King James Version

What Does Romans 16:9 Mean?

Romans 16:9 in the King James Version says “Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:9 · KJV

Context

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.

10

Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. household: or, friends

11

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. household: or, friends

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved—Aspasasthe Ourbanon ton synergon hēmōn en Christō kai Stachyn ton agapēton mou (ἀσπάσασθε Οὐρβανὸν τὸν συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν Χριστῷ καὶ Στάχυν τὸν ἀγαπητόν μου). Urbanus is synergon (συνεργός, co-worker)—same word used for Priscilla-Aquila (v. 3), Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23), Timothy (Romans 16:21), and even God (1 Corinthians 3:9, 'we are God's fellow-workers'). En Christō (in Christ) roots the partnership in shared identity and mission. Stachys receives the affectionate agapēton mou (my beloved), indicating close personal friendship.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Both names (Urbanus, Stachys) appear in imperial household inscriptions, suggesting possible connection to Caesar's staff. Philippians 4:22 mentions 'saints in Caesar's household'—believers among slaves, freedmen, or officials serving the emperor. Christianity penetrated all social strata: aristocrats (Erastus, city treasurer, v. 23), artisans (Priscilla-Aquila, tentmakers), slaves (Ampliatus, Urbanus). This social diversity was revolutionary, creating communities transcending class, ethnicity, gender—'neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female' (Galatians 3:28).

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be '<em>synergos en Christō</em>' (co-worker in Christ)—how does union with Christ shape partnership in ministry?
  2. How does the diversity of Paul's co-workers (slaves, artisans, aristocrats, Jews, Gentiles, men, women) challenge homogeneous church cultures?
  3. Who are your 'co-workers in Christ'—and how do you cultivate deep friendships rooted in gospel partnership?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἀσπάσασθε1 of 12

“Salute”

G782

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

Οὐρβανὸν2 of 12

“Urbane”

G3773

urbanus (of the city, "urbane"), a christian

τὸν3 of 12
G3588

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

συνεργὸν4 of 12

“helper”

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

ἡμῶν5 of 12

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν6 of 12

“in”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ7 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

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

καὶ8 of 12

“and”

G2532

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

Στάχυν9 of 12

“Stachys”

G4720

stachys, a christian

τὸν10 of 12
G3588

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

ἀγαπητόν11 of 12

“beloved”

G27

beloved

μου12 of 12

“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 16:9 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 16:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:2-3Romans 16:21

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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