Romans 16:21
What does Romans 16:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 16:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 16:21 means
Paul passes along greetings from Timothy, his fellow worker, and from Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, whom he calls his kinsmen—likely fellow Jews. These names show Paul’s ministry team and the solidarity he enjoys among Jewish Christians serving the Gentile mission. Timothy’s mention highlights faithful partnership across years. Such greetings remind the Romans that Paul’s teaching comes within a community of witnesses and coworkers, not as a lone voice. The gospel advances through teams, friendships, and shared burdens, knitting together leaders and churches in mutual love and accountability.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Timothy my fellow-worker saluteth you; and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Timothy my fellow-worker saluteth you; and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Timothy, who is working with me, sends his love to you, so do Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relations.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Salute you do Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kindred;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Timothy, my fellow labourer, saluteth you: and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Timotheus, my fellow-workman, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
Context
After promising God’s victory and blessing, Paul turns to greetings from those with him. This section complements the earlier greetings sent to Rome, demonstrating a two-way flow of affection between churches. In verse 22, the scribe who penned the letter will add his own greeting, highlighting the ordinary means—amanuenses—by which epistles were produced. Verse 23 will include further greetings from local hosts and prominent believers, reinforcing the web of relationships that sustain the mission.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 17:14
And then immediately the brethren sent forth Paul to go as far as to the sea: and Silas and Timothy abode there still.
- Romans 16:11
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute them of the household of Narcissus, that are in the Lord.
- Acts 16:1
And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra: and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess that believed; but his father was a Greek.
- Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
- 2 Timothy 1:2
to Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, peace, from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Acts 19:22
And having sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
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