King James Version

What Does Romans 16:1 Mean?

Romans 16:1 in the King James Version says “I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:”

Romans 16:1 · KJV

Context

1

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

2

That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

3

Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea—Synistēmi de hymin Phoibēn tēn adelphēn hēmōn, ousan kai diakonon tēs ekklēsias tēs en Kenchreais (συνίστημι δὲ ὑμῖν Φοίβην τὴν ἀδελφὴν ἡμῶν, οὖσαν καὶ διάκονον τῆς ἐκκλησίας τῆς ἐν Κεγχρεαῖς). Synistēmi (συνίστημι, commend/introduce) is formal recommendation language, common in ancient letters. Phoebe carried Paul's letter to Rome, requiring trustworthy character. Diakonon (διάκονος, servant/deacon) is the same word used for male deacons (Philippians 1:1, 1 Timothy 3:8)—Phoebe held official church office, not generic 'helper.'

Cenchrea was Corinth's eastern port, about 7 miles from the city. Phoebe's role as diakonos indicates recognized ministry—likely teaching, administrating, serving the congregation. Paul's commendation to Rome's church implies she had authority to represent him and expound his letter—suggesting women served in teaching and leadership roles in the early church. Adelphēn (sister) emphasizes spiritual family, equal standing in Christ regardless of gender (Galatians 3:28).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Phoebe's title diakonos sparked debate over women's roles in ministry. Some translations render it 'servant' for Phoebe but 'deacon' for men—revealing bias, not linguistics. Early church evidence shows women served as deacons: Pliny the Younger (AD 112) mentions interrogating female deacons. Later church orders restricted women's roles, but Romans 16:1 shows first-century practice was more egalitarian. Phoebe's commendation, combined with Priscilla (v. 3), Junia (v. 7), and others, demonstrates women's prominent ministry in Paul's mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Phoebe's title '<em>diakonon</em>' (deacon) challenge or affirm your understanding of women's roles in church leadership?
  2. What does it mean that Phoebe likely carried and explained Paul's theological masterpiece (Romans) to the Roman church?
  3. How can churches today honor and utilize gifted women in ministry as Paul commended Phoebe?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Συνίστημι1 of 14

“I commend”

G4921

to set together, i.e., (by implication) to introduce (favorably), or (figuratively) to exhibit; intransitively, to stand near, or (figuratively) to co

δὲ2 of 14
G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμῖν3 of 14

“unto you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

Φοίβην4 of 14

“Phebe”

G5402

probably akin to the base of g5457); phoebe, a christian woman

τῆς5 of 14

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὴν6 of 14

“sister”

G79

a sister (naturally or ecclesiastically)

ἡμῶν7 of 14

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

οὖσαν8 of 14

“which is”

G5607

being

διάκονον9 of 14

“a servant”

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

τῆς10 of 14

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐκκλησίας11 of 14

“of the church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

τῆς12 of 14

“which”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐν13 of 14

“is at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Κεγχρεαῖς14 of 14

“Cenchrea”

G2747

cenchreae, a port of corinth

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 16:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 16:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 18:181 Peter 1:22-231 Timothy 5:9-10Matthew 12:50James 2:151 Timothy 5:2

Places in This Verse

CenchreaeSettlement · Modern: Kechries · 37.88°N, 23.00°E2 verses across 2 books
View all places in Romans 16 →

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 16 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes