King James Version

What Does Romans 16:7 Mean?

Romans 16:7 in the King James Version says “Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Ch...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.”

Romans 16:7 · KJV

Context

5

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

6

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

7

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

8

Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

9

Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners—Aspasasthe Andronikon kai Iounian tous syngeneis mou kai synaichmalōtous mou (ἀσπάσασθε Ἀνδρόνικον καὶ Ἰουνίαν τοὺς συγγενεῖς μου καὶ συναιχμαλώτους μου). Syngeneis (συγγενής, kinsmen) likely means fellow Jews, not blood relatives. Synaichmalōtous (συναιχμάλωτος, fellow prisoners) indicates they were imprisoned for the gospel with Paul—likely husband-wife team like Priscilla-Aquila. Junia (Ἰουνία) is feminine name (Iounian, accusative)—though later copyists masculinized it to Junias due to discomfort with female apostle.

Who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me—Hoitines eisin episēmoi en tois apostolois, hoi kai pro emou gegonan en Christō (οἵτινές εἰσιν ἐπίσημοι ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, οἳ καὶ πρὸ ἐμοῦ γεγόναν ἐν Χριστῷ). Episēmoi en tois apostolois (ἐπίσημος ἐν τοῖς ἀποστόλοις, notable among the apostles) most naturally means they were apostles of note, not merely 'well-known to apostles' (strained alternative). Pro emou en Christō (before me in Christ) indicates earlier conversion than Paul's—they were believers before AD 33-35, possibly witnesses to Jesus' resurrection or Pentecost.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Junia being an apostle scandalized later interpreters. Church fathers (Chrysostom, 4th century) affirmed Junia as woman apostle: 'How great the wisdom of this woman that she was counted worthy of the apostle's title!' Medieval copyists changed Junia (feminine) to Junias (masculine, though no evidence this name existed). Modern scholarship overwhelmingly affirms Junia (feminine): a woman apostle, imprisoned for the gospel, commended by Paul. 'Apostles' had wider sense than the Twelve—missionaries like Barnabas (Acts 14:14), Epaphroditus (Philippians 2:25), Andronicus and Junia.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Junia being '<em>episēmoi en tois apostolois</em>' (notable among the apostles) challenge or affirm your view of women in ministry?
  2. What does it mean to be an 'apostle' in the broader NT sense—missionary, church planter, gospel witness—versus the Twelve?
  3. How can the church honor pioneers like Andronicus and Junia who were 'in Christ before' Paul—earlier converts who paved the way?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 23

“Salute”

G782

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

Ἀνδρόνικον2 of 23

“Andronicus”

G408

man of victory; andronicos, an israelite

καὶ3 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

Ἰουνιᾶν4 of 23

“Junia”

G2458

junias, a christian

τοὺς5 of 23
G3588

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

συγγενεῖς6 of 23

“kinsmen”

G4773

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

μου7 of 23

“my”

G3450

of me

καὶ8 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

συναιχμαλώτους9 of 23

“fellowprisoners”

G4869

a co-captive

μου10 of 23

“my”

G3450

of me

οἵτινές11 of 23

“who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

εἰσιν12 of 23

“are”

G1526

they are

ἐπίσημοι13 of 23

“of note”

G1978

remarkable, i.e., (figuratively) eminent

ἐν14 of 23

“among”

G1722

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

τοῖς15 of 23
G3588

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

ἀποστόλοις16 of 23

“the apostles”

G652

a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)

οἳ17 of 23

“who”

G3739

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

καὶ18 of 23

“also”

G2532

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

πρὸ19 of 23

“before”

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

ἐμοῦ20 of 23

“me”

G1700

of me

γέγονασιν21 of 23

“were”

G1096

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

ἐν22 of 23

“among”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ23 of 23

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 16:7 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 16:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:21Romans 16:11Colossians 4:10Philemon 1:23Galatians 1:22Ephesians 2:10

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