Romans 16:2
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
προσδέξησθε
ye receive
G4327
προσδέξησθε
ye receive
Strong's:
G4327
Word #:
3 of 26
to admit (to intercourse, hospitality, credence, or (figuratively) endurance); by implication, to await (with confidence or patience)
κυρίῳ
the Lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
5 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίων
saints
G40
ἁγίων
saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
8 of 26
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραστῆτε
that ye assist
G3936
παραστῆτε
that ye assist
Strong's:
G3936
Word #:
10 of 26
to stand beside, i.e., (transitively) to exhibit, proffer, (specially), recommend, (figuratively) substantiate; or (intransitively) to be at hand (or
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ᾧ
whatsoever
G3739
ᾧ
whatsoever
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
13 of 26
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
χρῄζῃ
she hath need
G5535
χρῄζῃ
she hath need
Strong's:
G5535
Word #:
16 of 26
to make (i.e., have) necessity, i.e., be in want of
πράγματι·
business
G4229
πράγματι·
business
Strong's:
G4229
Word #:
17 of 26
a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 26
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῦ
her
G846
αὐτοῦ
her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
20 of 26
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πολλῶν
of many
G4183
πολλῶν
of many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
22 of 26
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
ἐγενήθη
hath been
G1096
ἐγενήθη
hath been
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
23 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
24 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Philippians 2:29Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:Philippians 1:27Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Historical Context
Roman patronage systems (patronus-cliens) structured society: wealthy patrons supported clients (artisans, teachers, missionaries) who provided services and honor in return. Phoebe was Paul's prostatis (feminine form of prostatēs, patron)—she funded his mission, provided hospitality, leveraged connections. Women like Phoebe (also Lydia, Acts 16:14-15; Priscilla, Acts 18:2-3) were essential to early Christianity's spread, using wealth and status to advance the gospel. Paul's request that Rome assist Phoebe reciprocates her past generosity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Phoebe's role as '<em>prostatis</em>' (patron/benefactor) challenge assumptions about women's involvement in ministry support and leadership?
- What does it mean to 'receive in the Lord' (<em>en kyriō prosdechōmai</em>) fellow believers—how is this distinct from cultural hospitality?
- Who are the 'Phoebes' in your church—faithful servants and financial supporters—and how can you honor and assist them?
Analysis & Commentary
That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints—Hina prosdexēsthe autēn en kyriō axiōs tōn hagiōn (ἵνα προσδέξησθε αὐτὴν ἐν κυρίῳ ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων). Prosdechomai (προσδέχομαι, receive/welcome) implies hospitality—provide lodging, resources, assistance. En kyriō (in the Lord) means as fellow believer, recognizing shared identity in Christ. Axiōs tōn hagiōn (ἀξίως τῶν ἁγίων, worthily of the saints) sets the standard: treat her as befits God's holy people—with honor, generosity, respect.
And that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also—Kai parastēte autē en hō an hymōn chrēzē pragmati· kai gar autē prostatis pollōn egenēthē kai emou autou (καὶ παραστῆτε αὐτῇ ἐν ᾧ ἂν ὑμῶν χρῄζῃ πράγματι· καὶ γὰρ αὐτὴ προστάτις πολλῶν ἐγενήθη καὶ ἐμοῦ αὐτοῦ). Paristēmi (παρίστημι, assist/stand by) means provide whatever help needed. Prostatis (προστάτις, patron/benefactor) was used for wealthy patrons who supported clients—Phoebe financially supported Paul's ministry and many others. She was woman of means, influence, and leadership.