Romans 16:1-16

Romans 16:1-16
Feast of Mary Magdalene – A Women’s Lectionary

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I commendI to you our sisterII Phoebe,III

Notes on verse 1a

I “commend” = sunistemi. 16x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + histemi (to stand, place, establish, appoint, stand ready, be steadfast). This is to establish, exhibit, demonstrate, stand together, prove.
II “sister” = adelphe. From adelphos (brother in a literal or figurative sense); {from a (with, sharing) + delphus (womb)}. This is sister in a literal or figurative sense.
III “Phoebe” = Phoibe. 1x in NT. From phoibos (bright); probably related to phos (light, a source of light, fire, or radiance; light with specific reference to what it reveals; luminousness whether natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative); from phao (to shine or make visible, especially with rays of light); from the same as phaino (to bring light, cause to appear, shine, become visible or clear). This is Phoebe, meaning “bright” or “radiant” or “pure” or “prophet.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Phoebe.html

IVa deaconV of the churchVI at Cenchreae,VII 

Notes on verse 1b

IV {untranslated} = eimi. This is to be, exist.
V “deacon” = diakonos. Perhaps from dia (through, across to the other side, thoroughly) + konis (dust) OR from dioko (to chase after, put to flight; by implication, to persecute or to purse like a hunter after its prey; this can be earnestly pursue or zealously persecute) {related to dio (put to flight)}. This is a servant, minister, waiter, or attendant. It is used for a person who performs a service, including religious service. This is the root of the word “deacon.”
VI “church” = ekklesia. From ek (from, out from) + kaleo to call by name, invite, to name, bid, summon, call aloud) {related to keleuo (to command, order, direct); from kelomai (to urge on)}. This is properly a calling out or an assembly. It was used to refer to a church.
VII “Cenchreae” = Kegchreai. 2x in NT. Perhaps from kegchros (millet). This is Cenchrea or Cenchreae.

so that you may welcomeVIII her in the Lord,IX as is fittingX for the saints,XI

Notes on verse 2a

VIII “welcome” = prosdechomai. 14x in NT. From pros (at, to, toward, with) + dechomai (to warmly receive, be ready for what is offered, take, accept, or welcome; to receive in a literal or figurative sense). This is to receive, welcome, expect, accept. It is reception with a warm, personal welcome or active waiting. It can also mean endurance or patience.
IX “Lord” = Kurios. From kuros (authority, supremacy). This is a respectful address meaning master or sir. It refers to one who has control or power greater than one’s own. So, it was also applied to God and Jesus as Master or Lord.
X “fitting” = axios. 6x in NT. From axios (related to weight or worth – deserving, suitable, corresponding, due reward); from ago (to lead, bring, carry, guide, drive, go). This is worthily or appropriately. It is when something is held to have the same worth as its real value.
XI “saints” = hagios. From hagnos (holy, sacred, pure ethically, ritually, or ceremonially; prepared for worship, chaste, unadulterated, pure to the core; undefiled by sin; figurative for innocent, modest, perfect). God is totally different from humanity and thus set apart. That which is consecrated to worship God (elements of worship) or to serve God (as the saints) are holy because they are now set apart for God’s purposes. Holy because important to God. This is sacred physically, pure. It can be morally blameless or ceremonially consecrated.

and helpXII her in whateverXIII she may requireXIV from you,

Notes on verse 2b

XII “help” = paristemi. Related to “commend” in v1. From para (from beside, by) + histemi (see note I above). This is literally to place by stand. It can mean to present, exhibit, appear, bring, stand by, or prove. It can also mean to be ready, to assist, to yield, or to commend.
XIII “whatever” = pragma. 11x in NT. From prasso (to do or practice – something done on an on-going basis or by habit; to accomplish, attend, or commit). This is an action, matter, or business. It is something done on a regular basis that is done in order to get something done.
XIV “require” = chrezo. 5x in NT. From chre (what is proper, fitting, or necessary); from chraomai (to use, make use of, give what is needed, act in a specific way, request) This is to need, want, or desire.

for she has beenXV a benefactorXVI of manyXVII and of myself as well.

Notes on verse 2c

XV “been” = ginomai. This is to come into being, to happen, become, be born. It can be to emerge from one state or condition to another or is coming into being with the sense of movement or growth.
XVI “benefactor” = prostatis. Related to “commend” in v1 & “help” in v2. 1x in NT. From proistemi (to set over, engage, lead, manage); {from pro (before, earlier than, ahead, prior) + histemi (see note I above)}. This is a patroness or helper.
XVII “many” = polus. This is much, often, plenteous – a large number or a great extent.

