King James Version

What Does Romans 16:14 Mean?

Romans 16:14 in the King James Version says “Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them. — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:14 · KJV


Context

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.

15

Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.

16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with themAspasasthe Asynkriton, Phlegonta, Hermēn, Patroban, Hermān, kai tous syn autois adelphous (ἀσπάσασθε Ἀσύγκριτον, Φλέγοντα, Ἑρμῆν, Πατροβᾶν, Ἑρμᾶν, καὶ τοὺς σὺν αὐτοῖς ἀδελφούς). Five men grouped together suggest a house church: tous syn autois adelphous (the brothers with them) indicates a worshiping community. Unlike earlier verses with individual commendations, this group greeting implies Paul knew them less personally but honored their collective ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

All five names appear in imperial household inscriptions or as common slave names: Asyncritus ('incomparable'), Phlegon ('burning'), Hermas ('Mercury'), Patrobas (shortened from Patrobius, freedman of Nero), Hermes (god's name, very common). The clustering suggests a house church composed largely of slaves or freedmen. Early Christianity's appeal to lower classes was striking: no property, education, or status required—only faith. Yet these 'insignificant' believers bore witness in Rome's heart, perhaps eventually influencing higher-ups. Paul's greetings democratize honor: slave and senator, woman and man, Jew and Gentile—all equally valued in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the clustering of five names suggest about house church structure and community in the early church?
  2. How does Paul's greeting of humble believers (likely slaves) by name demonstrate the gospel's dignity for the marginalized?
  3. What would it look like for your church to honor 'the brothers with them'—faithful communities of ordinary believers doing extraordinary gospel work?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 11

Salute

G782

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

Ἀσύγκριτον2 of 11

Asyncritus

G799

incomparable; asyncritus, a christian

Φλέγοντα3 of 11

Phlegon

G5393

blazing; phlegon, a christian

Ἑρμᾶν4 of 11

Hermas

G2057

hermas, a christian

Πατροβᾶν5 of 11

Patrobas

G3969

father's life; patrobas, a christian

Ἑρμῆν6 of 11

Hermes

G2060

hermes, the name of the messenger of the greek deities; also of a christian

καὶ7 of 11

and

G2532

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

τοὺς8 of 11
G3588

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

σὺν9 of 11

which are with

G4862

with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi

αὐτοῖς10 of 11

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀδελφούς11 of 11

the brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)


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 16:14 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 16:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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