Romans 16 4

Romans 16:4 kjv

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.

Romans 16:4 nkjv

who risked their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

Romans 16:4 niv

They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.

Romans 16:4 esv

who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well.

Romans 16:4 nlt

In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 4 Meaning

This verse expresses profound gratitude from the Apostle Paul and all Gentile churches to Priscilla and Aquila. It highlights their exceptional courage and selfless devotion, as they put their own lives at grave risk to save Paul's. Their willingness to face death on his behalf was not only recognized and appreciated by Paul personally but also by the entire community of Gentile Christians, underscoring their critical role in the advancement of the Gospel.

Romans 16 4 Context

Romans chapter 16 serves as the concluding part of Paul's letter, shifting from dense theological exposition to personal greetings and commendations. This chapter provides a unique glimpse into the practical workings of the early Christian community, emphasizing fellowship, partnership in the gospel, and mutual recognition of service. Paul names and honors numerous individuals, both men and women, who contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity, demonstrating the interconnectedness and cooperative nature of early missionary efforts. Specifically, verses 3-4 introduce Priscilla and Aquila, a prominent couple in early church history, whom Paul addresses as "my fellow workers in Christ Jesus." The historical backdrop involves the pervasive persecution of Christians by both Roman authorities and sometimes hostile Jewish groups. Paul, as a leading apostle, was a particular target, and his life was frequently in danger. Priscilla and Aquila, having shared ministry experiences with Paul (Acts 18), were clearly deeply committed to his mission, leading them to extraordinary acts of loyalty.

Romans 16 4 Word analysis

• who: (οἵτινες – hoítines). Refers directly to Priscilla and Aquila, mentioned in the preceding verse (Rom 16:3). This connective pronoun establishes them as the subjects of the verse's commendation, highlighting their identity and their active participation in the actions described.
• for my life: (ὑπὲρ τῆς ψυχῆς μου – hyper tēs psychēs mou).
  • hyper (ὑπὲρ): A Greek preposition meaning "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "in place of." It indicates a substitution or an action done for another's benefit.
  • psychēs (ψυχῆς): Greek for "life," "soul," or "person." Here, it unequivocally means Paul's physical life, signifying that their actions aimed to preserve him from death. This points to a real and severe danger Paul faced.
• risked: (ὑπέθηκαν – hypethekan). From the Greek verb ὑποτίθημι (hypotithēmi), meaning "to place under," "to put forward," or metaphorically, "to put oneself at risk," "to stake." It denotes a deliberate act of placing one's own safety and existence in jeopardy.
• their own necks: (τὸν ἑαυτῶν τράχηλον – ton heautōn trachēlon). A powerful idiom not necessarily implying a literal decapitation but signifying a willingness to face death. In both Greek and Roman cultures, laying one's neck on the block or facing an executioner was the ultimate act of risking life. This imagery vividly conveys the extremity of their danger.
• to whom: (οἷς – hois). A dative plural pronoun, referring back to Priscilla and Aquila, indicating they are the direct recipients of the gratitude that follows.
• not only I give thanks: (οὐ μόνος ἐγὼ εὐχαριστῶ – ou monos egō eucharistō). Paul explicitly states his personal, heartfelt gratitude. "Eucharistō" (εὐχαριστῶ) means "I give thanks," and the "egō" (I) is emphatic, stressing his individual appreciation. This highlights a deep personal bond forged through shared suffering and selfless aid.
• but also all the churches of the Gentiles: (ἀλλὰ καὶ πᾶσαι αἱ ἐκκλησίαι τῶν ἐθνῶν – alla kai pasai hai ekklēsiai tōn ethnōn). This phrase broadens the scope of gratitude dramatically.
  • pasai (πᾶσαι): "All," indicating a unanimous and widespread recognition.
  • ekklēsiai (ἐκκλησίαι): "Churches" or "assemblies," referring to organized Christian communities.
  • tōn ethnōn (τῶν ἐθνῶν): "Of the Gentiles." This emphasizes that their act had a universal impact on the Gentile Christian world, as Paul was the apostle to the Gentiles. Saving Paul’s life meant preserving the continuation of his vital mission to them.

Words-group analysis

• who for my life risked their own necks: This phrase is a singular testament to profound self-sacrifice. It paints a vivid picture of extreme loyalty and courage, where a married couple willingly exposed themselves to mortal danger to preserve the life of their spiritual leader and colleague. The direct contrast between "my life" and "their own necks" highlights the sacrificial exchange they were willing to make. This suggests that the threat to Paul was severe and that Priscilla and Aquila intervened actively and decisively, perhaps by drawing attention away from him, concealing him, or even confronting those who sought his life.
• to whom not only I give thanks but also all the churches of the Gentiles: This part amplifies the significance of Priscilla and Aquila's action beyond Paul's personal gratitude. It establishes their deed as an act with widespread, indeed ecumenical, repercussions. By saving Paul, they effectively saved his ministry, which was indispensable for the growth and spiritual sustenance of the Gentile churches. Therefore, the gratitude expressed is collective, extending from an apostle to the entirety of his mission field, underscoring the invaluable nature of their service to the entire nascent Christian movement among non-Jews.

Romans 16 4 Bonus section

The location and specific circumstances where Priscilla and Aquila "risked their own necks" for Paul are not explicitly detailed in the Bible. However, based on Paul's history, the most likely event occurred in Ephesus, as recounted in Acts 19. Paul faced severe opposition and even mob violence in Ephesus (Acts 19:23-41, also referenced in 1 Cor 15:32 as "fighting wild beasts"). Priscilla and Aquila were prominently active in the Ephesian church (Acts 18:18, 19, 26, 1 Cor 16:19) and would have been present and well-positioned to intervene during such crises. Their status as a tentmaking couple with a church in their home suggests a close working relationship and friendship with Paul. The use of "necks" as an idiom also emphasizes the severity of the danger – perhaps the threat of public execution or lynching during a riot. This verse reinforces Paul's consistent recognition of women in significant roles within ministry, with Priscilla frequently named before her husband, Aquila, possibly indicating her more prominent teaching or leadership gift. Their combined devotion speaks volumes about their partnership in Christ and the selfless nature required for gospel advancement in a hostile world.

Romans 16 4 Commentary

Romans 16:4 stands as a powerful testament to self-sacrificial love and the profound interconnectedness of the early Christian community. Priscilla and Aquila's willingness to risk their own lives for Paul demonstrates the highest form of Christian devotion—love for God manifest in radical love for fellow believers and their ministry. This was not a passive act, but a direct and dangerous intervention that averted a potentially fatal outcome for Paul, preserving his crucial apostolic mission to the Gentiles. The verse underscores the vital role played by ordinary individuals in supporting and protecting spiritual leaders, highlighting that ministry is a collective effort sustained by such extraordinary acts of loyalty. The collective thanks from "all the churches of the Gentiles" indicates the widespread understanding and appreciation of their deed's immense impact on the propagation of the Gospel. It serves as a reminder that great spiritual work is often built upon the foundation of personal courage and selflessness, often from unsung heroes, whose sacrifice allows the broader church to thrive and grow.