GreetXVIII PriscaXIX and Aquila,XX

Notes on verse 3a

XVIII “greet” = aspazomai. Perhaps from a (with, together with) + a form of spao (to draw, draw out, pull). This is to welcome, salute, or greet. It can also be to embrace or acclaim.
XIX “Prisca” = Priska. 3x in NT. From Latin priscus (Priscus, a male name); from Latin priscus (ancient, former); from prae (first, earlier). This is Prisca, meaning “of earlier times.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Prisca.html#.XsyzQmhKhPY & https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Prisca
XX “Aquila” = Akulas. 6x in NT. From Latin Aquila (Aquila); from aquila (eagle); perhaps related to aquilus (“blackish, the color of darkness”); perhaps from aqua (water). This is Aquila, meaning eagle. See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Aquila

my coworkersXXI in ChristXXII Jesus,XXIII 

Notes on verse 3b

XXI “coworkers” = sunergos. 13x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + the base of ergon (work, task, deed, labor, effort) {from ergo (to work, accomplish, do)}. This is co-worker, associate, helper, co-laborer or one’s companion during labor.
XXII “Christ” = Christos. From chrio (consecrate by anointing with oil; often done for prophets, priests, or kings). Literally, the anointed one, Christ. The Greek word for Messiah.
XXIII “Jesus” = Iesous. From Hebrew Yehoshua (Joshua, the Lord is salvation); {from YHVH (proper name of the God of Israel; the self-existent and eternal one); {from havah (to become) or from hayah (to come to pass, become, be)} + yasha (to deliver, defend, help, preserve, rescue; properly, to be open, wide or free, which implies being safe. So, in a causative sense, this is to free someone)}. This is Jesus or Joshua in Greek – the Lord saves or the Lord is salvation.

who riskedXXIV their necksXXV for my life,XXVI

Notes on verse 4a

XXIV “risked” = hupotithemi. 2x in NT. From hupo (by, under, about, subordinate to) + tithemi (to put, place, set, fix, establish in a literal or figurative sense; properly, this is placing something in a passive or horizontal position). This is to place under, to sketch an outline, to make known, risk, put before.
XXV “necks” = trachelos. 7x in NT. Probably from trachus (rough, uneven). This is the neck or throat. It can also refer to an embrace. It shares a root with the word “trachea.”
XXVI “life” = psuche. From psucho (to breathe, blow). This is breath, the breath of life, the self, individual, soul. This is the word for that which makes a person unique – their identity, will, personality, affections. This isn’t the soul as the immortal part of us, but as our individuality. It is also not life as a general concept, but specific to people. This is where the words psyche and psychology come from.

to whom not onlyXXVII I give thanksXXVIII but also allXXIX the churches of the gentiles.XXX 

Notes on verse 4b

XXVII “only” = monos. Perhaps from meno (to stay, abide, wait, endure). This is alone, single, remaining, mere, desolate.
XXVIII “give thanks” = eucharisteo. From eu (good, well, well done, rightly) + charis (grace, kindness, favor, gratitude, thanks; being inclined to or favorable towards – leaning towards someone to share some good or benefit; literal, figurative, or spiritual; grace as abstract concept, manner, or action); {from chairo (to rejoice, be glad; used to say hello; properly, delighting in the grace of God or experiencing God’s favor); from char– (to extend favor, lean towards, be inclined to be favorable towards)}. This is giving thanks, being thankful. It is a recognition that God’s grace is good and actively showing gratitude. It can also be used for saying grace before eating. This is where “eucharist” comes from.
XXIX “all” = pas. This is all or every.
XXX “gentiles” = ethnos. Probably from etho (a custom or culture). This is people who are united by having similar customs or culture. Generally, it is used to refer to Gentiles. This is a tribe, race, nation, or Gentiles in general. This is where the term “ethnicity” comes from.

Greet also the church in their house.XXXI Greet my belovedXXXII Epaenetus,XXXIII

Notes on verse 5a

XXXI “house” = oikos. This is house – the building, the household, the family, descendants, the temple.
XXXII “beloved” = agapetos. From agape (love, goodwill, benevolence; God’s divine love); from agapao (to love, take pleasure in, esteem; to prefer). This is Beloved or very dear one. It is a title for the Messiah, but also for Christians. Properly, this is one who personally experiences God’s love.
XXXIII “Epaenetus” = Epainetos. 1x in NT. From epaineo (to praise or laud; to give someone the credit they are due); {from epi (on, upon, against, what is fitting) + aineo (to praise, praise God); {from ainos (praise, saying, story, proverb)}}. This is Epaenetus, meaning “praiseworthy” or “praised.”

who wasXXXIV the first convertXXXV in AsiaXXXVI for Christ. 

