Romans 16:12
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 17
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 17
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Salute
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
9 of 17
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
14 of 17
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Cross References
Historical Context
All three names (Tryphena, Tryphosa, Persis) were common slave names. Tryphena and Tryphosa mean 'dainty' and 'delicate'—possibly sisters with matching names, common practice among slaves. Persis means 'Persian woman,' indicating ethnic origin. Their prominence in Paul's greetings shows that the early church was predominantly lower-class (1 Corinthians 1:26-28, 'not many mighty, not many noble'). Yet Paul honors their gospel labor as highly as any apostle's—kopiaō en kyriō (laboring in the Lord) transcends social status.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's recognition of women's 'labor' (<em>kopiaō</em>)—the same term he uses for his apostolic work—affirm women's active ministry?
- What does it look like to 'labor much in the Lord' (<em>polla kopiaō en kyriō</em>) in your context—exhausting, sacrificial gospel service?
- How can churches honor the 'Persis' figures—older believers whose past labor may be forgotten but deserves recognition?
Analysis & Commentary
Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord—Aspasasthe Tryphainan kai Tryphōsan tas kopiōsas en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε Τρύφαιναν καὶ Τρυφῶσαν τὰς κοπιώσας ἐν κυρίῳ). Kopiōsas (κοπιάω, labor/toil) is present participle—continuous, exhausting work. Paul uses kopiaō for apostolic ministry (1 Corinthians 15:10, 'I labored more abundantly'), manual work (Ephesians 4:28, 'labor with his hands'), and gospel service. Tryphena and Tryphosa were likely sisters or ministry partners, kopiōsas en kyriō (laboring in the Lord)—not generic church work but gospel ministry requiring sacrifice, effort, endurance.
Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord—Aspasasthe Persida tēn agapētēn, hētis polla ekopiasēn en kyriō (ἀσπάσασθε Περσίδα τὴν ἀγαπητήν, ἥτις πολλὰ ἐκοπίασεν ἐν κυρίῳ). Persis ('Persian woman') receives agapētēn (beloved) and commendation for polla kopiaō (much labor)—the aorist tense suggests past, completed service. She may have been older, now less active, but her prior labor is remembered and honored. Paul's threefold commendation of women's 'labor' (Mary v. 6, Tryphena-Tryphosa-Persis v. 12) demonstrates women's active, recognized ministry in the early church.