Romans 16:12 kjv
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Romans 16:12 nkjv
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have labored in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord.
Romans 16:12 niv
Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
Romans 16:12 esv
Greet those workers in the Lord, Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Greet the beloved Persis, who has worked hard in the Lord.
Romans 16:12 nlt
Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord's workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord.
Romans 16 12 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 16:12 | greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who have worked hard in the Lord | Encouragement for devoted service |
| Phil 4:3 | yes, I also ask you, true partner; help these women who have contended side by side with me in the gospel | Partnership in the gospel ministry |
| 1 Tim 5:10 | and has been well-known for her good works, if she has visited children, if she has shown hospitality to strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work | Criteria for worthy widows (implies diligence) |
| Acts 18:2 | and found a Jew named Aquila, from Pontus by birth, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. He went to them | Hospitality and support of missionaries |
| Acts 18:26 | He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. But when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained the Way of God more accurately. | Teaching and mentoring in the faith |
| 1 Cor 16:15 | Now you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints | Devotion to service of believers |
| Gal 2:9 | and when they saw the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were considered pillars, gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised | Recognition of fellow workers |
| 1 Thess 5:12 | We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you | Respect for those who labor |
| 2 Tim 4:2 | preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching | Endurance in ministry |
| Heb 6:10 | For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and the love that you have shown for his name by having served the saints, as you still do. | God remembers faithful service |
| John 15:8 | By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples | Bearing fruit for God's glory |
| Titus 2:3 | Older women likewise are to be self-controlled, dignified, sensible, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. | Qualities of godly women |
| Titus 2:7 | Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, honor | Being a model of good works |
| Phil 2:17 | Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all | Willingness to sacrifice for faith |
| 1 Cor 3:8 | The one who plants and the one who waters are both alike, and each will receive his own reward according to his own labor | Reward for labor |
| Gal 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Service motivated by love |
| 1 Pet 4:10 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace | Stewardship of gifts for service |
| Mark 10:45 | For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. | Christ as the ultimate servant |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men | Working heartily for the Lord |
| Rev 14:13 | And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their works follow them!” | Works following the faithful |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 12 Meaning
This verse offers commendation to women who labor diligently in the Lord. It specifically highlights Tryphena and Tryphosa, two women recognized for their hard work in service and ministry for Christ. The emphasis is on their dedicated efforts within the Christian community, serving the Lord and fellow believers.
Romans 16 12 Context
Romans chapter 16 serves as a significant chapter of personal greetings and final instructions from the Apostle Paul to the church in Rome. It provides insights into the early Christian community, mentioning various individuals by name and highlighting their contributions to the faith. Verse 12 falls within this context of commendations, specifically addressing two women, Tryphena and Tryphosa, who were recognized for their dedicated efforts in serving the Lord. This chapter demonstrates Paul's deep personal relationships and his awareness of the various roles individuals played in spreading and supporting the Gospel. The specific historical context involves the growing church in Rome, a significant hub of the Roman Empire, where diverse individuals were coming together in faith.
Romans 16 12 Word Analysis
Greet (ἀσπάζεσθε - aspazesthē): This is the present imperative, plural form of the verb ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai). It means to greet, bid welcome, embrace, or show affection towards. It implies a warm and heartfelt salutation.
Tryphena (Τρύφαιναν - Tryphainan): This is the accusative feminine singular form of the proper noun Tryphēna (Τρύφαινα). The name is of Greek origin and potentially relates to the Greek word τρυφή (tryphē), meaning "delicacy" or "luxury." However, in the context of Paul’s commendation for working hard, it’s likely a contrast to or reappropriation of any such connotation, suggesting a deliberate dedication to spiritual labor rather than ease.
Tryphosa (Τρυφῶσαν - Tryphōsan): Similar to Tryphena, this is the accusative feminine singular form of the proper noun Tryphōsa (Τρυφῶσα). The ending suggests a diminutive form or perhaps just another variant of a related name. The meaning is debated, but the commendation strongly points to a meaning associated with diligence and effort.
Who (αἵτινες - haitines): This is a relative pronoun, feminine plural, which serves to introduce the relative clause describing Tryphena and Tryphosa.
Have labored (ἐκοπίασαν - ekopiasan): This is the aorist indicative, third person plural, of the verb κοπιάω (kopiaō). It signifies to labor, toil, grow weary from toil, or exert great effort. It implies strenuous and prolonged work, often with a sense of exhaustion but also dedication. In a spiritual context, it refers to earnest work and service for the Lord.
In (ἐν - en): A common preposition indicating "in," "on," "at," or "by." Here it signifies the sphere or context within which they labored.
The Lord (Κυρίῳ - Kyriō): This is the dative masculine singular form of Κύριος (Kyrios), meaning "Lord" or "Master." In the New Testament, it is frequently used for Jesus Christ as Lord and Master. They labored "in the Lord," meaning within His service, by His power, and for His purposes.
Group Analysis: The phrase "worked hard in the Lord" (ἐκοπίασαν ἐν Κυρίῳ - ekopiasan en Kyriō) is significant. It emphasizes that their toil was not ordinary or for worldly gain, but specifically for Christ and His kingdom. This work was done with the Lord's enabling power and for His glory, distinguishing it from secular labor. It points to a tireless effort and dedication in ministry and service within the Christian community.
Romans 16 12 Bonus Section
The commendation of Tryphena and Tryphosa speaks to the principle that all believers, men and women, are called to contribute their gifts and energies to the body of Christ. Their specific form of labor is not detailed, but the commendation implies a spirit of selflessness and dedication, possibly in areas such as hospitality, teaching, supporting missionaries, or caring for the needy. This resonates with teachings on serving one another in love and working heartily for the Lord, as found in other epistles. It reinforces the idea that faithful service, no matter the specific manifestation, is valued by God and recognized within the fellowship of believers. Their inclusion emphasizes the value Paul placed on genuine discipleship expressed through action.
Romans 16 12 Commentary
Paul's personal greetings in Romans 16 are not merely social pleasantries but often highlight the active and valuable contributions of individuals to the church. Tryphena and Tryphosa are commended for their "hard work in the Lord." This highlights that women played crucial, albeit often unheralded, roles in the early church. Their labor was significant enough for Paul to mention them by name and commend their effort. The term "labored" suggests strenuous, devoted, and potentially exhausting work undertaken for the advancement of the Gospel and the well-being of the church community. Their work was "in the Lord," meaning it was done in dependence on His strength, in alignment with His will, and for His glory, not merely as a human endeavor. This verse encourages believers to recognize and appreciate the diligent service of all, particularly those whose efforts might otherwise go unnoticed.