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Herodion

biblical_person theological_term standard

Herodion is a believer greeted by Paul in Romans 16:11, where Paul calls him “my kinsman.” Scripture gives no further certain details about him.

At a Glance

Herodion is one of the people Paul greets at the end of Romans. Paul calls him “my kinsman,” which most likely means he was a fellow Jew, though a closer family relationship is not impossible.

Key Points

Description

Herodion is a New Testament person mentioned briefly in Romans 16:11, where Paul sends greetings to him and refers to him as “my kinsman.” In context, this likely means Herodion was a fellow Jew, though some interpreters allow the possibility of a family relationship; Scripture does not settle the question. Nothing more certain is known about his life, ministry, or background from the biblical text. A responsible dictionary entry should stay close to what Romans 16 plainly states and avoid speculative identifications based only on the name.

Biblical Context

Herodion appears in Paul’s closing greetings in Romans 16, a section that names several believers connected to Paul and the Roman church. The passage shows the personal and relational nature of early Christian fellowship.

Historical Context

Romans was written to believers in Rome, and Paul’s greetings reflect the network of Christians known to him across the Mediterranean world. Herodion is otherwise unknown from the biblical record.

Jewish and Ancient Context

Paul’s phrase “my kinsman” often points to shared Jewish identity, though it can also be used more broadly for a relative. The text does not allow a more exact conclusion.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

The name is Greek, Ἡρῳδίων (Herōdiōn). Paul’s phrase “my kinsman” translates Greek syngenēs, a word that can mean a relative or a fellow countryman, especially a fellow Jew.

Theological Significance

Herodion’s brief mention reminds readers that Scripture preserves real people, not just major leaders. The greeting also reflects the unity and mutual affection of the early church.

Philosophical Explanation

A short biblical notice can still be historically meaningful. The value of the entry lies not in speculative detail but in the text’s careful preservation of a real person within the life of the church.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not assume Herodion was connected to the Herodian dynasty or identify him with any later figure. Do not press “my kinsman” beyond what the context supports.

Major Views

Most interpreters understand Herodion to be a fellow Jew of Paul. Some think the phrase may indicate a blood relative, but the passage does not decide the matter.

Doctrinal Boundaries

No doctrine should be built on Herodion’s identity beyond the general truth that the early church included named individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Practical Significance

Herodion encourages readers to value ordinary believers whom God knows and remembers, even when Scripture gives only a passing mention.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Herodion

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