Notes on verse 5b

XXXIV “was” = eimi. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note IV above.
XXXV “first convert” = aparche. 8x in NT. From apo (from, away from) + arche (origin, beginning, rule; can refer to the power of a magistrate or a king; it is the first thing as being the starting point or the most important); {from archomai (to begin or rule); from archo (to rule, begin, have first rank or have political power)}. This is first fruit or gift. It is the beginning of sacrifice – so the first crops of the season. It is also used figuratively of early converts in a specific location.
XXXVI “Asia” = Asia. 18x in NT. Perhaps from Hittite assuwa (22 allied ancient states in Anatolia) OR Aegean asis (muddy, silty) OR Semitic root asu (rising or light; Asia as land to the east). This is Asia, the Roman province, which consisted of western Asia Minor. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_continent_name_etymologies

Greet Mary,XXXVII who has workedXXXVIII very hardXXXIX for you. 

Notes on verse 6

XXXVII “Mary” = Maria. From Hebrew Miryam (Aaron and Moses’s sister); from marah (to be contentious, rebellious, bitter, provoking, disobedient; to be or make bitter or unpleasant; figuratively, to rebel or resist; causatively to provoke). This is Miriam or Mary.
XXXVIII “worked” = kopiao. From kopos (labor that leads to exhaustion, depletion, weariness, fatigue; working until worn out); from kopto (to cut, strike, cut off; beating the chest to lament and so to mourn). This is working with effort, whether of the body or mind, growing weary, feeling tired, working hard.
XXXIX “very hard” = polus. Same as “many” in v2. See note XVII above.

Greet AndronicusXL and Junia,XLI my fellow IsraelitesXLII who were in prison withXLIII me;

Notes on verse 7a

XL “Andronicus” = Andronikos. 1x in NT. From aner (man, male, sir, husband) + nikos (victory, triumph – especially a conquest); {from nike (victory, conquest; figurative for what makes one successful)}. This is Andronicus, meaning “man of victory” or “victory of men.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Andronicus.html
XLI “Junia” = Iounias. 1x in NT. From Latin Iuno (Juno, a goddess); from iuven (relating to youth). This is Junia, a name meaning “the younger.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Junia.html
XLII “fellow Israelites” = suggenes. Related to “been” in v2. 12x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + genos (family, offspring, kin – in a literal or figurative sense); from ginomai (see note XV above)}. This is relative, kinsman, offspring, or otherwise someone from the same stock. It can also be used for a fellow countryman.
XLIII “in prison with” = sunaichmalotos. 3x in NT. From sun (with, together with) + aichmalotos (a prisoner or captive in war); {from aichme (a spear) + haliskomai (taken or conquered) or halosis (capturing); from haliskomai (see above); from haireomai (to take, choose, or prefer); probably related to airo (raise, take up, lift, remove)}. This is a fellow prisoner or captive.

they are prominentXLIV among the apostles,XLV and they wereXLVI in Christ before I was. 

Notes on verse 7b

XLIV “prominent” = episemos. 2x in NT. From epi (on, upon, among, what is fitting) + the same as semaino (to give a sign, signify, indicate, make known); {from sema (a sign or mark)}. This is prominent, conspicuous, remarkable, or notorious.
XLV “apostles” = apostolos. Related to “commend” in v1 & “help” and “benefactor” in v2. From apostello (to send, send away, send forth as a messenger, to commission); {from apo (from, away from) + stello (to set, arrange, prepare, provide for); {probably from histemi (see note I above)}}. This is a messenger – someone sent out on a mission as an envoy or delegate. It can also refer to someone set at liberty. Generally, this is a messenger who is meant to be a representative of the one who sent them. They are thus, set apart on a mission literally or figuratively.
XLVI “were” = ginomai. Same as “been” in v2. See note XV above.

Greet Ampliatus,XLVII my beloved in the Lord. Greet Urbanus,XLVIII our coworker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys.XLIX 

Notes on verses 8-9

XLVII “Ampliatus” = Ampliatos. 1x in NT. From Latin Ampliatus (Ampliatus); from amplio (to delay decision, ennoble, enlarge, increase, magnify). This is Ampliatus or Amplias, which may be an imperial name. It may mean “enlarged.” See https://etymologeek.com/lat/ampliatus
XLVIII “Urbanus” = Ourbanos. 1x in NT. From Latin urbanus (urbane, related to the city); from urbs (city). This is Urbanus, meaning “urbane.” See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Urbanus
XLIX “Stachys” = Stachus. Related to “commend” in v1 & “help” and “benefactor” in v2 & “apostles” in v7. 1x in NT. From the same as stachus (head of grain); perhaps from histemi (see note I above). This is Stachys or Stachus, meaning “head of grain.”

