King James Version

What Does Romans 16:11 Mean?

Romans 16:11 in the King James Version says “Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. household: or, frie...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. household: or, friends”

Romans 16:11 · KJV

Context

9

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

10

Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. household: or, friends

11

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. household: or, friends

12

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

13

Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute Herodion my kinsman—Aspasasthe Hērōdiōna ton syngenē mou (ἀσπάσασθε Ἡρῳδίωνα τὸν συγγενῆ μου). Syngenē (συγγενής, kinsman) likely means fellow Jew, not blood relative (same term used for Andronicus-Junia, v. 7). Herodion's name suggests connection to Herod's household—possibly a slave or freedman from Herod's family who came to faith. This would be remarkable: the Herodian dynasty opposed Christianity (Herod Antipas killed John the Baptist, Herod Agrippa I martyred James, Acts 12:1-2). Yet here's a member of Herod's household serving Christ.

Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord—Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Narkissou tous ontas en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου τοὺς ὄντας ἐν κυρίῳ). Again, ek tōn Narkissou (those of Narcissus) suggests household members, not Narcissus himself. A wealthy freedman named Narcissus served Emperor Claudius (died AD 54); his household would have been absorbed into imperial household upon his death. Tous ontas en kyriō (those being in the Lord) specifies believers within the household—not all were Christians, but some were.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Tacitus and Suetonius mention Narcissus, Claudius' powerful freedman secretary, executed after Claudius' death (AD 54). His vast household (slaves, freedmen, dependents) continued serving Nero. Christianity penetrated imperial households early (Philippians 4:22, 'Caesar's household'). These believers faced unique pressures: serving pagan emperor while confessing Jesus as Lord (Kyrios), navigating court intrigue, risking accusations of disloyalty. Paul honors them by name, affirming their strategic witness in Rome's power center.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean that members of Herod's and Narcissus' households came to faith—how does the gospel penetrate hostile environments?
  2. How do you navigate being '<em>en kyriō</em>' (in the Lord) while serving in secular, even hostile, institutions (workplaces, governments)?
  3. What unique challenges and opportunities do believers in positions of power or proximity to power face in witness and discipleship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 14

“Greet”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

Ἡροδίωνα2 of 14

“Herodion”

G2267

herodion, a christian

τοὺς3 of 14

“them”

G3588

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

συγγενῆ4 of 14

“kinsman”

G4773

a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman

μου5 of 14

“my”

G3450

of me

ἀσπάσασθε6 of 14

“Greet”

G782

to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome

τοὺς7 of 14

“them”

G3588

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

ἐκ8 of 14

“that be of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοὺς9 of 14

“them”

G3588

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

Ναρκίσσου10 of 14

“the household of Narcissus”

G3488

narcissus, a roman

τοὺς11 of 14

“them”

G3588

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

ὄντας12 of 14

“are”

G5607

being

ἐν13 of 14

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ14 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

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 16:11 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 16:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:21Romans 16:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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