Romans 16:12

KJV

Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.

KJV (with Strong's)

Salute {G782} Tryphena {G5170} and {G2532} Tryphosa {G5173}, who labour {G2872} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}. Salute {G782} the beloved {G27} Persis {G4069}, which {G3748} laboured {G2872} much {G4183} in {G1722} the Lord {G2962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, women who are working hard for the Lord.

Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has done a lot of hard work for the Lord.

Berean Standard Bible

Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, women who have worked hard in the Lord. Greet my beloved Persis, who has worked very hard in the Lord.

American Standard Version

Salute Tryphæna and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Salute Persis the beloved, who labored much in the Lord.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
This verse, nestled within Paul's final greetings in his letter to the Romans, commends three Christian women—Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis—for their dedicated and strenuous service to the Lord. It underscores Paul's personal appreciation for their contributions and highlights the vital, active role women played in the early church's mission and growth, particularly emphasizing Persis's exceptional diligence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:12 is situated within the closing chapter of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, a section primarily dedicated to personal greetings and commendations. Following the theological exposition of the preceding fifteen chapters, Paul shifts to establishing personal connections with the Roman believers, many of whom he had not yet met. This extensive list of names, including prominent figures like Phoebe, Priscilla, and Aquila in [Romans 16:1-5](/romans/16-1-5 "Romans 16:1-5 - Paul's Greetings to Key Individuals"), demonstrates the deeply relational nature of early Christian communities and Paul's pastoral heart. The specific mention of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis in verse 12, alongside other women throughout the chapter, highlights the significant and active participation of women in the early church's ministry. These greetings are not mere formalities but sincere acknowledgments of their vital contributions to the spread of the Gospel and the building up of the church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the 1st-century Roman Empire, while public life was largely dominated by men, women often held significant influence within the domestic sphere, which was crucial for the burgeoning Christian movement. Early Christian communities frequently met in private homes, transforming these spaces into "house churches." This context provided unique opportunities for women to lead, host, teach, and labor in ways that might have been less accessible in broader public forums. The names Tryphena and Tryphosa, meaning "dainty" or "delicate," might suggest individuals of some social standing, making their "toilsome labor" for the Lord even more remarkable as it transcended conventional societal expectations for women of their class. Paul's explicit commendation of these women challenges the prevailing patriarchal norms of the Greco-Roman world, demonstrating a radical inclusivity within the early church that recognized spiritual gifting and service over social status or gender.
* **Key Themes:** A central theme throughout [Paul's epistles](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for Ministry") is the valuing of diligent service within the body of Christ. Paul meticulously names individuals, affirming that every effort, whether prominent or behind the scenes, is seen and appreciated by God and should be by the church. This practice encourages mutual recognition and strengthens communal bonds, echoing the principle that all members contribute to the flourishing of the body, as articulated in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1-corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). The repeated use of the term "labour" (Greek _kopiáō_) signifies strenuous, often exhausting effort, indicating a commitment far beyond casual involvement. For Persis, the addition of "much" (Greek _polýs_) emphasizes an exceptional degree of self-sacrificial service. This theme underscores the demanding yet rewarding nature of Christian discipleship, where believers are called to give their best to the Lord, mirroring Christ's own tireless work for the Kingdom, as seen in [John 9:4](/john/9-4 "John 9:4 - Working While It Is Day"). Romans 16, particularly this verse, powerfully illustrates the indispensable role of women in the early church. Alongside Phoebe, a deaconess in [Romans 16:1-2](/romans/16-1-2 "Romans 16:1-2 - Phoebe, a Deaconess"), and Priscilla, a co-worker with Aquila in [Romans 16:3-5](/romans/16-3-5 "Romans 16:3-5 - Priscilla and Aquila"), Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis exemplify women who were not passive recipients but active, vital contributors to the Gospel's spread and the church's spiritual growth. Their recognized labor serves as a testament to the transformative impact of the Gospel, which elevates and empowers all believers, regardless of gender, for Kingdom service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **labour (Greek, _kopiáō'_):** From a derivative of _kópos_, this term signifies to feel fatigue or, by implication, to work hard. It denotes intense, toilsome effort, often to the point of exhaustion or weariness. In this context, it highlights the strenuous and dedicated exertion put forth by Tryphena and Tryphosa in their service.