10 Greet Apelles,L who is approvedLI in Christ. Greet those who belong to the family of Aristobulus.LII 

Notes on verse 10

L “Apelles” = Apelles. 1x in NT. From the same as Apollonia (Apollonia, a Macedonian city); from Apollon (the Greek god Apollo, who was god of “light, music, medicine, poetry, prophecy, dance, manly beauty”); possibly from Pre-Greek (to drive away) OR from Greek apollumi (to destroy) OR apolouon (washing) OR apoluon (delivering) OR haploun (simple) OR aeiballon (always shooting) OR a (not) + polus (parts). This is Apelles, perhaps meaning “assembly” or “of Apollo” or “of the destroyer.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Apelles.html
LI “approved” = dokimos. Related to “welcome” in v2. 7x in NT. From dechomai (see note VIII above) or dokeo (to have an opinion, seem, appear, suppose; a personal judgment; to think); {from dokos (opinion)}. This is what passes the test, approved, acceptable, genuine, verified.
LII “Aristobulus” = Aristoboulos. Related to “first convert” in v5 & to “in prison with” in v7. 1x in NT. From the same as Aristarchos (Aristarchus, meaning “best leader” or “best ruling”); {from aristos (best); {from aristeuo (“to be the best)} + archos (leader); {from archo (see note XXXV above)}}. This is Aristobulus, meaning “best-counseling” or “best intention.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Aristobulus.html

11 Greet my fellow Israelite Herodion.LIII Greet thoseLIV in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.LV 

Notes on verse 11

LIII “Herodion” = Herodion. 1x in NT. From Herodes (Herod, perhaps meaning “hero’s song,” “Hera’s song,” or “heroic”); {perhaps from heros (hero, warrior) + oide (song, ode, legend, tale) [from aoide (song, ode, legend, tale) {from aeido (to sing) + e (this is added to verbs to make them nouns)}] OR from hera (Hera) + oide (same as above)}. This is Herodion, meaning “hero’s song” or “heroic.” See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Herod
LIV {untranslated} = eimi. Same as {untranslated} in v1. See note IV above.
LV “Narcissus” = Narkissos. 1x in NT. From Latin narcissus (narcissus flower); from Greek narke (numbness like a drug); from narkao (to become stiff or numb). This is Narcissus, meaning “narcissus” or “dopey” or “slow poke.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Narcissus.html

12 Greet those workersLVI in the Lord, TryphaenaLVII and Tryphosa.LVIII Greet the beloved Persis,LIX who has worked hardLX in the Lord. 

Notes on verse 12

LVI “workers” = kopiao. Same as “worked” in v6. See note XXXVIII above.
LVII “Tryphaena” = Truphaina. 1x in NT. From truphe (softness, luxury; moral decay from too much luxury or debauchery); from thrupto (to break or become weak from over-indulgence). This is Tryphaena, meaning “luxurious” or “precious little one.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Tryphaena.html
LVIII “Tryphosa” = Truphosa. Related to “Tryphaena” in v12. 1x in NT. From truphe (see note LVII above). This is Tryphosa, meaning “luxuriating” or “precious little two.” She may be Tryphaena’s sister – with a cutesy similar name. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Tryphosa.html
LIX “Persis” = Persis. 1x in NT. From Persikos (Persian); {from Old Persian Parsa (Persian); {maybe related to Sanskirt Parsu (Parsu, a tribe) or Sanskrit parasu (axe) or Proto-Iranian parcus (rib)}}. This is Persis, a woman’s name meaning “Persian.” See https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/%CE%A0%CE%B5%CF%81%CF%83%CE%AF%CF%82#Ancient_Greek
LX “hard” = polus. Same as “many” in v2. See note XVII above.

13 Greet Rufus,LXI chosenLXII in the Lord, and greet his motherLXIII—a mother to me also. 

Notes on verse 13

LXI “Rufus” = Rhouphos. 2x in NT. From Sabellian Rufrae or Rufrium (proper names); related to Latin ruber (red, ruby). This is Rufus, meaning “red.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Rufus.html
LXII “chosen” = eklektos. From eklego (to choose, select, elect); {from ek (from, from out of) + lego (to speak, tell, mention)}. This is to select or choose. It is making a personal choice – a favorite.
LXIII “mother” = meter. This is mother in a literal or figurative sense.

