Romans 16:7
What does Romans 16:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 16:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 16:7 means
Paul greets Andronicus and Junias, calling them his kinsmen—likely fellow Jews—and fellow prisoners, indicating they suffered imprisonment alongside him at some point. He notes they are well regarded among the apostles and that they were in Christ before he was. This shows Paul’s humility and respect for earlier believers and for those held in high esteem by apostolic leaders. Their experience and reputation commend them. The verse underscores the continuity within the church: seasoned saints who came to Christ before Paul have endured hardship and earned recognition for faithful service in the gospel.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Give my love to Andronicus and Junia, my relations, who were in prison with me, who are noted among the Apostles, and who were in Christ before me.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862salute Andronicus and Junias, my kindred, and my fellow-captives, who are of note among the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow prisoners: who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Salute Andronicus and Junias, my kinsmen and fellow-captives, who are of note among the apostles; who were also in Christ before me.
Context
After honoring Mary’s hard work, Paul turns to two Jewish believers deeply connected to him by suffering. Their shared imprisonment and recognized status among the apostles show the cost and credibility of their ministry. Next, in verses 8–12, Paul will list several more individuals, alternating between terms of affection and descriptions of labor or testing. The sequence builds a composite picture of the Roman church as beloved, proven, and industrious.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Isaiah 45:25
In Jehovah shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17
Wherefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: the old things are passed away; behold, they are become new.
- John 14:20
In that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
- Revelation 1:9
I John, your brother and partaker with you in the tribulation and kingdom and patiencewhich arein Jesus, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and the testimony of Jesus.
- John 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit, he taketh it away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he cleanseth it, that it may bear more fruit.
- Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.
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