* **in (Greek, _en'_):** A primary preposition denoting fixed position (in place, time, or state) and, by implication, instrumentality. When Paul states they "labour in the Lord," it signifies that their work is performed within the sphere of Christ's authority, under His guidance, for His purposes, and empowered by their union with Him. It's not just work for the Lord, but work immersed in the Lord.
* **much (Greek, _polýs'_):** This adjective (used adverbially here) means much, great, or largely. Applied to Persis, it intensifies the preceding verb _kopiáō_, indicating that her labor was not merely diligent but exceptionally so, characterized by a significant degree of effort, time, or intensity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa":** Paul issues a direct command (using the imperative form of _aspázomai_) to the Roman believers to greet Tryphena and Tryphosa. This indicates not only Paul's personal regard for them but also his desire for the entire community to acknowledge and honor these women, fostering a spirit of mutual recognition and fellowship within the church.
* **"who labour in the Lord":** This clause provides the specific reason for their commendation. The Greek verb _kopiáō_ (labour) implies strenuous, often exhausting effort. Their work was not casual but involved significant exertion and dedication. The phrase "in the Lord" (Greek _en kýriō_) signifies that their labor was performed within the sphere of Christ's authority, empowered by their relationship with Him, and directed towards His Kingdom purposes. It denotes a spiritual quality and divine orientation to their work.
* **"Salute the beloved Persis":** Again, Paul commands a greeting for Persis, but he adds the affectionate descriptor "the beloved" (Greek _agapētós_). This term, often used for those held in high esteem or affection, suggests a particularly close relationship or deep admiration Paul had for Persis, highlighting her cherished status within the Christian community.
* **"which laboured much in the Lord":** This final clause elevates Persis's commendation even further. While Tryphena and Tryphosa "labour in the Lord," Persis "laboured _much_ in the Lord." The addition of the adverb "much" (Greek _polýs_) emphasizes the extraordinary degree, intensity, or duration of her dedicated service, marking her out for exceptional recognition. Like the others, her labor was fundamentally connected to and empowered by her relationship with Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:12 employs several literary devices to convey its message effectively. The most prominent is **Repetition**, with the phrase "labour in the Lord" appearing twice, first for Tryphena and Tryphosa, and then implicitly for Persis. This repetition underscores the central theme of dedicated service and highlights its importance in Paul's estimation. The intensification for Persis, "laboured **much** in the Lord," serves as a form of **Climax** or **Emphasis**, singling her out for exceptional commendation and drawing the reader's attention to her extraordinary diligence. There is also a subtle **Irony** or **Contrast** in the names Tryphena and Tryphosa, which are derived from a root meaning "delicate" or "luxurious." This stands in stark contrast to the "toilsome labor" (Greek _kopiáō_) they undertook, suggesting that their devotion to Christ transcended their natural inclinations or perhaps their social standing, making their service all the more remarkable. Paul's use of **Personalization** through naming these individuals and adding the affectionate "beloved" for Persis creates a strong sense of intimacy and genuine appreciation, making the commendations more impactful than a general statement about "workers."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:12 contributes significantly to the biblical theology of work and the church's communal life. It affirms that all labor undertaken "in the Lord" is inherently valuable and spiritually significant, transforming mundane tasks into acts of worship and service to God's Kingdom. This verse also powerfully reinforces the New Testament's radical inclusion of women in active ministry, challenging prevailing cultural norms by publicly recognizing their indispensable contributions. Paul's commendation underscores the importance of mutual encouragement and affirmation within the body of Christ, demonstrating that recognizing and celebrating the diligent efforts of fellow believers is vital for fostering unity, motivation, and healthy spiritual growth. The emphasis on "much" labor for Persis further highlights the call to exceptional dedication and sacrifice in Christian service, a standard to which all believers are invited.