14 Greet Asyncritus,LXIV Phlegon,LXV Hermes,LXVI

Notes on verse 14a

LXIV “Asyncritus” = Asugkritos. 1x in NT. From a (not, without) + sugkrino (to combine, compare, explain, collate); {from sun (with, together with) + krino (to judge, decide, think good, condemn, determine, pass judgment, stand trial, sue; judging whether in court or in a private setting; properly, mentally separating or distinguishing an issue – to come to a choice or decision, to judge positively or negatively in seeking what is right or wrong, who is innocent or guilty; can imply trying, condemning, punishing, or avenging)}. This is Asyncritus, meaning “incomparable.”
LXV “Phlegon” = Phlegon. 1x in NT. From the same as phlox (flame, blaze); from phlego (to burn or flash). This is Phlegon, meaning “blazing” or “flame” or “scorching.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Phlegon.html
LXVI “Hermes” = Hermes. 2x in NT. Perhaps from ereo (to say, tell, speak). This is Hermes, Greek god who was messenger to the other gods, also god of language. His name may mean “new declaration” or “supporting message” or “border crosser.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hermes.html

Patrobas,LXVII Hermas,LXVIII and the brothersLXIX and sisters who are with them. 

Notes on verse 14b

LXVII “Patrobas” = Patrobas. 1x in NT. From Patrobios (Patrobios); {from pater (father, ancestor, elder, senior; father in a literal or figurative sense) + bios (life, livelihood, goods, wealth)} OR from pater (see above) + basileus (king, emperor, sovereign); {probably from basis (step, hence foot; a pace); from baino (to walk, to go}}. This is Patrobas, meaning “father’s life” or “life of the father” or “father is king.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Patrobas.html
LXVIII “Hermas” = Hermas. Related to “Hermes” in v14. 1x in NT. From Hermes (see note LXVI above). This is Hermas, with the same meaning as Hermes. See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Hermes.html
LXIX “brothers” = adelphos. Related to “sister” in v1. See note II above.

15 Greet Philologus,LXX Julia,LXXI NereusLXXII

Notes on verse 15a

LXX “Philologus” = Philologos. Related to “chosen” in v13. 1x in NT. From philos (dear, beloved, a friend, an associate; friendship with personal affection, a trusted confidante; love from personal experience with another person) + logos (word, statement, speech, analogy; a word that carries an idea or expresses a thought, a saying; a person with a message or reasoning laid out in words; by implication, a topic, line of reasoning, or a motive; can be used for a divine utterance or as Word – Christ); {from lego (see note LXII above)}. This is Philologos or Philologus, meaning “fond of words” or “student” or “scholar” or “talkative.” It shares roots with philology. 
LXXI “Julia” = Ioulia. 1x in NT. From Ioulios (Julius, a centurion); {from Latin iulus (soft hair) or from Old Latin Iovilios (from Jove); {from Iovis (Jove, Jupiter); from Proto-Indo-European dyws (sky, sky god)}}. This is Julia, perhaps a slave or someone who was freed. It means “downy” or “hairy.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Julia.html & https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Iulia#Latin
LXXII “Nereus” = Nereus. 1x in NT. Perhaps from naus (wet, boat); {from nao (to float)} OR from Hebrew nahar (to flow, sparkle, be cheerful) OR from Nereus (Nereus, a god of the sea). This is Nereus, meaning “he who shines” or “he who floats” or “fluvial.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Nereus.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nereus

and his sister,LXXIII and Olympas,LXXIV and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holyLXXV kiss.LXXVI All the churches of Christ greet you.

Notes on verses 15b-16

LXXIII “sister” = adelphe. Same as “sister” in v1. See note II above.
LXXIV “Olympas” = Olumpas. Related to “in prison with” in v7 & “Aristobulus” in v10. 1x in NT. From Olumpos (Olympus, where 12 Greek gods are said to live); {perhaps from olai (barley groats) or Pre-Greek (mountain) or similar to ouranos (air, sky, the atmosphere, heaven; the sky that is visible; the spiritual heaven where God dwells; implies happiness, power, and eternity); {perhaps from oros (mountain, hill); from airo (see note XLIII above)}}. This is Olympas, meaning “as Olympus” or “good enough to be on Olympus” or “heavenly” or “heaven-descended” or “gathering/storage.” See https://www.abarim-publications.com/Meaning/Olympas.html & https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Olympus
LXXV “holy” = hagios. Same as “saints” in v2. See note XI above.
LXXVI “kiss” = philema. Related to “Philologus” in v15. 7x in NT. From phileo (friendship love and fondness with personal attachment; kiss as a sign of love deriving from this personal affection -cherishing); {from philos (see note LXX above)}. This is a kiss of friendship or other deep bond.


Image credit: “Detail of Shekinah” by TamaraLiz, 2018.

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