1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀσπάζονται
salute
G782
Ἀσπάζονται
salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 20
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
αἱ
G3588
αἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκκλησίᾳ
The churches
G1577
ἐκκλησίᾳ
The churches
Strong's:
G1577
Word #:
4 of 20
a calling out, i.e., (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation (jewish synagogue, or christian community of members on earth
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἀσίας
of Asia
G773
Ἀσίας
of Asia
Strong's:
G773
Word #:
6 of 20
asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore
Ἀσπάζονται
salute
G782
Ἀσπάζονται
salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
7 of 20
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 20
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
11 of 20
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Πρίσκιλλα,
Priscilla
G4252
Πρίσκιλλα,
Priscilla
Strong's:
G4252
Word #:
14 of 20
priscilla (i.e., little prisca), a christian woman
σὺν
with
G4862
σὺν
with
Strong's:
G4862
Word #:
15 of 20
with or together (but much closer than g3326 or g3844), i.e., by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, additi
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
that is in
G2596
κατ'
that is in
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
17 of 20
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
οἶκον
house
G3624
οἶκον
house
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
18 of 20
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Aquila and Priscilla (also called Prisca) were expelled from Rome by Claudius's edict (AD 49) banning Jews. They met Paul in Corinth, worked alongside him, then traveled to Ephesus where they instructed Apollos (Acts 18:26). Priscilla's name appearing first in Acts 18:26 and Romans 16:3 suggests prominence unusual for women in antiquity, possibly indicating she was the primary teacher or of higher social status than Aquila.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the practice of greetings between geographically distant churches teach about Christian unity?
- How does the house church model embodied by Aquila and Priscilla differ from modern church structures?
- What made Aquila and Priscilla such effective ministry partners—for each other, for Paul, for churches?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The churches of Asia salute you—Aspazomai (ἀσπάζομαι, "greet, salute") conveys warm Christian fellowship. Asia refers to the Roman province in western Asia Minor, including Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea—the seven churches of Revelation 2-3. This greeting emphasizes the unity of geographically separated churches, countering Corinthian factionalism.
Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house—This remarkable couple, tentmakers like Paul (Acts 18:2-3), hosted churches wherever they lived—Rome (Romans 16:3-5), Corinth (Acts 18:2), Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:19), and again Rome (2 Timothy 4:19). En kyriō (ἐν κυρίῳ, "in the Lord") distinguishes Christian greeting from mere social courtesy. The kat' oikon ekklēsia (κατ᾽ οἶκον ἐκκλησία, "house church") was the standard New Testament church structure before dedicated buildings existed.