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Romans 16:12

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

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}.

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.

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

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

Commentary

Romans 16:12 is part of the extensive personal greetings Paul sends to various members of the church in Rome, highlighting his deep personal connection and appreciation for their contributions to the Christian community.

Context

This verse is nestled within the final chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans, where he greets an unusually large number of individuals by name. This practice reveals the personal nature of early Christian fellowship and Paul's meticulous attention to the people who comprised the nascent church. The inclusion of Tryphena, Tryphosa, and Persis specifically underscores the vital and active role women played in the early Christian movement, often serving alongside men in significant ways. These greetings are more than mere formalities; they are commendations for their dedication and service.

Key Themes

  • Recognition of Labor: Paul takes care to acknowledge specific individuals by name, emphasizing their active participation and "labour in the Lord." This shows that every effort, big or small, is noticed and valued by God and should be by the church.
  • Diligence and Dedication: The phrase "labour in the Lord" (for Tryphena and Tryphosa) and "laboured much in the Lord" (for Persis) highlights a commitment beyond casual involvement. It speaks to a fervent, active, and often strenuous engagement in Christian service.
  • Valued Contributions of Women: The specific mention of these three women, alongside others in Romans 16 like Phoebe and Priscilla, demonstrates that women were not merely passive recipients of the Gospel but active, indispensable contributors to the growth and sustenance of the early church. Their work was essential for the spread of the Gospel and the building up of believers.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "labour" here is kopiao (κοπιάω), which signifies intense, toilsome effort, often to the point of exhaustion or weariness. It's not just a casual task but a dedicated, strenuous exertion. The repetition of this term for Tryphena and Tryphosa, and then the emphatic "laboured much" (πολύ - polu, meaning "much" or "greatly") for Persis, suggests a significant degree of commitment and self-sacrifice in their service. The names Tryphena and Tryphosa themselves mean "dainty" or "delicate," which provides a striking contrast to the "toilsome labor" they undertook for the Lord, perhaps indicating their devotion transcended their natural inclinations or social expectations.

Practical Application

Romans 16:12 serves as a powerful reminder for believers today:

  • Every Service Matters: It affirms that all who "labour in the Lord," regardless of their perceived status or role, are seen and valued by God. Our efforts, when consecrated to Him, are never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
  • Encourage One Another: Paul's example of personally greeting and commending these individuals teaches us the importance of recognizing and appreciating the hard work of others within the Christian community. Such affirmation strengthens fellowship and motivates continued service.
  • Commitment to Toil: The call to "labour much" challenges us to give our best to the Lord, to dedicate ourselves wholeheartedly to the work of His kingdom, even when it requires strenuous effort or personal sacrifice. This dedication reflects a true love for Christ and His church, mirroring the example set by these early Christian women who worked heartily as for the Lord.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:12 (5 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Hebrews 6:10 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 (4 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    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;