Understanding Ἀριστόβουλος (Aristoboulos) Strong’s G711: The Distinguished Household Member Greeted in Paul’s Roman Epistle

Pronunciation Guide: ah-ree-STOH-boo-los

Basic Definition

Strong’s G711: Ἀριστόβουλος (Aristoboulos) refers to a person mentioned in Paul’s greetings in his letter to the Romans. The name means “best counsel” or “one who gives the best advice.” Paul specifically greets “those who belong to the household of Aristoboulos,” suggesting he was a person of some standing whose household included believers.

Etymology and Morphology

• Proper noun, masculine
• Compound of ἄριστος (aristos, “best”) and βουλή (boulē, “counsel, advice”)
• Greek origin
• Appears only once in the New Testament
• Used in epistle/letter context

Ἀριστόβουλος Morphology:

• Ἀριστόβουλος (nominative singular) – Aristoboulos (subject form)
• Ἀριστοβούλου (genitive singular) – of Aristoboulos (possessive form)
• Ἀριστοβούλῳ (dative singular) – to/for Aristoboulos
• Ἀριστόβουλον (accusative singular) – Aristoboulos (direct object form)

Origin & History

The name Ἀριστόβουλος combines two Greek elements that were highly valued in Hellenistic culture: ἄριστος (aristos), meaning “best” or “most excellent,” and βουλή (boulē), meaning “counsel” or “advice.” This combination created a name that conveyed the idea of someone who offers excellent counsel or makes the best decisions.

In the broader Hellenistic world, this name was not uncommon among those of Greek heritage. Several historical figures bore this name, including Aristobulus of Cassandreia (375-301 BCE), who served as Alexander the Great’s historian, and Aristobulus of Paneas (2nd century BCE), a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher. Within the Jewish context, the name gained prominence through the Hasmonean dynasty, where several members bore the name Aristobulus, including Aristobulus I who ruled as king and high priest of Judea from 104-103 BCE, and Aristobulus II who ruled from 67-63 BCE. The name thus carried connotations of both Greek intellectual tradition and Jewish royal heritage.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A person of significance in the early Roman Christian community
• The head of a household that included believers
• Possibly a prominent Roman citizen or official
• Could be a relative of Herod the Great

Ἀριστόβουλος Translation Options:

• “Aristoboulos” – A direct transliteration preserving the Greek name
• “Best-counselor” – A literal translation of the name’s meaning
• “Household of Aristoboulos” – Since Paul greets the household rather than the person directly, this translation captures the broader reference
• “Those who belong to Aristoboulos” – Emphasizes the relationship between the household members and their head

Biblical Usage

Ἀριστόβουλος appears only once in the New Testament, in Romans 16:10, where Paul writes: “Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.” The fact that Paul does not directly greet Aristoboulos himself but rather his household has led to several interpretations. Some scholars suggest that Aristoboulos may have been deceased by the time Paul wrote the letter, or that he was not a believer while members of his household were. Others propose that he may have been absent from Rome or was a person of such high standing that Paul addressed his household rather than him directly.

What is clear is that members of Aristoboulos’ household were recognized as part of the Christian community in Rome. This could include family members, servants, freedmen, or slaves. The specific mention of this household suggests it had some significance within the early Roman church, possibly serving as a meeting place or center for Christian activity.

• “Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus [Ἀριστοβούλου].” Those who belong to the household of Aristobulus. Romans 16:10

Cultural Insights

The mention of Aristoboulos’ household rather than Aristoboulos himself reflects the structure of Roman society, where the household (οἶκος, oikos) was a fundamental social unit. A Roman household could be extensive, including not just immediate family but also slaves, freedmen, and other dependents. The head of the household (paterfamilias) held significant authority over all household members.

Some scholars have speculated that this Aristoboulos might have been a grandson of Herod the Great, brother of Herod Agrippa I, and friend of Emperor Claudius. If this identification is correct, it would mean that Christians had penetrated even the highest levels of Roman society by the time Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. After Aristoboulos’ death, his household slaves would have become part of the imperial household but would still be known as “the household of Aristoboulos.” This would explain why Paul does not greet Aristoboulos himself but rather those who belong to his household.

