King James Version

What Does Romans 16:21 Mean?

Romans 16:21 in the King James Version says “Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you. — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

Romans 16:21 · KJV


Context

19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good , and simple concerning evil. simple: or, harmless

20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. bruise: or, tread

21

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

22

I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

23

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute youAspazetai hymas Timotheos ho synergos mou, kai Loukios kai Iasōn kai Sōsipatros hoi syngeneis mou (ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Τιμόθεος ὁ συνεργός μου, καὶ Λούκιος καὶ Ἰάσων καὶ Σωσίπατρος οἱ συγγενεῖς μου). Timothy is synergos (συνεργός, co-worker), Paul's closest associate (Philippians 2:20-22, 'no man likeminded'). Syngeneis (συγγενής, kinsmen) identifies Lucius, Jason, Sosipater as fellow Jews. Jason likely hosted Paul in Thessalonica, facing mob violence (Acts 17:5-9). Sosipater may be Sopater of Berea (Acts 20:4), Paul's travel companion.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy was Paul's protégé—half-Jewish (Acts 16:1), circumcised to facilitate Jewish ministry (Acts 16:3), co-author of six epistles (2 Corinthians, Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, Philemon), pastor of Ephesus (1 Timothy 1:3), recipient of two pastoral letters. His mention here (with lesser-known co-workers) demonstrates Paul's team approach: apostolic ministry was collaborative, not solo. Jason's courage in Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-9—posting bond for Paul, risking his life) exemplifies the cost of hospitality to apostles. These 'workfellows' partnered in planting churches across the Roman world.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Timothy's description as '<em>synergos</em>' (co-worker) rather than 'assistant' teach about mentoring and ministry partnership?
  2. How do Jason's and Sosipater's roles (hosting, traveling, supporting) demonstrate that 'full-time ministry' isn't the only way to serve the gospel?
  3. Who are your 'workfellows' (<em>synergoi</em>)—partners in gospel ministry—and how do you cultivate collaborative mission rather than solo heroism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἀσπάζονταί1 of 15

salute

G782

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

ὑμᾶς2 of 15

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Τιμόθεος3 of 15

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

4 of 15
G3588

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

συνεργός5 of 15

workfellow

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

μου6 of 15

my

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 15

and

G2532

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

Λούκιος8 of 15

Lucius

G3066

illuminative; lucius, a christian

καὶ9 of 15

and

G2532

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

Ἰάσων10 of 15

Jason

G2394

about to cure; jason, a christian

καὶ11 of 15

and

G2532

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

Σωσίπατρος12 of 15

Sosipater

G4989

sosipatrus, a christian

οἱ13 of 15
G3588

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

συγγενεῖς14 of 15

kinsmen

G4773

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

μου15 of 15

my

G3450

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 16:21 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 16:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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