Romans 16:4
What does Romans 16:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 16:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 16:4 means
Paul recalls that Prisca and Aquila risked their lives for his sake, an act that drew gratitude not only from him but from all Gentile churches. Their sacrifice evidently protected or preserved Paul’s ministry, which in turn served many non-Jewish congregations. This shows how one couple’s courage can bless the wider body of Christ. Paul recognizes public, costly love and connects it to the advance of the gospel among the nations. Sacrificial service for Christ’s servants serves Christ’s mission itself, and the broader church rightly gives thanks for such acts of devotion and risk.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who for my life laid down their own necks; unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who for my life put their necks in danger; to whom not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are in debt:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who for my life their own neck did lay down, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the assemblies of the nations--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752(Who have for my life laid down their own necks: to whom not I only give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles),
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(who for my life staked their own neck; to whom not I only am thankful, but also all the assemblies of the nations,)
Context
Verse 3 named Prisca and Aquila as coworkers; here Paul explains why they are so esteemed. Their life-risking act for Paul’s sake had ripple effects, strengthening Gentile churches. The next verse will mention the church meeting in their house, showing their ongoing hospitality and leadership. From there, Paul will broaden his greetings to others—first individuals closely tied to early gospel work, then a growing circle of believers and households in Rome.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 22:41
Thou hast also made mine enemies turn their backs unto me, That I might cut off them that hate me.
- Revelation 1:4
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from him who is and who was and who is to come; and from the seven Spirits that are before his throne;
- Joshua 10:24
And it came to pass, when they brought forth those kings unto Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chiefs of the men of war that went with him, Come near, put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the necks of them.
- Acts 16:5
So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:14
For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judæa in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;
- Romans 5:7
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: for peradventure for the good man some one would even dare to die.
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