King James Version

What Does Romans 16:12 Mean?

Romans 16:12 in the King James Version says “Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:12 · KJV

Context

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.

14

Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord—Aspasasthe Tryphainan kai Tryphōsan tas kopiōsas en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε Τρύφαιναν καὶ Τρυφῶσαν τὰς κοπιώσας ἐν κυρίῳ). Kopiōsas (κοπιάω, labor/toil) is present participle—continuous, exhausting work. Paul uses kopiaō for apostolic ministry (1 Corinthians 15:10, 'I labored more abundantly'), manual work (Ephesians 4:28, 'labor with his hands'), and gospel service. Tryphena and Tryphosa were likely sisters or ministry partners, kopiōsas en kyriō (laboring in the Lord)—not generic church work but gospel ministry requiring sacrifice, effort, endurance.

Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord—Aspasasthe Persida tēn agapētēn, hētis polla ekopiasēn en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε Περσίδα τὴν ἀγαπητήν, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν ἐν κυρίῳ). Persis ('Persian woman') receives agapētēn (beloved) and commendation for polla kopiaō (much labor)—the aorist tense suggests past, completed service. She may have been older, now less active, but her prior labor is remembered and honored. Paul's threefold commendation of women's 'labor' (Mary v. 6, Tryphena-Tryphosa-Persis v. 12) demonstrates women's active, recognized ministry in the early church.

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Historical & Cultural Context

All three names (Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis) were common slave names. Tryphena and Tryphosa mean 'dainty' and 'delicate'—possibly sisters with matching names, common practice among slaves. Persis means 'Persian woman,' indicating ethnic origin. Their prominence in Paul's greetings shows that the early church was predominantly lower-class (1 Corinthians 1:26-28, 'not many mighty, not many noble'). Yet Paul honors their gospel labor as highly as any apostle's—kopiaō en kyriō (laboring in the Lord) transcends social status.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's recognition of women's 'labor' (<em>kopiaō</em>)—the same term he uses for his apostolic work—affirm women's active ministry?
  2. What does it look like to 'labor much in the Lord' (<em>polla kopiaō en kyriō</em>) in your context—exhausting, sacrificial gospel service?
  3. How can churches honor the 'Persis' figures—older believers whose past labor may be forgotten but deserves recognition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 17

“Salute”

G782

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

Τρύφαιναν2 of 17

“Tryphena”

G5170

luxurious; tryphaena, a christian woman

καὶ3 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Τρυφῶσαν4 of 17

“Tryphosa”

G5173

luxuriating; tryphosa, a christian female

τὰς5 of 17
G3588

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

ἐκοπίασεν6 of 17

“laboured”

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

ἐν7 of 17

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ8 of 17

“the Lord”

G2962

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

ἀσπάσασθε9 of 17

“Salute”

G782

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

Περσίδα10 of 17

“Persis”

G4069

a persian woman; persis, a christian female

τὴν11 of 17
G3588

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

ἀγαπητήν12 of 17

“the beloved”

G27

beloved

ἥτις13 of 17

“which”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

πολλὰ14 of 17

“much”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἐκοπίασεν15 of 17

“laboured”

G2872

to feel fatigue; by implication, to work hard

ἐν16 of 17

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ17 of 17

“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 16:12 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 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Thessalonians 5:12-131 Corinthians 15:581 Corinthians 16:16Hebrews 6:10-111 Timothy 5:17-18Colossians 4:12

Test Your Knowledge

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

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