16:12a

Tryphena and Tryphosa: These names refer to women.

women who have worked hard in the Lord: The Greek is more literally “the ones presently working hard in the Lord.” It indicates that Tryphaena and Tryphosa were working hard for the gospel of Jesus when Paul wrote this letter. But it is not known what kind of work they did.

women who have worked hard: This word is based on the same Greek word translated “worked-hard/labored” in 16:6. The word here means “people who work-hard/labor.”

in the Lord: Here this phrase indicates that the work is for the Lord.

16:12b

my beloved: This indicates that Paul and others loved Persis as a Christian sister. Translate the word beloved as you did in 16:5 or 16:9. Note that Paul did not use my here, but the Berean Standard Bible has added it to make the meaning clearer.

Persis: This name refers to a woman.

who has worked very hard in the Lord: This further describes Persis. For the correct meaning in some languages, the translator must avoid the word who here. For example:

She has worked very hard in the Lord

has worked very hard: The Greek is more literally “labored much.” See how you translated this phrase in 16:6.

in the Lord: This phrase indicates that Persis’ work was through the Lord and for him. It was Christian ministry of some kind.

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