711. Aristoboulos
Lexical Summary
Aristoboulos: Aristobulus

Original Word: Ἀριστόβουλος
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: Aristoboulos
Pronunciation: ar-is-TO-boo-los
Phonetic Spelling: (ar-is-tob'-oo-los)
KJV: Aristobulus
NASB: Aristobulus
Word Origin: [from a superlative from G142 (αἴρω - take) (by way of G712 (ἄριστον - dinner)) and G1012 (βουλή - purpose)]

1. best counselling
2. Aristoboulus, a Christian

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Aristobulus.

From the same as ariston and boule; best counselling; Aristoboulus, a Christian -- Aristobulus.

see GREEK ariston

see GREEK boule

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from the same as Aristarchos and boulé
Definition
"best-counseling," Aristobulus, a Christian at Rome
NASB Translation
Aristobulus (1).

Thayer's Greek Lexicon
STRONGS NT 711: Ἀριστόβουλος

Ἀριστόβουλος, Ἀριστοβούλου, (literally, best-counselling), Aristobulus a certain Christian (cf. B. D. American edition under the word and Lightfoot on Philippians, p. 174f): Romans 16:10.

Topical Lexicon
Appearance in Scripture

“Greet those belonging to the household of Aristobulus.” (Romans 16:10)

Historical Perspectives on the Name

Aristobulus was a well-known Greek name during the late Second Temple era, borne by several prominent figures associated with the Herodian line and with the imperial court at Rome. Two individuals have been proposed as possible identifications for the man behind Romans 16:10:

1. Aristobulus, grandson of Herod the Great, who lived in Rome under imperial patronage and died before Paul wrote his letter.
2. A later Aristobulus who served as a close associate of the emperor Claudius.

Either identification would explain why Paul greets the οἱ ἐκ (those of) Aristobulus rather than Aristobulus himself, implying that the head of the household was deceased or absent while his dependents and servants—many of whom were likely slaves—had become believers.

The Household of Aristobulus

Paul’s greeting highlights the strategic penetration of the gospel into influential Roman households. In the social structure of the day, a household (οἰκία) extended far beyond the nuclear family to include servants, freedmen, and clients. Thus, when members of such a household came to faith, they carried the message of Christ into every stratum of the capital city. The notice also reveals the apostle’s pastoral care for believers of all social ranks, fulfilling his own words that in Christ “there is neither slave nor free” (Galatians 3:28).

Social and Ministry Implications

1. Gospel advance among slaves: Many scholars believe the majority of first-century Christians in Rome were slaves or freedmen. By naming households like Aristobulus’s, Paul dignifies these believers as integral partners in the mission.
2. Coexistence with imperial structures: The church did not achieve influence by overthrowing social orders but by transforming hearts within those orders, modeling submission to authorities (Romans 13:1–7) while maintaining allegiance to Christ above all.
3. Networking of house churches: Greetings in Romans 16 map a constellation of small gatherings across the city. Members of Aristobulus’s household likely hosted or attended one such assembly, demonstrating how domestic spaces became centers of worship, fellowship, and evangelism.

Theological Significance

• Unity in diversity: The inclusion of a Herodian or imperial household alongside Jewish and Gentile believers embodies the one new humanity created in Christ (Ephesians 2:14–16).
• Quiet providence: Although Aristobulus himself is not addressed, God sovereignly used his estate—his “worldly sphere”—to shelter servants who would receive eternal life. The text is a reminder that divine purposes often unfold behind the scenes of political and social history.
• Witness in the capital: Rome represented the nerve center of pagan power, yet even there a household linked to the ruling class contained followers of Jesus. This fulfillment of Acts 1:8 (“to the ends of the earth”) testifies to Scripture’s coherence and God’s unstoppable mission.

Applications for Contemporary Discipleship

• Value every member: Churches should recognize and affirm the ministries of people in every vocational and social position, knowing that influence for Christ is not limited to public figures.
• Leverage relational networks: Just as the gospel spread through the relational webs of ancient households, modern believers can reach coworkers, extended family, and social circles by living out authentic faith.
• Persevere in hostile contexts: Aristobulus’s household flourished spiritually inside an environment shaped by imperial idolatry. Christians today can draw courage to stand firm and shine the light of Christ in secular institutions.

Key Takeaways

Romans 16:10’s brief reference to Aristobulus opens a window into the early church’s reach, resilience, and redemptive impact within the very heart of the Roman Empire. The household model, social diversity, and quiet but powerful advance of the gospel evident in this single verse continue to instruct and inspire the people of God.

Forms and Transliterations
Αριστοβουλου Ἀριστοβούλου Aristoboulou Aristoboúlou
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Romans 16:10 N-GMS
GRK: ἐκ τῶν Ἀριστοβούλου
NAS: who are of the [household] of Aristobulus.
KJV: which are of Aristobulus' [household].
INT: of the [household] of Aristobulus

Strong's Greek 711
1 Occurrence


Ἀριστοβούλου — 1 Occ.

710
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