Greek word · G3488
Νάρκισσος
narkissos
Narcissus
Literally 'those from the [ones] of Narcissus'. The plural article with a genitive name is a normal Greek way to refer to someone's people, household or dependants: in a Roman house that means slaves, freedmen and clients.
Appears once in the Greek New Testament. ·
What it means
the narcissus , (Homeric Hymns), etc.
From ναρκάω, because of its narcotic properties. (ML)
From G. Abbott-Smith, A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament (1922), via STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0).
In depth
From the study of Romans 16:11
- Range of meaning
Literally 'those from the [ones] of Narcissus'. The plural article with a genitive name is a normal Greek way to refer to someone's people, household or dependants: in a Roman house that means slaves, freedmen and clients.
- Against the English
English adds 'household' (KJV in italics to show the word was supplied) or 'family' (ESV). 'Family' can suggest Narcissus's wife and children. The Greek points to his dependants, mostly enslaved and freed workers.
- Used elsewhere in the period
Tiberius Claudius Narcissus was an ex-slave of the emperor Claudius. He became the imperial secretary for correspondence and was one of the richest men in Rome. He was forced to his death soon after Nero came to power in 54 AD (Tacitus, Annals 13.1; Dio Cassius 60.34). His slaves would usually have passed to the emperor while still being known by his name. Romans was written about 56–57 AD, which fits.
Where it appears
Romans · 1
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Romans 16:11 Ναρκίσσου of Narcissus
Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
Here: The head of the household. He is not greeted himself, which suggests he was not a believer, or not alive. Many identify him with Claudius's powerful freedman Narcissus, who died in 54 AD.
Word data: STEPBible.org (CC BY 4.0), main text only.