Translation choice · documented · Feminine
What the source reads — προστάτις — prostatis: a patron, a protector, one who stands before others; its masculine form (prostatēs) names a leader, a president, a guardian
What this version reads — 'a succourer of many' — the KJV shrinks a word of leadership into one of help (WEB 'helper'; the Riveduta and Martini 'gave assistance')
One verse after calling Phoebe a deacon, Paul says she has been prostatis of many — and of himself. The word means patron or protector, a person of standing who leads and shields others; its masculine twin names presidents and rulers. For her it becomes 'succourer' (KJV), 'helper' (WEB), 'gave assistance' (Riveduta, Martini) — a benefactor turned into a helping hand. Only Diodati keeps the strength: 'protettrice', protectress.
Read this chapter side by side — Romans 16:2 →