King James Version

What Does Romans 16:23 Mean?

Romans 16:23 in the King James Version says “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:23 · KJV

Context

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.

25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ,

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you—Aspazetai hymas Gaios ho xenos mou kai holēs tēs ekklēsias (ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Γάϊος ὁ ξένος μου καὶ ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας). Xenos (ξένος, host) means one who provides hospitality—Gaius hosted Paul and the Corinthian church in his home. Holēs tēs ekklēsias (ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας, whole church) suggests Gaius' house was large enough for the entire congregation. This Gaius was one of few Paul baptized personally (1 Corinthians 1:14), indicating early convert and prominence.

Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother—Aspazetai hymas Erastos ho oikonomos tēs poleōs kai Kouartos ho adelphos (ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἔραστος ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως καὶ Κούαρτος ὁ ἀδελφός). Oikonomos tēs poleōs (οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως, city treasurer) was high civic office—Erastus managed Corinth's finances. An inscription found in Corinth (1929) reads: 'Erastus, commissioner of public works, laid this pavement at his own expense'—likely this same Erastus. Quartus receives the simple designation ho adelphos (the brother)—probably humble background, yet equally honored.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gaius' hospitality was crucial—early churches met in homes (no dedicated buildings until 3rd century). Hosting required space, resources, risk (illicit religion). Wealthier believers like Gaius, Philemon (Philemon 2, 'church in thy house'), Lydia (Acts 16:15, 40) provided infrastructure. Erastus' position (city treasurer) shows Christianity penetrated Corinth's elite—not merely religion of slaves. Yet Paul mentions Quartus (common slave name meaning 'fourth') alongside Erastus—no social hierarchy in Christ. Acts 19:22 mentions an Erastus traveling with Timothy; 2 Timothy 4:20 mentions Erastus remaining in Corinth—possibly the same person.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Gaius' role as host 'of the whole church' model hospitality as essential ministry—not optional nicety but gospel service?
  2. What does Erastus' high civic office (city treasurer) teach about Christians engaging culture, government, and professional life for God's glory?
  3. How does mentioning Quartus (humble brother) alongside Erastus (city official) demonstrate the gospel's leveling effect—equal honor in Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
ἀσπάζεται1 of 21

“saluteth”

G782

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

ὑμᾶς2 of 21

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Γάϊος3 of 21

“Gaius”

G1050

gaius (i.e., caius), a christian

ὁ4 of 21
G3588

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

ξένος5 of 21

“host”

G3581

foreign (literally, alien, or figuratively, novel); by implication, a guest or (vice-versa) entertainer

μου6 of 21

“mine”

G3450

of me

καὶ7 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς8 of 21
G3588

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

ἐκκλησίας9 of 21

“church”

G1577

a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth

ὅλης10 of 21

“of the whole”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

ἀσπάζεται11 of 21

“saluteth”

G782

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

ὑμᾶς12 of 21

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Ἔραστος13 of 21

“Erastus”

G2037

beloved; erastus, a christian

ὁ14 of 21
G3588

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

οἰκονόμος15 of 21

“the chamberlain”

G3623

a house-distributor (i.e., manager), or overseer, i.e., an employee in that capacity; by extension, a fiscal agent (treasurer); figuratively, a preach

τῆς16 of 21
G3588

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

πόλεως17 of 21

“of the city”

G4172

a town (properly, with walls, of greater or less size)

καὶ18 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

Κούαρτος19 of 21

“Quartus”

G2890

quartus, a christian

ὁ20 of 21
G3588

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

ἀδελφός21 of 21

“a brother”

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 16:23 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 16:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 1:14Acts 19:223 John 1:1-62 Timothy 4:20Acts 20:4Acts 19:29

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