King James Version

What Does Romans 16:3 Mean?

Romans 16:3 in the King James Version says “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:”

Romans 16:3 · 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.

5

Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus—Aspasasthe Priskan kai Akylan tous synergous mou en Christō Iēsou (ἀσπάσασθε Πρίσκαν καὶ Ἀκύλαν τοὺς συνεργούς μου ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ). Aspasasthe (ἀσπάζομαι, greet) was formal greeting, often with holy kiss (v. 16). Priscilla (diminutive Prisca) and Aquila were Paul's co-workers—synergous (συνεργός, fellow workers) implies equal partnership in gospel ministry, not mere assistants. Notably, Priscilla is named first (4 of 6 NT references), suggesting prominence or initiative—unusual in patriarchal culture, indicating her leadership role.

Priscilla and Aquila were tentmakers like Paul (Acts 18:2-3), Jewish believers expelled from Rome under Claudius (AD 49). They hosted Paul in Corinth, traveled to Ephesus, taught Apollos (Acts 18:26—both Priscilla and Aquila instructed him), and later returned to Rome (Romans 16:3). Their pattern: wherever they lived, they established house churches, discipled leaders, advanced the gospel. Paul calls them en Christō Iēsou (in Christ Jesus)—their identity and ministry rooted in union with Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Priscilla and Aquila appear six times in the NT (Acts 18:2, 18, 26; Romans 16:3; 1 Corinthians 16:19; 2 Timothy 4:19). Their mobility and influence were remarkable: Rome, Corinth, Ephesus, Rome again—establishing churches, mentoring leaders (Apollos), risking their lives (v. 4). Priscilla's prominence (often named first) and teaching role (Acts 18:26—she instructed Apollos, a gifted orator) demonstrate women's active ministry in the apostolic church. Church history shows husband-wife ministry teams were common until later restrictions emerged.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the partnership of Priscilla and Aquila teach about husband-wife ministry teams and mutual submission in service?
  2. How does Priscilla's role in teaching Apollos (Acts 18:26) inform discussions about women teaching men in church contexts?
  3. What would it look like to be '<em>synergoi en Christō</em>' (co-workers in Christ) in your context—establishing churches, discipling leaders, advancing the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Ἀσπάσασθε1 of 10

“Greet”

G782

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

Πρίσκιλλαν2 of 10

“Priscilla”

G4252

priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman

καὶ3 of 10

“and”

G2532

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

Ἀκύλαν4 of 10

“Aquila”

G207

akulas, an israelite

τοὺς5 of 10
G3588

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

συνεργούς6 of 10

“helpers”

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

μου7 of 10

“my”

G3450

of me

ἐν8 of 10

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ9 of 10

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ10 of 10

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

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 16:3 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 16:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 4:191 Corinthians 16:19Acts 18:26Romans 16:91 Corinthians 16:16Acts 18:2-17

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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