Romans 16:6
Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
Original Language Analysis
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
G782
ἀσπάσασθε
Greet
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
1 of 7
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
Μαρίαμ,
Mary
G3137
Μαρίαμ,
Mary
Strong's:
G3137
Word #:
2 of 7
maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females
πολλὰ
much
G4183
πολλὰ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
4 of 7
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
Historical Context
Romans 16 lists 26 people by name, with greetings to at least 10 house churches in Rome (vv. 5, 10, 11, 14, 15). This was written before Paul visited Rome (AD 57), suggesting he had extensive networks through travel and mutual contacts. Mary's Jewish name and her labor 'among you' suggests she was an early believer in Rome's synagogue-based Christian community, perhaps involved in the risky work of integrating Gentile converts into Jewish-Christian house churches during the Claudius expulsion aftermath (AD 49).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's commendation of Mary's 'labor' challenge restrictive views of women's ministry roles in the church?
- What 'exhausting toil' for the gospel might go unrecognized in your church community, and how can you honor those who serve sacrificially?
- How does Romans 16's extensive list of women in ministry inform your theology of gender roles in church leadership?
Analysis & Commentary
Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us—The name Μαριάμ (Mariam) is the Hebrew form, suggesting Jewish heritage, though the variant Μαρία (Maria) was common among Greeks. The verb ἐκοπίασεν (ekopiasen, 'bestowed labour') is aorist tense, pointing to specific past service, and derives from κόπος (kopos)—exhausting toil, not casual help. Paul uses this term elsewhere for apostolic ministry (1 Corinthians 15:10, Galatians 4:11, Philippians 2:16), elevating Mary's work to the same category as his own.
The phrase εἰς ὑμᾶς (eis hymas, 'on us/for you') could mean either Mary labored for Paul's team or for the Roman church—manuscripts vary between 'us' and 'you.' Either way, she's commended for gospel service, not generic 'women's ministry.' Paul names 10 women in Romans 16, six explicitly praised for ministry labor—demolishing the notion that women were passive in early church leadership. Mary's unspecified labor likely included evangelism, discipleship, hospitality, or teaching, roles Paul consistently affirms for women coworkers (Romans 16:1 Phoebe; 16:3 Priscilla; 16:7 Junia).