Strong's Greek: 4988. Σωσθένης (Sósthenés) -- Sosthenes

Strong's Lexicon

Sósthenés: Sosthenes

Original Word: Σωσθένης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Sósthenés
Pronunciation: soce-THEN-ace
Phonetic Spelling: (soce-then'-ace)
Definition: Sosthenes
Meaning: Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue at Corinth.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek words "sōzō" (to save) and "sthenos" (strength), meaning "safe in strength" or "strong savior."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: While there is no direct Hebrew equivalent for Sosthenes, the concept of a leader or ruler in a religious context can be related to Hebrew terms such as "נָשִׂיא" (nasi, leader) or "רֹאשׁ" (rosh, head).

Usage: Sosthenes is a proper noun used in the New Testament to refer to a specific individual. He is mentioned as a leader of the synagogue in Corinth and later as a companion of the Apostle Paul. The name implies a person who is strong or saved by strength, reflecting a possible transformation in his life from opposition to support of the Christian faith.

Cultural and Historical Background: In the first-century Greco-Roman world, synagogues were central to Jewish community life, serving as places of worship, teaching, and community gathering. Sosthenes, as a synagogue leader, would have held a position of significant influence and responsibility. His mention in the context of Corinth, a major city in ancient Greece known for its diverse population and cultural exchange, highlights the early spread of Christianity in urban centers and the challenges faced by early believers.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
from the same as sózó and sthenoó
Definition
"of safe strength," Sosthenes, the name of a ruler of a synagogue and of a Christian
NASB Translation
Sosthenes (2).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon

STRONGS NT 4988: Σωσθένης

Σωσθένης, Σωσθενου, ὁ, Sosthenes;

1. the ruler of the Jewish synagogue at Corinth, and an opponent of Christianity: Acts 18:17.

2. a certain Christian, an associate of the apostle Paul: 1 Corinthians 1:1. The name was a common one among the Greeks.

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

Sosthenes.

From the base of sozo and that of sthenoo; of safe strength; Sosthenes, a Christian -- Sosthenes.

see GREEK sozo

see GREEK sthenoo

Forms and Transliterations

Σωσθενην Σωσθένην Σωσθενης Σωσθένης Sosthenen Sosthénen Sōsthenēn Sōsthénēn Sosthenes Sosthénes Sōsthenēs Sōsthénēs

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