ῥώννυμι

I strengthen, farewell

Definition

ῥώννυμι is a verb meaning 'to strengthen' or 'to make firm.' In its literal sense, it conveys the idea of fortifying or establishing something physically or morally. However, its most distinctive usage in the New Testament is as a formulaic closing in letters, where the imperative form (ῥώννυσθε) functions as a polite and formal farewell, essentially meaning 'be strong' or 'farewell.' This farewell sense is seen in Acts 15:29 and Acts 23:30, which are both epistolary conclusions from the Jerusalem council and from a Roman commander, respectively.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only twice in the New Testament, both in the book of Acts and specifically in the closing sections of formal letters. In Acts 15:29, it concludes the letter from the Jerusalem council to Gentile believers, and in Acts 23:30, it ends Claudius Lysias's letter to Governor Felix about the apostle Paul. This pattern shows it was a conventional, respectful way to end official correspondence, transitioning from a literal 'be strengthened' to a fixed expression of goodbye.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek root ῥω- (rhō-), related to strength and flowing (as in a stream), it is cognate with words like ῥώμη (rhōmē, G4519) meaning 'strength.' The development from the core idea of 'strengthening' to a formal farewell reflects how such wishes for well-being became standardized in letter-writing conventions.

Semantic Range

While not a theologically dense term, its use in Acts 15:29 is significant as part of the letter conveying crucial decisions about Gentile inclusion in the church. The farewell ('be strong') subtly reinforces the authority and pastoral concern behind the council's decrees, encouraging obedience and unity. Understanding this Greek nuance enriches reading by highlighting the formal, affirming tone used to communicate foundational church guidance.

In ancient Greek letter-writing, closings often included health wishes or blessings. ῥώννυμι in the imperative ('be strong') fits this pattern, serving as a polite, formalized sign-off comparable to 'goodbye' (which itself derives from 'God be with you'). This differs from a casual modern goodbye, carrying a tone of officiality and a wish for the recipient's fortitude.

κραταιόω (krataioō, G2901) — to strengthen, often with a focus on empowering or making strong; στηρίζω (stērizō, G4741) — to establish, fix firmly, often in a moral or spiritual sense; ἐρρῶσθαι (errōsthai) — a common Greek epistolary closing meaning 'farewell' or 'be strong,' closely related in function.

Word Details

Scripture References