Lexical Summary Héródión: Herodion Original Word: Ἡρῳδίων Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Herodion. From Herodes; Herodion, a Christian -- Herodion. see GREEK Herodes NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Héródés Definition Herodion, a Christian at Rome NASB Translation Herodion (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2267: ἩρῳδίωνἩρῳδίων (WH Ἡρῳδίων, see ῤωδης and Iota), ἡρωδιωνος, ὁ, Herodion, a certain Christian (Paul's kinsman (see συγγενής)): Romans 16:11. Topical Lexicon Textual OccurrenceRomans 16:11 records the single New Testament mention of the believer named Herodion: “Greet Herodion, my kinsman.” Historical Background 1. A Jewish Name in a Roman Setting The personal name suggests association with the Herodian dynasty, a line of Idumean rulers installed by Rome. Jews occasionally bore such culturally blended names, reflecting life in the Hellenistic world. That the bearer of this name is warmly greeted by Paul highlights the gospel’s penetration into every social stratum, even circles once linked to political power. 2. Probable Residency in Rome Romans 16 is a catalog of Roman house–church leaders and members. Herodion evidently resided in the imperial capital, laboring in a congregation that gathered in private homes (Romans 16:5, 15). Relationship to the Apostle Paul Paul calls Herodion “my kinsman” (Greek συγγενής). Elsewhere the apostle uses the same term for Andronicus and Junia (Romans 16:7), implying shared Jewish heritage rather than close blood relation. The greeting is therefore both warm and missional: Christian fellowship transcends ethnic bonds while sanctifying them. Ministry Role within the Roman Church 1. A Tested Partner in Labor Though Scripture gives no specific office, Herodion is mentioned amid co-workers who “labored” (Romans 16:6, 12) and “risked their necks” (Romans 16:4). By placement in the list, he likely shared comparable commitment—possibly aiding evangelistic outreach, providing hospitality, or safeguarding traveling missionaries. 2. Alignment with Other Jewish Believers Several greetings go to Jewish Christians in Rome (Romans 16:7, 11). Herodion thus belongs to a recognizable contingent whose presence countered any Gentile tendency to boast over Jewish branches (Romans 11:18-21), preserving unity in the multi-ethnic body. Theological Significance 1. Evidence of the Gospel’s Inclusive Scope A name echoing the Herodian family—one notorious for opposing Christ (Matthew 2:13; Luke 23:11)—now appears on the roll of Christian saints. Grace triumphs over historical hostility. 2. Vindication of Paul’s Mission Strategy Paul’s practice was “to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Herodion’s presence in a Gentile metropolis confirms the fruit of that two-fold approach. 3. Illustration of Covenantal Continuity By identifying fellow Jews in Christ as “kinsmen,” Paul demonstrates that believing Israelites retain their covenantal identity while finding its fulfillment in Messiah. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Personal greetings matter. Paul models pastoral care by naming individuals, signaling that every disciple is known and valued. Related Biblical Themes and Cross References Acts 13:1 – multiple leaders with diverse backgrounds minister together. Ephesians 2:14-16 – Christ “has made both one,” demolishing the dividing wall. Philippians 4:3 – faithful coworkers’ names “are in the book of life,” echoing the importance of individuals laboring behind the scenes. Forms and Transliterations Ηρωδιωνα Ἡρῳδίωνα Ηρώων erodiona Ērōdiōna Herodiona Hērōdiōna Heroidíona HērōidíōnaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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