Romans 16:11
Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 14
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τοὺς
them
G3588
τοὺς
them
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συγγενῆ
kinsman
G4773
συγγενῆ
kinsman
Strong's:
G4773
Word #:
4 of 14
a relative (by blood); by extension, a fellow countryman
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
6 of 14
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τοὺς
them
G3588
τοὺς
them
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
that be of
G1537
ἐκ
that be of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
8 of 14
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοὺς
them
G3588
τοὺς
them
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Tacitus and Suetonius mention Narcissus, Claudius' powerful freedman secretary, executed after Claudius' death (AD 54). His vast household (slaves, freedmen, dependents) continued serving Nero. Christianity penetrated imperial households early (Philippians 4:22, 'Caesar's household'). These believers faced unique pressures: serving pagan emperor while confessing Jesus as Lord (Kyrios), navigating court intrigue, risking accusations of disloyalty. Paul honors them by name, affirming their strategic witness in Rome's power center.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that members of Herod's and Narcissus' households came to faith—how does the gospel penetrate hostile environments?
- How do you navigate being '<em>en kyriō</em>' (in the Lord) while serving in secular, even hostile, institutions (workplaces, governments)?
- What unique challenges and opportunities do believers in positions of power or proximity to power face in witness and discipleship?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Herodion my kinsman—Aspasasthe Hērōdiōna ton syngenē mou (ἀσπάσασθε Ἡρῳδίωνα τὸν συγγενῆ μου). Syngenē (συγγενής, kinsman) likely means fellow Jew, not blood relative (same term used for Andronicus-Junia, v. 7). Herodion's name suggests connection to Herod's household—possibly a slave or freedman from Herod's family who came to faith. This would be remarkable: the Herodian dynasty opposed Christianity (Herod Antipas killed John the Baptist, Herod Agrippa I martyred James, Acts 12:1-2). Yet here's a member of Herod's household serving Christ.
Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord—Aspasasthe tous ek tōn Narkissou tous ontas en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε τοὺς ἐκ τῶν Ναρκίσσου τοὺς ὄντας ἐν κυρίῳ). Again, ek tōn Narkissou (those of Narcissus) suggests household members, not Narcissus himself. A wealthy freedman named Narcissus served Emperor Claudius (died AD 54); his household would have been absorbed into imperial household upon his death. Tous ontas en kyriō (those being in the Lord) specifies believers within the household—not all were Christians, but some were.