King James Version

What Does Romans 16:22 Mean?

Romans 16:22 in the King James Version says “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:22 · KJV

Context

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.

24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord—Aspazomai hymas egō Tertios ho grapsas tēn epistolēn en kyriō (ἀσπάζομαι ὑμᾶς ἐγὼ Τέρτιος ὁ γράψας τὴν ἐπιστολὴν ἐν κυρίῳ). Ho grapsas (ὁ γράφω, the one writing) identifies Tertius as Paul's amanuensis (secretary). En kyriō (in the Lord) shows Tertius isn't mere scribe but fellow believer. Paul typically dictated letters (Romans, 1-2 Corinthians, Galatians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, Philemon mention dictation), signing them personally (Galatians 6:11, 'see what large letters'; 2 Thessalonians 3:17, 'the token in every epistle'). Tertius' greeting humanizes the text—this theological masterpiece passed through human hands, written painstakingly with stylus on papyrus.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Amanuenses (secretaries) were common in antiquity: educated slaves, freedmen, or hired professionals transcribed dictation. Paul likely couldn't write extensively due to poor eyesight (Galatians 4:15, 6:11) or manual labor damage to hands (tentmaking). Tertius' skill in Greek rhetoric and theology shows in Romans' literary quality—yet the content is Paul's (1:1, 'Paul...called an apostle'). This partnership between apostle and scribe mirrors the Spirit's inspiration through human authors: divine authority mediated through human personality. Tertius' brief greeting honors the 'invisible' laborers—scribes, copyists, messengers—who preserved and transmitted Scripture.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Tertius' inclusion ('I...wrote this epistle') teach about honoring support roles in ministry—those who serve behind the scenes?
  2. How does recognizing human mediation (Paul dictated, Tertius wrote) affect your view of Scripture's inspiration and authority?
  3. Who are the 'Tertius' figures in your ministry context—faithful servants whose work enables others' public ministry—and how can you honor them?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
ἀσπάζομαι1 of 10

“salute”

G782

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

ὑμᾶς2 of 10

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐγὼ3 of 10

“I”

G1473

i, me

Τέρτιος4 of 10

“Tertius”

G5060

third; tertius, a christian

ὁ5 of 10
G3588

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

γράψας6 of 10

“who wrote”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

τὴν7 of 10
G3588

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

ἐπιστολὴν8 of 10

“this epistle”

G1992

a written message

ἐν9 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

κυρίῳ10 of 10

“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 16:22 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 16:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 6:11Romans 16:81 Corinthians 16:21Colossians 3:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 16 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes