King James Version

What Does Romans 16:2 Mean?

Romans 16:2 in the King James Version says “That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you:... — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 16:2 · 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:

4

Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saintsHina prosde​xēsthe autēn en kyriō axiōs tōn hagiōn (ἵνα προσδέξησθε αὐτὴν ἐν κυρίῳ ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων). Prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι, receive/welcome) implies hospitality—provide lodging, resources, assistance. En kyriō (in the Lord) means as fellow believer, recognizing shared identity in Christ. Axiōs tōn hagiōn (ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων, worthily of the saints) sets the standard: treat her as befits God's holy people—with honor, generosity, respect.

And that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself alsoKai parastēte autē en hō an hymōn chrēzē pragmati· kai gar autē prostatis pollōn egenēthē kai emou autou (καὶ παραστῆτε αὐτῇ ἐν ᾧ ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὴ προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ). Paristēmi (παρίστημι, assist/stand by) means provide whatever help needed. Prostatis (προστάτις, patron/benefactor) was used for wealthy patrons who supported clients—Phoebe financially supported Paul's ministry and many others. She was woman of means, influence, and leadership.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman patronage systems (patronus-cliens) structured society: wealthy patrons supported clients (artisans, teachers, missionaries) who provided services and honor in return. Phoebe was Paul's prostatis (feminine form of prostatēs, patron)—she funded his mission, provided hospitality, leveraged connections. Women like Phoebe (also Lydia, Acts 16:14-15; Priscilla, Acts 18:2-3) were essential to early Christianity's spread, using wealth and status to advance the gospel. Paul's request that Rome assist Phoebe reciprocates her past generosity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Phoebe's role as '<em>prostatis</em>' (patron/benefactor) challenge assumptions about women's involvement in ministry support and leadership?
  2. What does it mean to 'receive in the Lord' (<em>en kyriō prosdechōmai</em>) fellow believers—how is this distinct from cultural hospitality?
  3. Who are the 'Phoebes' in your church—faithful servants and financial supporters—and how can you honor and assist them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
ἵνα1 of 26

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

αὐτοῦ2 of 26

her

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

προσδέξησθε3 of 26

ye receive

G4327

to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)

ἐν4 of 26

in

G1722

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

κυρίῳ5 of 26

the Lord

G2962

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

ἀξίως6 of 26

as becometh

G516

appropriately

τῶν7 of 26
G3588

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

ἁγίων8 of 26

saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

καὶ9 of 26

also

G2532

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

παραστῆτε10 of 26

that ye assist

G3936

to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or

αὐτοῦ11 of 26

her

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

ἐν12 of 26

in

G1722

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

13 of 26

whatsoever

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν14 of 26
G302

whatsoever

ὑμῶν15 of 26

of you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

χρῄζῃ16 of 26

she hath need

G5535

to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of

πράγματι·17 of 26

business

G4229

a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)

καὶ18 of 26

also

G2532

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

γὰρ19 of 26

for

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτοῦ20 of 26

her

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

προστάτις21 of 26

a succourer

G4368

a patroness, i.e., assistant

πολλῶν22 of 26

of many

G4183

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

ἐγενήθη23 of 26

hath been

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ24 of 26

also

G2532

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

αὐτοῦ25 of 26

her

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

ἐμοῦ26 of 26
G1700

of me


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 16:2 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 16:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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