Romans 16:6
What does Romans 16:6 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 16:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 16:6 means
Paul greets Mary, acknowledging that she worked very hard for the Roman believers. Though details are sparse, her labor is clear and valued. The apostle’s brief line dignifies unseen service and persistent effort. In the church, not every faithful person is well known, but God sees and leaders should notice. Naming Mary reminds us that the kingdom often advances through quiet, sustained toil. Paul’s commendation is specific—she labored much—and therefore instructive: spiritual work involves exertion, perseverance, and love in action, not merely sentiments or titles.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Salute Mary, who bestowed much labor on you.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give my love to Mary, who gave much care to you.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Salute Mary, who did labour much for us;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Salute Mary, who hath laboured much among you.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Salute Maria, who laboured much for you.
Context
Paul is moving through a list of names, pausing to honor concrete contributions. After acknowledging a house-church and the first convert of Asia, he now highlights an individual’s strenuous service. The list will continue in verse 7 with fellow Jews who were once imprisoned with Paul, further showing the cost of discipleship. Across these greetings, Paul is stitching together a portrait of a hard-working, suffering, and affectionate community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 16:12
Salute Tryphæna and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.
- 1 Timothy 5:10
well reported of for good works; if she hath brought up children, if she hath used hospitality to strangers, if she hath washed the saints’ feet, if she hath relieved the afflicted, if she hath diligently followed every good work.
- Matthew 27:55
And many women were there beholding from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:
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