Romans 16:11

KJV

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the [household] of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} Herodion {G2267} my {G3450} kinsman {G4773}. Greet {G782} them {G3588} that be of {G1537} the household of Narcissus {G3488}, which {G3588} are {G5607} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet my relative, Herodion.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet Herodion, my fellow countryman. Greet those from the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.

American Standard Version

Salute Herodion my kinsman. Salute them of the household of Narcissus, that are in the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:11 is a concise yet profoundly insightful verse nestled within Paul's extensive closing greetings to the Roman church. It highlights the apostle's personal connections and the remarkably diverse composition of early Christian communities, extending salutations to Herodion, whom Paul identifies as a kinsman, and to specific believers within the prominent household of Narcissus, emphasizing their shared identity "in the Lord." This verse underscores the intimate network of early believers and the gospel's pervasive reach across social strata in the Roman Empire.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's magnum opus, the Epistle to the Romans. Unlike typical epistolary conclusions, this chapter is remarkably long, filled with specific personal greetings to over two dozen individuals and several groups. Far from being a mere formality, this detailed roster underscores Paul's deep relational investment and the interconnected, organic nature of the early Christian movement. It reveals the practical outworking of the theological principles laid out in the preceding chapters, demonstrating how the gospel creates a diverse yet unified community. The greetings in [Romans 16:3-16](/romans/16-3-16 "Romans 16:3-16 - Paul's Extensive Greetings") are a testament to the broad network of co-workers, patrons, and disciples Paul relied upon, emphasizing the collective effort in spreading the gospel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Rome was a bustling metropolis, the heart of an empire characterized by a complex social hierarchy. Households (`oikos` in Greek) were fundamental social and economic units, encompassing not just immediate family but also slaves, freedmen, and dependents. The mention of "the household of Narcissus" is particularly significant. While the New Testament does not explicitly identify this Narcissus, historical records point to a powerful and wealthy freedman named Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, who served as Emperor Claudius's secretary and was immensely influential. Even if not *that* Narcissus, the reference implies a household of considerable standing. The fact that believers were found within such a prominent household demonstrates the gospel's penetration into various levels of Roman society, from the marginalized to those connected to the imperial court, illustrating the universal appeal of Christ's message, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 1:26-29](/1_corinthians/1-26-29 "1 Corinthians 1:26-29 - God Chooses the Lowly").
* **Key Themes:** Romans 16:11 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it highlights **Christian Fellowship and Community**, emphasizing the value of individual believers and the strong bonds of `koinonia` (fellowship) within the early church. Paul's personal care for his "kinsman" Herodion points to the familial nature of Christian relationships, where spiritual ties often transcended or redefined biological ones. Secondly, it showcases the **Diversity and Unity of the Church**, demonstrating how the gospel transcends social, economic, and ethnic barriers. The presence of believers in a prominent household like Narcissus's illustrates that faith in Christ united people from vastly different backgrounds, echoing Paul's declaration in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ") that "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." Finally, the phrase "which are in the Lord" underscores the **Defining Characteristic of Faith and Spiritual Identity**. This spiritual identity in Christ is the fundamental basis for Paul's greeting and the distinguishing mark of true believers, signifying their new allegiance and transformed status, as explored in [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Salute (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, literally means "to enfold in the arms" or "to embrace," and by implication, "to greet" or "to welcome." Its root conveys a sense of union. In the context of Paul's letters, it signifies a warm, personal, and affectionate greeting, reflecting genuine fellowship and recognition of shared spiritual identity within the body of Christ. It is more than a mere formality; it conveys a sense of belonging and mutual affirmation.
