequently applied to God Himself, emphasizing His unique and peerless nature (e.g., "Who is like the Lord our God, who is seated on high?" [[Psalm 113:5]]; "To whom then will you liken God, or what likeness compare with him?" [[Isaiah 40:18]]). Similarly, Christ is presented as supreme and preeminent, without equal (e.g., [[Colossians 1:18]]). Although the name Asyncritus does not explicitly attribute this divine quality to the individual, the concept is a powerful theological theme.
The list of names in [[Romans 16]] also connects Asyncritus to other early Christians like Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, and Hermes, illustrating the diverse composition and communal nature of the burgeoning church.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of Asyncritus in Paul's greetings, though brief, carries theological weight. First, it underscores the profound value Paul placed on individual believers within the body of Christ. Each person, regardless of their public prominence, was known and cherished by the apostle, reflecting the divine regard for every soul. This section of Romans serves as a testament to the relational fabric of the early church, where personal connections and mutual greetings fostered unity and love.
Second, while the name "Asyncritus" meaning "incomparable" is not directly explained in relation to the individual, it is noteworthy that a believer bore such a name. In biblical thought, names often carried prophetic significance or reflected hopes and characteristics. Whether Asyncritus lived up to his name's meaning is unknown, but the name itself points to a profound theological truth: the ultimate incomparability of God. The Lord is truly without peer, unsurpassed in power, wisdom, and love. The name, even when applied to a human, subtly echoes this foundational attribute of the divine. It might serve as a quiet, incidental reminder that all true excellence and unique worth ultimately derive from the incomparable God who created and redeems.
### Summary
Ἀσύγκριτος (Asýnkritos, `{{G799}}`) is a Greek proper name meaning "incomparable" or "without equal," derived from the negative particle Α and the verb συγκρίνω (to compare). This individual is mentioned only once in the New Testament, in [[Romans 16:14]], as one of the Christians in Rome to whom the Apostle Paul sends greetings. His inclusion in Paul's salutations highlights the personal and communal nature of the early church and Paul's deep pastoral care for individual believers. While the text does not attribute the quality of "incomparability" to Asyncritus himself, the etymological meaning of his name resonates with the profound theological truth of God's unique and peerless nature. Thus, the name Asyncritus, even as a simple greeting, subtly points to the ultimate incomparable one: the Lord God.
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