"And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus."
Biblical Name · Greek Origin
Apollos Meaning in the Bible
Apollos
boy
Apollos means "Given by Apollo; Destroyer", a boy's name of Greek origin. Apollos appears in the King James Bible, and Acts 18:24 is the passage most often tied to it. Apollos shows that even gifted preachers need further instruction and that true greatness is measured not by followers but by faithfulness. His story reminds us that planting and watering are equal, because only God gives the growth.
Is Apollos in the Bible?
Yes — Apollos appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 18:24.
Pronunciation:/uh-POL-ohs/
OriginGreek
MeaningGiven by Apollo; Destroyer
What does Apollos mean?
Apollos is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Given by Apollo; Destroyer". Apollos was an Alexandrian Jew described as "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures" (Acts 18:24).
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What does Apollos mean in the Bible?
Apollos means "Given by Apollo; Destroyer" and is a name of Greek origin. Below is what Scripture and Christian tradition attach to that meaning.
Apollos was an Alexandrian Jew described as "an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures" (Acts 18:24). He was a powerful preacher who initially knew only the baptism of John before Priscilla and Aquila taught him "the way of God more perfectly."
After receiving fuller instruction, Apollos became one of the most effective preachers in the early church. His ministry in Corinth was so powerful that some believers began saying "I am of Apollos" — creating a faction that concerned Paul.
Paul's response to the Apollos faction reveals a healthy perspective on Christian leadership: "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." Both Paul and Apollos were servants working toward the same goal. Apollos models the humility of a gifted leader who serves without seeking a personal following.
Where does Apollos appear in the Bible (KJV)?
Apollos is connected to 2 key passages in the King James Bible, beginning with Acts 18:24. Each verse is quoted in full below.
"I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase."
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Which books of the Bible mention Apollos?
Apollos is mentioned across 3 books of the Bible. Follow any book below to read it in the KJV.
What is the spiritual meaning of Apollos?
Apollos shows that even gifted preachers need further instruction and that true greatness is measured not by followers but by faithfulness. His story reminds us that planting and watering are equal, because only God gives the growth.
Related Promises of God
Promises connected to the meaning of the name Apollos:
God Promises to Be Faithful
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God Promises Contentment Through Him
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God Promises to Answer Prayer
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What names are related to Apollos?
Names like Apollos
Other Greek biblical names that share the spirit of "Given by Apollo; Destroyer" — discovered by matching meaning category and origin.
Names that pair well with Apollos
Sibling sets, middle-name combinations, and complementary pairings chosen for matching origin, meaning, and similar syllable weight.
Share the meaning of Apollos
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Apollos name meaning: frequently asked questions
Yes — Apollos appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 18:24.
Apollos means "Given by Apollo; Destroyer." It is a Greek name. The King James Bible uses it in Acts 18:24, so the meaning is carried by a real person in Scripture.
Greek. Apollos comes into English from Greek and carries the sense "Given by Apollo; Destroyer." It appears in the King James Bible, including Acts 18:24.
Common questions about the name Apollos
Can I download a free King James Bible PDF to study the name Apollos?
Yes. The complete King James Bible is available as a free PDF download — all 66 books, 1,189 chapters, ready to read offline or print. No sign-up required.
Where can I read the full biblical context for Apollos?
You can read every verse where Apollos appears in the King James Bible by downloading the free KJV PDF or reading online. The download page also includes a bookmarked Book of Psalms KJV PDF for easy reference.