G4368 prostatis (pros-TAH-tis) — patron, benefactor, protector; a woman of standing who supports others.
Word: προστάτις · noun, feminine · Strong's G4368
In brief
Prostatis appears once in the New Testament, for Phoebe. In the Roman world, a patron or benefactor was a person of means and standing who protected and supported others. Paul says Phoebe was this for many people, and for him. Older translations reduced her to a "helper."
Where it appears
- Romans 16:2 — the only occurrence. Phoebe has been a prostatis of many, including Paul himself.
- Related verb, proistēmi — from the same root. It is used for leading or managing: the one who leads (Romans 12:8), an overseer who manages his household (1 Timothy 3:4–5), and elders who lead well (1 Timothy 5:17).
What the lexicons say
Lexicons define prostatis as a female patron, protector, or benefactor. Strong's gloss lists "patroness" but ends with "assistant," an example of an older dictionary softening the word.
How translations render it
| Translation | Romans 16:2 |
|---|---|
| KJV | "a succourer of many" |
| ESV | "a patron of many" |
| NIV (2011) | "the benefactor of many people" |
| NRSV | "a benefactor of many" |
| CEB | "a sponsor of many" |
Modern translations, including the ESV, have moved toward the patron meaning. The older "helper" and "succourer" survive mainly in older Bibles and in teaching built on them.
See for yourself
- Read Romans 16:1–2 together. Paul calls Phoebe a sister, a diakonos, and a prostatis. What picture of her do the three words form?
- Paul says Phoebe was a prostatis to him. What does it mean for Paul to be under her patronage?
Related words
diakonos (G1249, deacon, minister)