Archippus

Archippus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Archippos, which appears in the New Testament. The name is derived from the Greek elements ἀρχός (archos) meaning "master" and ἵππος (hippos) meaning "horse". Thus, the overall meaning is "master of horses."

Biblical Context

In the New Testament, Archippus is mentioned briefly in two epistles attributed to Paul. In Philemon 1:2, he is greeted alongside Philemon and Apphia and referred to as a "fellow soldier." In Colossians 4:17, the church is instructed to tell Archippus: "Take heed to the ministry which thou hast received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it." This suggests he held a specific role or responsibility within the early Christian community. According to tradition preserved in the 4th-century Apostolic Constitutions, Archippus is considered the first bishop of Laodicea in Phrygia (modern-day Turkey). Another tradition lists him among the 70 (or 72) disciples sent out by Jesus as recorded in Luke 10:1. His feast day in the Roman Catholic Church is March 20.

Variant Forms

The original Greek form Archippos (Ἄρχιππος) is used in the Biblical Greek tradition. A feminine counterpart, Archippe, exists in Ancient Greek. In Russian, the name is rendered as Arkhip (Архип). The Latinized version Archippus is standard in English Bibles and classical Latin sources.

Cultural Significance

Archippus remains a name of historical and religious importance, primarily due to its New Testament associations. Although not a common personal name in modern times, it continues to be recognized in biblical scholarship and among Christian communities that venerate early saints. Its meaning—"master of horses"—distinguishes it as a classically compound Greek name with equestrian connotations, unusual for a New Testament figure.

• Meaning: "master of horses"
• Origin: Greek via Latin
• Type: First name
• Usage regions: Biblical, Ancient Greek, Latin, English, Russian