* **kinsman (Greek, _syngenḗs'_):** Derived from `sýn` (with) and `génos` (race, family), this term denotes a relative by blood or, by extension, a fellow countryman. For Paul, a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin, "kinsman" could refer to a literal blood relative or, more broadly, a fellow Israelite. The use here for Herodion suggests a particularly close bond, either familial or ethnic, within the broader spiritual family of believers. It highlights the personal connections Paul maintained even amidst his extensive apostolic travels.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** This powerful noun signifies "supreme in authority" or "controller," functioning as a respectful title for a master or, most significantly in the New Testament, for God or Jesus Christ. When believers are described as being "in the Lord," it denotes their spiritual union with Christ, their allegiance to Him as sovereign, and their participation in His redemptive work and new life. It is the fundamental characteristic that defines their Christian identity and the basis for their inclusion in the community of faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Herodion my kinsman."**: Paul begins by extending a direct and personal greeting to Herodion. The term "salute" (Greek: _aspázomai_) conveys warmth and affection, indicating a genuine personal connection. The designation "my kinsman" (Greek: _syngenḗs_) further emphasizes this bond, suggesting either a blood relative or a fellow Jew, highlighting a shared heritage that predates or is deepened by their shared faith in Christ. This personal touch humanizes Paul's ministry and underscores the importance of individual relationships within the broader Christian community.
* **"Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus,"**: Here, Paul shifts from an individual greeting to a group associated with a specific household. The phrase "them that be of" (Greek: _ek_) denotes origin or belonging, indicating that these individuals are members or associates of the household of Narcissus. This Narcissus was likely a prominent figure in Rome, possibly a wealthy freedman of Emperor Claudius, signifying the gospel's reach into influential and diverse social strata. The greeting is not to Narcissus himself (who may or may not have been a believer) but specifically to those within his domestic unit who have embraced faith.
* **"which are in the Lord."**: This crucial qualifying phrase distinguishes the believers within Narcissus's household from any other members. It defines their spiritual identity and is the sole basis for Paul's salutation to them. To be "in the Lord" (Greek: _en kyriō_) signifies a profound spiritual union with Jesus Christ—a state of belonging, allegiance, and new life derived from Him. This phrase underscores that Christian identity transcends social status, economic standing, or familial ties, resting solely on one's relationship with Christ. It is the fundamental mark of a true follower of Jesus, uniting them despite their diverse backgrounds.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices, most notably **Apostolic Greeting** as a form of **Inclusivity**. Paul's direct salutations to individuals and groups, even those within powerful households, demonstrate his commitment to personal connection and the universal reach of the gospel. The repeated use of "Salute" or "Greet" (Greek: _aspázomai_) functions as a **Repetition** that emphasizes the importance of fellowship and mutual recognition among believers. Furthermore, the phrase "which are in the Lord" acts as a **Defining Qualifier**, serving as a concise theological statement that immediately identifies the true basis of Christian community and the essential characteristic of its members. This phrase also functions as a form of **Spiritual Identity Marker**, highlighting that spiritual status in Christ supersedes all other social or familial distinctions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:11 powerfully illustrates the unifying and transformative power of the gospel, which creates a new spiritual family that transcends conventional social, economic, and ethnic boundaries. The inclusion of a "kinsman" and members of a prominent Roman "household" demonstrates that the church is a diverse body, knit together not by shared lineage or social standing, but by a common allegiance to Christ. This verse reinforces the Pauline emphasis on being "in Christ" as the foundational reality for all believers, signifying a new identity, purpose, and belonging that supersedes all earthly distinctions. It reminds us that every individual, regardless of their background, is equally valued and welcomed into God's family through faith.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")
* [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Distinction in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with Saints")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:11 serves as a profound reminder of the universal and inclusive nature of the Christian faith. It challenges us to look beyond superficial differences—whether social status, ethnicity, or personal background—and recognize the profound unity we share in Christ. Just as Paul valued both his "kinsman" and those from a powerful Roman household, we are called to embrace and affirm every believer as a fellow member of God's family. This verse encourages us to actively foster genuine fellowship, extending warmth and recognition to all who are "in the Lord," thereby strengthening the bonds of community within our churches and beyond. It prompts us to consider how we can intentionally connect with and support those who may seem different from us, remembering that our shared identity in Christ is the most significant bond of all.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of believers mentioned in this verse challenge my own perceptions of who belongs in the church?**
* **In what ways can I actively extend "salutations" and genuine welcome to all members of my spiritual community, regardless of their background?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to live as someone "in the Lord" in my daily life and interactions?**

