Phlegon is a Greek name meaning "burning," derived from the verb phlego (φλέγω), "to burn." The name appears twice in historical contexts: in Greek mythology and in the Christian New Testament. In mythology, Phlegon is one of the four horses that pull the chariot of the sun god Helios across the sky each day; the other horses are Aethon, Pyrois, and Eous. The name's fiery meaning suits the horse's role as a steed of the sun.
Biblical Significance
In the New Testament, Phlegon is mentioned in Romans 16:14 as a Christian in Rome greeted by the Apostle Paul. Though the verse provides no details about his life, his name's presence in Paul's salutations suggests he was a respected member of the early Christian community. The name appears in Greek manuscripts and is included in lists of the Seventy Disciples in later tradition, though this enumeration is not canonical. Phlegon was also used as a personal name in the Greek-speaking world, consistent with other New Testament names derived from natural phenomena or abstract qualities.
Mythological Context
In Greek mythology, Phlegon is one of the four immortal horses of Helios, alongside Aethon ("blazing"), Pyrois ("fire-like"), and Eous ("dawn"). Helios himself is a Titan who drives his chariot across the heavens each day, and his horses are often described as breathing fire. Phlegon's name suggests brightness and heat, emphasizing his role as a solar steed. This myth appears in literary sources such as Ovid's Metamorphoses.
Related Names
Phlegon belongs to a network of Greek mythological and biblical names. Its root is linked to phlego, which also appears in the name Phlegethon, the river of fire in the Greek underworld. Names from the same mythic family include Helios (the god), Selene, and Artemis — all celestial or divine figures.
- Meaning: "Burning" (Greek)
- Origin: Greek
- Type: First name
- Usage Regions: Ancient Greece, Hellenistic world
- Cultural Contexts: Greek mythology, New Testament