Lexical Summary Hermogenés: Hermogenes Original Word: Ἑρμογένης 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 Originfrom 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: ἙρμογένηςἙρμογένης (i. e. born of Hermes; Tdf. Ἑρμογένης), ἑρμογενους, ὁ, 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. 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). 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. 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 HermogénēsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |