2061. Hermogenés
Lexical Summary
Hermogenés: Hermogenes

Original Word: Ἑρμογένης
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Hermogenés
Pronunciation: her-mog-en-ace'
Phonetic Spelling: (her-mog-en'-ace)
KJV: Hermogenes
NASB: Hermogenes
Word Origin: [from G2060 (Ἑρμής - Hermes) and G1096 (γίνομαι - become)]

1. born of Hermes
2. Hermogenes, an apostate Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Hermogenes.

From Hermes and ginomai; born of Hermes; Hermogenes, an apostate Christian -- Hermogenes.

see GREEK Hermes

see GREEK ginomai

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from Hermés and the same as ginomai
Definition
"born of Hermes," Hermogenes, one who deserted Paul
NASB Translation
Hermogenes (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 2061: Ἑρμογένης

Ἑρμογένης (i. e. born of Hermes; Tdf. Ἑρμογένης), ἑρμογενους, , Hermogenes, a certain Christian: 2 Timothy 1:15.

Topical Lexicon
Biblical Occurrence

Hermogenes is named once in the New Testament, in 2 Timothy 1:15: “You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes” (Berean Standard Bible). The placement of his name alongside Phygelus, within a sentence describing wholesale desertion, provides the sole canonical data from which his reputation is drawn.

Historical Context

Paul wrote 2 Timothy during his final imprisonment in Rome, likely between A.D. 64 and 67, while awaiting execution. Persecution under Nero had intensified, and association with Paul carried serious risk. “Asia” refers to the Roman province whose chief city was Ephesus; many believers there had once benefited from Paul’s lengthy ministry (Acts 19). The apostle’s distress over their abandonment underscores both the danger of the times and the fragility of personal loyalty when the cost of discipleship rises.

Relationship to Paul and Timothy

Hermogenes was part of a circle that had known Paul personally, perhaps through the Ephesian ministry or through visits to Rome. Timothy, stationed in Ephesus, would have been acquainted with him. Paul’s brief remark suggests that Hermogenes once professed solidarity with the apostle but later withdrew support—likely to avoid persecution or social stigma. His desertion stands in sharp relief against the steadfastness of Onesiphorus (2 Timothy 1:16–18), who courageously sought out Paul in prison.

Ministry Significance

1. A Cautionary Example: Hermogenes illustrates how quickly apparent comrades can turn away when faithfulness becomes costly.
2. Contrast to Encouragers: By juxtaposing Hermogenes with Onesiphorus, Paul teaches that kingdom work advances through loyal servants who refresh the suffering, not those who retreat for self-preservation.
3. Insight into Early Church Pressures: His defection highlights the external hostility and internal fear that threatened nascent Christian communities, especially leadership figures like Paul.

Cultural Background

Names with pagan origins were common among Gentile converts. While the name may hint at a Hellenistic upbringing, Scripture does not indict his cultural heritage—only his failure of courage. This indicates that genuine discipleship is measured not by background but by steadfast allegiance to Christ and His servants.

Theological Insights

• Perseverance and Apostasy: Hermogenes embodies the tragic possibility that professing believers may shrink back, even after seasons of fruitful ministry connection (Hebrews 10:39).
• The Cost of Discipleship: Faithfulness to the gospel can demand social, economic, and even physical risk. Paul’s chains serve as a tangible reminder that leaders and members alike must count the cost (Luke 14:27–33).
• Divine Faithfulness Amid Human Failure: Though forsaken by many, Paul testifies later, “But the Lord stood by me” (2 Timothy 4:17). Human abandonment cannot nullify God’s sustaining presence.

Practical Applications for Today

• Stand with the Persecuted: Modern believers are called to identify with imprisoned or marginalized Christians, refusing to follow Hermogenes’ path of self-protective silence.
• Cultivate Courageous Loyalty: Churches should nurture relationships that endure hardship, practicing mutual support rooted in the shared hope of the gospel.
• Guard the Heart: Regular self-examination and dependence on the Spirit enable believers to remain faithful when pressures mount.

Conclusion

Though Scripture records only his name and failure, Hermogenes serves as a sober reminder that initial profession must be matched by perseverance. His brief appearance in 2 Timothy challenges every generation to uphold gospel loyalty, support suffering servants of Christ, and rely on the Lord who never deserts His own.

Forms and Transliterations
Ερμογενης Ἑρμογένης Ermogenes Ermogenēs Hermogenes Hermogenēs Hermogénes Hermogénēs
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
2 Timothy 1:15 N-NMS
GRK: Φύγελος καὶ Ἑρμογένης
NAS: are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
KJV: Phygellus and Hermogenes.
INT: Phygelus and Hermogenes

Strong's Greek 2061
1 Occurrence


Ἑρμογένης — 1 Occ.

2060
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