Romans 16 11

Romans 16:11 kjv

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

Romans 16:11 nkjv

Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

Romans 16:11 niv

Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

Romans 16:11 esv

Greet my kinsman Herodion. Greet those in the Lord who belong to the family of Narcissus.

Romans 16:11 nlt

Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord's people from the household of Narcissus.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 11 Meaning

Romans 16:11 records Paul's specific greetings to fellow believers in Rome. He first acknowledges Herodion, whom he identifies as his "kinsman," signifying a close personal, and likely ethnic (Jewish), bond. Paul then extends greetings to the Christians residing "in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord," pinpointing believers within a potentially larger, and likely prominent, Roman household. This verse underscores the deep personal connections within the early church and highlights the gospel's broad reach, penetrating diverse social strata, from fellow kinsmen to those in imperial-affiliated households.

Romans 16 11 Context

Romans 16 comprises Paul's personal closing remarks to his theological masterpiece, the Epistle to the Romans. Although Paul had not yet visited the Roman church, this chapter reveals his intimate familiarity with many individuals there, underscoring the interconnectedness of the early Christian network. These greetings serve to affirm existing relationships, acknowledge service, and build bridges of trust with a congregation he soon intended to visit.

Historically, the Roman Empire was characterized by rigid social stratification, with powerful households (familia) comprising not only free family members but also numerous freedmen and slaves who held varying degrees of responsibility and influence. These households were the primary units of society and often served as gathering places for the nascent Christian communities, facilitating the gospel's spread across social divides.

Romans 16 11 Word analysis

• Greet (ἀσπάσασθε, aspasasthe): The Greek imperative "greet" signifies more than a casual hello. It implies a genuine welcome, salutation, or embrace, reflecting the profound sense of fellowship and respect Paul encouraged within the Christian community. This repeated instruction throughout the chapter fosters communal bonds.
• Herodion (Ἡρωδίων, Hērōdiōn): This is a personal name, potentially derived from "Herod," suggesting either a distant connection to the Herodian dynasty or simply a common name of that era. He is explicitly identified further by Paul.
• my kinsman (συγγενῆ μου, syngenē mou): The Greek word syngenēs means "of the same race, nation, or kin." In Paul's letters, particularly within Romans (e.g., 9:3, 16:7, 16:21), it consistently refers to fellow Jews. Thus, Herodion was most likely a Jewish believer, indicating the enduring presence of Jewish Christians in the Roman church, a significant point given Paul's deep burden for his Jewish people (Rom 9-11).
• Greet those in the household of Narcissus (τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου, tous ek tōn Narkissou): Literally meaning "those from Narcissus," this phrase designates individuals belonging to the larger domestic and social unit (the familia or oikos) associated with a prominent person named Narcissus. The Greek construction specifically excludes Narcissus himself, focusing on a part of his household. It shows how the early church comprised members across social positions within broader pagan or secular structures.
• Narcissus (Νάρκισσος, Narkissos): While a somewhat common name, scholarly consensus strongly identifies this figure with Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, an immensely powerful and wealthy freedman under Emperor Claudius. He served as a highly influential administrator and was executed under Nero, prior to Paul writing Romans. His familia would have been extensive, including many slaves and freedmen involved in imperial affairs. This connection highlights the remarkable reach of the gospel, even into high-status, pagan imperial circles, specifically through the conversion of his domestic staff or dependents.
• who are in the Lord (τοὺς ὄντας ἐν Κυρίῳ, tous ontas en Kyriō): This critical qualifier distinguishes the specific group being greeted. En Kyriō ("in the Lord") is a quintessential Pauline phrase denoting a spiritual union with Christ. It defines their new identity, their allegiance, and their shared spiritual life. In this context, it explicitly specifies that only the believers within Narcissus's household are to be greeted, clearly implying that not all members of his household, and certainly not Narcissus himself, were Christians. This distinction emphasizes their primary allegiance to Christ over any worldly master or social standing.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Greet Herodion, my kinsman": This opening segment points to the personal nature of Paul's greetings and his connection to the Jewish component of the Roman church. It underlines the continued inclusion and valuing of Jewish believers within the emerging multi-ethnic Christian body.
• "Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord": This phrase complexly conveys the gospel's expansive reach across socio-economic hierarchies. It highlights that the Christian message had permeated even into the domestic circles of a powerful Roman figure, primarily among its dependent members. The explicit distinction of "who are in the Lord" emphasizes their newfound spiritual identity and allegiance to Christ, which superseded their social status or affiliation with a powerful but pagan household, showcasing the unifying and transformative power of faith.

Romans 16 11 Bonus section

• Paul's extended lists of personal greetings in Romans 16 served an important strategic purpose. As an apostle who had not yet visited Rome, establishing his connection and familiarity with many local believers was a crucial way to build credibility, trust, and acceptance for his forthcoming visit and the profound theological teachings presented in his letter. It helped to legitimize his ministry among an unfamiliar congregation.
• The concept of the oikos (household) was fundamental to early church growth. While Narcissus's household was only partially Christianized, it reflects the pattern of how the gospel spread, often taking root among domestic workers and family members, and becoming a cell of Christian community even within larger, non-Christian social units.
• The likely identification of Narcissus implies that Christians existed within close proximity to imperial power and its symbols, living out their faith and allegiance to Christ in an environment that often demanded allegiance to the Emperor as a divine figure. This highlights the early believers' counter-cultural commitment to their divine Lord.

Romans 16 11 Commentary

Romans 16:11 offers a concentrated illustration of the multifaceted nature of the early Christian movement. Paul's greetings are not mere formalities; they serve as a deliberate affirmation of individual relationships and the vast network of believers. Herodion, identified as Paul's "kinsman," underscores the continued presence and significance of Jewish converts in Rome, reminding us of Paul's unwavering concern for his people. The most intriguing aspect, however, is the salutation to "those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord." If this Narcissus is the prominent imperial freedman, it signals the remarkable penetration of the gospel into the highest echelons of Roman society, albeit likely through slaves and freedmen rather than the master himself. The specific qualifier "who are in the Lord" powerfully accentuates their primary allegiance to Christ, demonstrating that spiritual unity in the Church transcends all earthly distinctions—ethnic, social, and political. This verse concisely showcases Christianity as a deeply personal yet globally interconnected and socially diverse movement, rooted in a shared identity in Christ.