Σώπατρος

Sopater

Definition

Σώπατρος (Sopater) is a proper name of a specific individual mentioned in the New Testament. It is the name of a Christian from Berea who accompanied the apostle Paul on his journey from Greece to Asia, as recorded in Acts 20:4. The name itself is a compound Greek name meaning 'safe father' or 'father of safety.' In the biblical context, it refers solely to this one person, and there are no other distinct meanings or senses attached to the name in Scripture.

Biblical Usage

This proper name is used only once in the New Testament, in Acts 20:4. It appears in a list of companions traveling with Paul from Corinth to Jerusalem, which included representatives from various Gentile churches. The usage is purely identificatory, naming Sopater as the Berean delegate. No patterns or varied contexts exist, as it is a single reference to an individual.

Etymology

The name Σώπατρος is a compound of two Greek elements: σῶς (sōs), meaning 'safe' or 'sound,' and πατήρ (patēr), meaning 'father.' It is a traditional Greek personal name, similar in construction to other compound names like Σωσίπατρος (Sosipatros, 'savior of his father'). Its meaning, 'safe father,' reflects a common naming convention wishing prosperity or protection for the family line.

Semantic Range

In the Greco-Roman world, compound names like Sopater were common and often carried aspirational or protective meanings for the individual or their family. As a Berean, Sopater came from a city noted in Acts 17:11 for its residents who 'received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily.' His inclusion in Paul's delegation highlights the early church's practice of sending representatives from Gentile congregations to Jerusalem, fostering unity and communication within the broader Christian community.

Σωσίπατρος (Sosipatros, G4989) — A variant or closely related compound name meaning 'savior of his father,' mentioned in Romans 16:21.

Word Details

Scripture References