5415. Phortounatos
Lexical Summary
Phortounatos: Laden, burdened

Original Word: φορτουνατος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Phortounatos
Pronunciation: for-too-nah-tos
Phonetic Spelling: (for-too-nat'-os)
KJV: Fortunatus
NASB: Fortunatus
Word Origin: [of Latin origin]

1. "fortunate"
2. Fortunatus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Fortunatus.

Of Latin origin; "fortunate"; Fortunatus, a Christian -- Fortunatus.

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
of Latin origin
Definition
"prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian
NASB Translation
Fortunatus (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 5415: Φορτουνᾶτος

Φορτουνᾶτος (or Φουρτουνατος R G), Φορτουνάτου, (a Latin name, 'happy'), Fortunatus, a Christian of Corinth (cf. Lightfoot on Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59(65 [ET])): 1 Corinthians 16:17.

Topical Lexicon
Name and Meaning

Fortunatus (Greek Φορτουνατός) carries the idea of being “fortunate” or “blessed.” The Latin style of the name hints at a background influenced by Roman culture, something common in cosmopolitan Corinth.

Single New Testament Appearance

1 Corinthians 16:17 – “I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.”

Historical Setting

Paul was writing from Ephesus during his third missionary journey. The Corinthian church had sent questions and perhaps financial aid by the hands of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. In a day when travel from Corinth to Ephesus involved a sea voyage of roughly two hundred miles, their willingness to undertake the journey shows notable commitment.

Role as a Trusted Delegate

1. Courier of correspondence. By bringing news, questions, and likely the Corinthian letter that prompted 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 7:1), Fortunatus helped maintain doctrinal unity between the congregation and its founding apostle.
2. Representative of congregational care. Paul says the three visitors “supplied what was lacking,” language that usually refers to material generosity or personal ministry (cf. Philippians 2:30). Whether finances, practical help, or encouraging fellowship, the trio filled a gap in Paul’s life and work.

Relationship to Stephanas’ Household

Paul identifies “the household of Stephanas” as “the firstfruits of Achaia” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Many commentators see Fortunatus as either a member of that family circle or one closely associated with it, sharing in its pattern of devoted service to the saints.

Character and Ministry Traits

• Servant-hearted: crossing the Aegean solely to benefit Paul and the wider church.
• Reliable: entrusted with sensitive questions and offerings from a major congregation.
• Refreshing: Paul says, “they have refreshed my spirit and yours as well” (1 Corinthians 16:18). The Greek verb anapauō pictures rest and renewal—qualities every church worker should bring to weary laborers.

Possible Later Tradition

Early ecclesiastical lists occasionally include a Fortunatus among the Seventy disciples sent out by the Lord (Luke 10). While impossible to verify, the tradition underscores how early Christians remembered him as an evangelistic figure, not merely a messenger.

Theological Significance

Fortunatus illustrates the New Testament pattern of lay believers who:

1. Bridge distances between churches.
2. Strengthen apostolic ministry through practical support.
3. Model mutual refreshment within the body of Christ.

Lessons for Today

• Gospel partnership is not limited to teaching elders; trusted laypersons play vital roles in communication and relief.
• Simple acts—traveling, delivering gifts, conveying questions—can preserve doctrinal clarity and relational unity.
• Believers who refresh others gain commendation that outlives their brief scriptural mention.

Related Scriptural Themes

Acts 20:4; Philippians 2:25–30; 2 Corinthians 8:16–24 – portraits of other delegates who carried offerings and letters, showing the New Testament pattern Fortunatus exemplifies.

Forms and Transliterations
Φορτουνατου Φορτουνάτου Phortounatou Phortounátou
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
1 Corinthians 16:17 N-GMS
GRK: Στεφανᾶ καὶ Φορτουνάτου καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ
NAS: of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus,
KJV: and Fortunatus and
INT: of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus

Strong's Greek 5415
1 Occurrence


Φορτουνάτου — 1 Occ.

5414
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