16:2a
Welcome: The Greek word refers to bringing in someone into your group of friends and accepting him or her.
accept (New Century Version)
-or-
receive (Revised Standard Version)
in the Lord: Here this phrase refers to the relationship that believers have with each other because they are Christians. They all are connected because they are in the Lord. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
in the fellowship of the Lord (Revised English Bible)
-or-
like your relative in the Lord Yesus
in a manner worthy of the saints: This phrase indicates that the believers are to welcome Phoebe in a way that is appropriate for believers to welcome other believers. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:
as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people (New Living Translation (2004))
-or-
in a way that is proper for…one of God’s own people (Contemporary English Version)
saints: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as saints is literally “holy (ones).” It can mean “holy people,” “people dedicated/consecrated to God,” or “people whom God has made holy.” Here it probably implies all of these meanings. In the New Testament, this word refers to all Christians, not to any special group of Christians. See how you translated this word in 1:7 or 15:31.
16:2b
assist her with anything she may need from you: The Greek text is more literally “stand with her in whatever matter she may need of you.” Paul wanted the believers in Rome to assist Phoebe in something she needed to do in Rome, if she asked them for help. Here are other ways to translate this clause:
help her in any way she may need you to
-or-
help her with anything she needs from you
16:2c
For: This introduces the reason Paul wanted the believers in Rome to help Phoebe.
a great help: This word refers to someone who supports someone or a cause. He supports them regularly and with a large amount (not just a little bit of money here and there).
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