* [1 Corinthians 15:58](/1-corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Steadfastness in the Lord's Work")
* [Colossians 3:23-24](/colossians/3-23-24 "Colossians 3:23-24 - Working Heartily for the Lord")
* [Philippians 4:3](/philippians/4-3 "Philippians 4:3 - Paul's Co-workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:12 serves as a profound encouragement and challenge for contemporary believers. It reminds us that our service, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, is seen and valued by God when it is performed "in the Lord"—that is, with Christ as its source, purpose, and strength. This verse calls us to move beyond passive faith to active, diligent participation in the work of the Kingdom, understanding that true discipleship often involves strenuous effort and personal sacrifice. Furthermore, Paul's example of commending these women by name urges us to cultivate a culture of affirmation and appreciation within our own Christian communities, recognizing and celebrating the diverse gifts and tireless efforts of all who serve. It particularly prompts us to consider how we can intentionally empower and acknowledge the contributions of women in ministry and leadership, ensuring that their labor is not only valued but also fully utilized for the advancement of the Gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for your daily work or service to be "in the Lord"?**
* **In what areas of your life or church community are you called to "labour much" for Christ?**
* **How can you better recognize and affirm the contributions of others, especially those whose service might be overlooked?**

### FAQ
**Who were Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis?**

Answer: Tryphena and Tryphosa were Christian women in Rome, likely sisters or close associates given their similar names, whom Paul commends for their "labour in the Lord." Persis was another Christian woman, distinct from the first two, whom Paul singles out for having "laboured _much_ in the Lord," indicating an exceptional degree of dedication. While we have no further biographical details about them outside of this verse, their inclusion in Paul's greetings in [Romans 16](/romans/16 "Romans 16 - Paul's Greetings") signifies their active and valued roles within the early Roman church community. Their names, particularly Tryphena and Tryphosa, which mean "dainty" or "luxurious," might suggest a background of privilege, making their strenuous service for Christ even more noteworthy.

**What kind of "labor" did these women perform?**

Answer: The Greek word for "labour" (_kopiáō_) implies strenuous, toilsome effort, often to the point of exhaustion. While the specific nature of their work is not detailed, in the context of early house churches, this "labor" could have encompassed a wide range of vital activities. This might include hosting church gatherings, teaching, evangelizing, providing hospitality to traveling missionaries like Paul, caring for the sick or poor, preparing meals, managing resources, or engaging in fervent prayer and intercession. Their labor was integral to the daily functioning, spiritual growth, and outreach of the nascent Christian community in Rome, demonstrating that the work of the Gospel required practical, dedicated effort from all believers, male and female, as seen in the example of Phoebe, a deaconess mentioned in [Romans 16:1-2](/romans/16-1-2 "Romans 16:1-2 - Phoebe, a Deaconess").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:12, in commending the diligent labor of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Their "labor in the Lord" is a participation in Christ's own tireless ministry, who "came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). These women embody the call to discipleship that mirrors Christ's self-sacrificial love and dedication to the Father's will, even to the point of exhaustion, as He often ministered without rest ([John 4:6](/john/4-6 "John 4:6 - Jesus, Tired by His Journey")). Their efforts in building up the church reflect the ongoing work of Christ through His Spirit, who empowers believers to continue the mission He inaugurated ([John 14:12](/john/14-12 "John 14:12 - Greater Works")). Ultimately, their labor, and indeed all Christian service, is not merely human effort but a response to and extension of the finished work of Christ on the cross, through which humanity is reconciled to God and empowered for new life and service ([2-corinthians/5-17-18](/2-corinthians/5-17-18 "2 Corinthians 5:17-18 - New Creation in Christ")). Thus, these women serve as poignant examples of lives poured out in loving devotion, reflecting the very heart of the One who "laboured much" for the salvation of the world.

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

1 Thessalonians 5:12

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;

1 Thessalonians 5:13

And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. [And] be at peace among yourselves.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Hebrews 6:11

And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end:

1 Corinthians 16:16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;