Devine Scripture

Romans 16:1

What does Romans 16:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 16:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 16:1 means

Paul introduces Phoebe to the Roman church with warm commendation. He calls her a sister in the Lord and identifies her as a servant of the church in Cenchreæ, the port near Corinth. By commending her, Paul formally vouches for her character and ministry, urging the Romans to recognize her as a valued coworker in God’s service. This shows the early church’s interdependence and the significant roles women held in supporting gospel work. The verse encourages the Roman believers to extend fellowship, respect, and practical support to someone who has faithfully served Christ and His people in another place.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreæ:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I commend unto you Phoebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchreæ:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

It is my desire to say a good word for Phoebe, who is a servant of the church in Cenchreae:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I commend you to Phebe our sister--being a ministrant of the assembly that <FI>is<Fi> in Cenchrea--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I commend to you Phebe, our sister, who is in the ministry of the church, that is in Cenchrae:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is minister of the assembly which is in Cenchrea;

Context

After unfolding the gospel and his plans, Paul closes with personal matters. He begins with a commendation rather than a greeting, likely because Phoebe is arriving among them and needs reception. This sets the tone for the chapter: genuine affection and recognition across churches. The next verse continues the request, describing how the Romans should receive and assist her. From there, Paul moves into an extended series of greetings, evidencing the wide relational network formed by the gospel.

v.1This passage

v.2that ye receive her in the Lord, worthily of the saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever matter she may have need of you: for she herself also hath been a helper of many, and of mine own self.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 12:50

    For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.

  • Acts 18:18

    And Paul, having tarried after this yet many days, took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence for Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila: having shorn his head in Cenchreæ; for he had a vow.

  • James 2:15

    If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food,

  • 1 Timothy 5:2

    the elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, in all purity.

  • Luke 8:3

    and Joanna the wife of Chuzas Herod’s steward, and Susanna, and many others, who ministered unto them of their substance.

  • 1 Timothy 5:9

    Let none be enrolled as a widow under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man,

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