Agabus
Agabus Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
Meaning of Agabus: Agabus (Ἀγαβος, Agabos) is the New Testament Greek form of the Hebrew name Hagab (חגב), possibly related to the Hebrew ḥagab (locust) or to an Aramaic root meaning “loved.” The Hebrew name Hagab appears in the Old Testament in Ezra 2:46 as the name of a temple servant.
In the New Testament, Agabus appears twice in the Acts of the Apostles as a notable early Christian prophet. His first appearance (Acts 11:27–28) has him predicting a great famine that would affect the whole world, which came about during the reign of Emperor Claudius (41–54 CE).
Agabus’s second appearance (Acts 21:10–11) is more dramatic: at Caesarea, he took Paul’s belt, bound his own hands and feet with it, and prophesied that the owner of the belt would be similarly bound by the Jews in Jerusalem and handed over to the Gentiles.
What Does Agabus Mean? Origin & Etymology
This symbolic prophetic act in the manner of Old Testament prophets—Isaiah walked naked, Jeremiah wore a yoke—demonstrates the continuity between Israelite prophetic tradition and early Christian prophecy.
Agabus is venerated as a saint in Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, with feast days on February 13 (Catholic) and October 8 (Orthodox).
Agabus is not used as a given name in any modern tradition. It appears in biblical scholarship, New Testament studies, and hagiographic references. The name is encountered in discussions of early Christian prophecy, the Acts of the Apostles, and the charismatic gifts (charismata) in the early church.
Among scholars of early Christianity and in theological education, Agabus is a recognized figure whose two appearances in Acts provide significant evidence for prophetic ministry in the apostolic period. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Agabus
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Agabus – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Agabus
What does Agabus mean?
Agabus is Ἄγαβος (Agabos) , the New Testament Greek form of Hagab ..
How popular is Agabus?
Agabus is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical, Biblical Latin. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
Is Agabus a boy or girl name?
Agabus is used as both a masculine and feminine given name in its home tradition. The name is most common in Biblical, Biblical Latin communities.
What are variants of Agabus?
Agabus has related forms in other languages: Agabos (Biblical Greek), Chagav (Biblical Hebrew). These variants all share the same root and meaning.