Tychicus

Paul ends the letter to the Ephesians, and hands it over to Tychicus. Wood engraving by Gustave Doré
Meaning and Origin
The name Tychicus originates from the Greek Τυχικός (Tychikos), which can be translated as 'fateful' or 'fortunate.' This etymology reflects a sense of destiny or divine orchestration, which aligns with his biblical role as a trusted companion of the Apostle Paul. The linguistic roots of the name suggest a connection to fate or providence, often seen as guided by divine forces in ancient Greek thought. Historically, names such as Tychicus were common in the Greco-Roman world, where they carried connotations of luck or divine favor.

Paul ends the letter to the Ephesians, and hands it over to Tychicus. Wood engraving by Gustave Doré
Name Tychicus in languages of the Bible
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Popularity Analysis
Today, the name Tychicus is found in at least 16 countries, with particular popularity in Slovenia, Fiji, Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While not widely used as a given name, it carries significant cultural and spiritual weight in Christian communities around the world. The name's rarity makes it a distinctive choice, often symbolizing faithfulness and service in line with its biblical origins.
Country | Variant | Rank |
---|---|---|
Slovenia | Tihik | 509 |
Fiji | Tikiko | 1530 |
Congo, The Democratic Republic of the | Tychique | 1833 |
Slovakia | Tucik | 3872 |
Kenya | Tukiko | 11656 |
Tanzania, United Republic of | Tukiko | 19788 |
Switzerland | Tychicus | 21391 |
Mexico | Tiquico | 22239 |
Croatia | Tihik | 38885 |
United States | Tychicus | 77105 |
New Zealand | Tikiku | 83884 |
France | Tychique | 93456 |
United Kingdom | Tychique | 141640 |
Philippines | Tychicus | 192191 |
Indonesia | Tihik | 280006 |
Showing top 15 of 16 records
Biblical and Cultural Significance
Tychicus holds a unique place in the New Testament as a faithful coworker and servant of the Apostle Paul. His Divine Proximity Index of 70.3/100 reflects a moderate association with God, emphasizing his role as a dedicated servant rather than a central biblical figure. However, his Jesus Circle Score of 97.2/100 underscores his close association with Jesus's mission through his service to Paul, who was a pivotal figure in spreading the gospel. Tychicus's spiritual significance lies in his unwavering commitment to supporting Paul in his missionary endeavors, including delivering epistles and encouraging early Christian communities.
Biblical Context
Tychicus appears in five distinct passages in the New Testament, each highlighting his vital contributions to the ministry of Paul. In Acts 20:4, he is introduced as a believer from Asia who accompanied Paul on his journey to Macedonia, showcasing his dedication and willingness to travel for the spread of the gospel. Ephesians 6:21 and Colossians 4:7 describe him as a 'dear brother' and a 'faithful servant in the Lord,' emphasizing his reliability and deep spiritual commitment. These passages also note his role as a messenger, tasked with delivering Paul's letters to the churches in Ephesus and Colossae, a responsibility that required both trustworthiness and spiritual maturity.
Divine Proximity Metrics
Jesus Proximity
SNA: 3.25 | Percentile: 97.15
Biblical References
- Titus 3:12
- Acts 20:4
- 2 Timothy 4:12
- Ephesians 6:21
- Colossians 4:7