### FAQ

**Who was Herodion, and why is Paul calling him "my kinsman"?**

Answer: Herodion was a Christian believer in Rome whom Paul greets personally. The term "kinsman" (Greek: _syngenḗs_) can mean a blood relative, such as a cousin or close family member, or it can refer more broadly to a fellow countryman, specifically a fellow Jew. Given Paul's strong Jewish heritage and his frequent references to his people (e.g., [Romans 9:3](/romans/9-3 "Romans 9:3 - Paul's Burden for Israel")), it is highly probable that Herodion was a fellow Jew who had also come to faith in Christ. This designation highlights a particularly close and personal bond between Paul and Herodion, whether familial or ethnic, within the broader spiritual family of believers.

**What does "the household of Narcissus" imply about the early church's reach?**

Answer: The "household of Narcissus" refers to the entire domestic unit associated with a prominent Roman figure named Narcissus. In Roman society, a "household" (Latin: _familia_, Greek: _oikos_) included not only immediate family members but also slaves, freedmen, and other dependents. While the specific Narcissus mentioned here is not definitively identified, historical records point to a powerful and wealthy freedman of Emperor Claudius named Tiberius Claudius Narcissus, who held significant influence. The fact that believers were found within such a prominent household demonstrates the gospel's remarkable ability to penetrate all levels of Roman society, from the lowest social strata to those connected to the imperial elite. It shows that Christian faith transcended social status and economic standing, uniting people from diverse backgrounds under the common banner of Christ, as seen in the spread of the gospel through households in [Acts 16:31-34](/acts/16-31-34 "Acts 16:31-34 - The Philippian Jailer's Household").

**What is the significance of the phrase "which are in the Lord"?**

Answer: The phrase "which are in the Lord" is profoundly significant as it serves as the defining characteristic of the individuals Paul greets within Narcissus's household. It distinguishes them as true believers, regardless of their social standing or their association with a non-Christian master. To be "in the Lord" (Greek: _en kyriō_) signifies a deep, spiritual union with Jesus Christ. It implies that these individuals have placed their faith in Him, are indwelt by His Spirit, and their lives are now defined by their relationship with Him. This spiritual identity is the ultimate basis for Paul's recognition and greeting, underscoring that Christian fellowship is founded not on earthly connections but on a shared, transformative relationship with Christ. This concept is central to Paul's theology, emphasizing that believers are a "new creation" [in Christ Jesus](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:11, while a simple greeting, is deeply Christ-centered in its implications. The very foundation of Paul's salutation to the "household of Narcissus" rests on the pivotal phrase "which are in the Lord." This phrase encapsulates the core of Christian identity and the essence of the gospel. To be "in the Lord" means to be united with Christ through faith, sharing in His death and resurrection, and living under His sovereign rule. This spiritual union is the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, as Christ becomes the new head of humanity, establishing a new family (the Church) that transcends all earthly distinctions (cf. [Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ as Head of the Church")). In Christ, "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")), meaning the social barriers inherent in Roman society, such as the divide between Paul's "kinsman" and members of a powerful household, are dissolved by the unifying power of the Spirit. Jesus Christ is the one who breaks down "the dividing wall of hostility" ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down Barriers")), creating one new humanity. Thus, the greetings in Romans 16:11 are not merely social pleasantries but acknowledgments of a new, Christ-formed reality where all who are "in Him" are brothers and sisters, co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")), and members of God's household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with Saints")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Romans 16:7

Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.

Romans 16:21

¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.