Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:

ROMANS 16:3KJV
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Romans 16:3 (KJV)

What does Romans 16:3 mean?

Romans 16:3 is a greeting from Paul to two people, Priscilla and Aquila, whom he calls his helpers in Christ Jesus. Paul is recognizing their partnership and support in his work of spreading the message about Jesus.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Rome, and as he closes, he mentions people who have been important to him. Priscilla and Aquila were a married couple known for their hospitality and for working alongside Paul in ministry. By calling them "helpers," Paul highlights their active role and close relationship with him in serving the early Christian community.

The Greek behind Romans 16:3

  • "Greet" (ἀσπάσασθε, aspasasthe): This Greek word means to salute or welcome warmly. Paul is not just acknowledging Priscilla and Aquila but instructing the Roman church to honor them with affection and respect.
  • "Helpers" (συνεργούς, synergoús): This word means "co-workers" or "fellow workers." Paul is emphasizing that Priscilla and Aquila worked alongside him as equals in the mission of Christ, not just as assistants or supporters.

Why Romans 16:3 matters

  • Romans 16:3 shows that Paul valued teamwork and recognized the contributions of others, including women like Priscilla, in the early church.
  • The verse highlights the personal relationships and mutual support among early Christians, reminding readers that the spread of the message about Jesus was a group effort.
  • By naming Priscilla first, Paul may be signaling her significant role, which challenges assumptions about leadership and gender in the early Christian movement.

Where else these words appear

“Priscilla” Greek G4252 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
  • Acts 18:26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly.

“Aquila” Greek G207 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 18:2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla;(because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
  • 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.

“helpers” Greek G4904 · used in 13 verses

  • Romans 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:23 Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.
  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

“Greet” Greek G782 · used in 49 verses

  • Matthew 5:47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?
  • Romans 16:9 Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
  • Philippians 4:22 All the saints salute you, chiefly they that are of Caesar's household.