Another fascinating cultural insight is that the early Christian community in Rome, like many throughout the empire, often formed around households. Houses served as meeting places for worship, fellowship, and instruction. The mention of Aristoboulos’ household suggests that this group of believers maintained their identity as a unit even while being part of the larger Christian community in Rome.

Theological Significance

The mention of Aristoboulos’ household in Paul’s greetings reveals how the Messiah’s message transcended social boundaries in the early church. Whether Aristoboulos was a wealthy Roman citizen, a member of the Herodian dynasty, or someone else of prominence, the fact that members of his household were recognized as part of the Christian community shows how the gospel created new bonds of fellowship that crossed traditional social divisions.

This reference also highlights the significance of household conversions in early Christianity. Throughout the New Testament, we see examples of entire households coming to faith (Acts 16:15, 31-34; 1 Corinthians 1:16). The household structure provided a natural network for the spread of the gospel, as one person’s faith could influence many others. In a society where religious practices were often determined by the head of the household, the fact that members of Aristoboulos’ household were believers suggests that Christianity was making inroads into established Roman social structures.

The greeting to Aristoboulos’ household also reflects the inclusive nature of the early Christian community. In a world sharply divided by social status, ethnicity, and gender, the church represented a new kind of community where, as Paul wrote elsewhere, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua” (Galatians 3:28).

Personal Application

The brief mention of Aristoboulos’ household reminds us that faith in the Messiah often spreads through our existing networks and relationships. Just as members of this household shared their faith with one another, we too have opportunities to influence those in our own circles—family members, colleagues, neighbors, and friends. Our daily interactions can be platforms for sharing the love and truth of Yeshua.

Additionally, this passage encourages us to recognize the significance of every believer, regardless of their social status or prominence. Paul took the time to acknowledge these household members, whose names are not even recorded, showing that every member of the body of Messiah is valued and important. In our own congregations and communities, we should similarly value each person’s contribution and presence, knowing that Yahweh sees and values each one of us regardless of our worldly status.

Related Words

• οἶκος (oikos, “house, household”) – The basic family unit in ancient society, including immediate family, slaves, and dependents. Aristoboulos’ household would have been an οἶκος structure. See G3624
• ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia, “assembly, church”) – The gathered community of believers, often meeting in homes like potentially that of Aristoboulos. See G1577
• ἀσπάζομαι (aspazomai, “to greet, salute”) – The verb Paul uses when greeting the household of Aristoboulos, showing recognition and affection. See G782
• δοῦλος (doulos, “slave, servant”) – Many members of Aristoboulos’ household would have been slaves who became believers. See G1401
• ἀδελφός (adelphos, “brother”) – The term for fellow believers in the Messiah, transcending social boundaries like those in Aristoboulos’ household. See G80

Did you Know?

• Did you know that if this Aristoboulos was indeed the grandson of Herod the Great, it would mean that the gospel had penetrated even the highest levels of Jewish royalty and Roman society? This Aristoboulos was known to be a close friend of Emperor Claudius, and after his death around 45-48 CE, his slaves would have become imperial property but would still be known as “the household of Aristoboulos.” This would explain why Paul greeted the household rather than Aristoboulos himself.
• Did you know that the name Aristoboulos literally means “best counsel” and was a popular name among Hellenistic Jews who wanted to maintain both their Jewish identity and Greek cultural connections? The name reflects the cultural syncretism of the time, where Jewish families often gave their children Greek names to help them navigate the broader Hellenistic world while maintaining their Jewish heritage.
• Did you know that the mention of Aristoboulos’ household gives us insight into how the early church organized itself in Rome? Before Christianity became established with dedicated buildings, believers met in homes, and wealthy patrons often provided spaces for these gatherings. The household of Aristoboulos may have been one such meeting place, serving as a “house church” where believers gathered for worship, teaching, and fellowship.

Remember This

Aristoboulos’ household stands as a powerful reminder that the Messiah’s message penetrates all social boundaries, bringing together people of diverse backgrounds into one family of faith where worldly status dissolves in the light of our shared identity in Him.