Romans 1 11

Romans 1:11 kjv

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

Romans 1:11 nkjv

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, so that you may be established?

Romans 1:11 niv

I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong?

Romans 1:11 esv

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you ?

Romans 1:11 nlt

For I long to visit you so I can bring you some spiritual gift that will help you grow strong in the Lord.

Romans 1 verses

Romans 1 11 Meaning

Paul expresses a profound, divinely-inspired desire to visit the Roman believers. His primary motive is to share a spiritual benefit, a gift empowered by the Holy Spirit, which he possesses through his apostolic ministry. The ultimate purpose of this impartation is to strengthen and firmly establish their faith, ensuring their spiritual stability and endurance in the truths of the gospel.

Romans 1 11 Context

Romans 1:11 is deeply embedded within Paul's heartfelt introduction to the Roman church. Beginning in verse 8, Paul expresses gratitude for their widespread faith and consistently mentions them in his prayers (v. 9). He states his persistent desire to visit them, acknowledging past hindrances (v. 10). Verse 11 then clarifies the profound purpose of this desired visit: to impart a spiritual gift for their establishment. This immediately flows into verse 12, where Paul humbly adds that he also longs for mutual encouragement through their shared faith, counterbalancing any perception of him acting with superior authority. He continues by emphasizing his apostolic obligation to preach the Gospel to all, culminating in his bold declaration of the Gospel's power in verses 16-17, which serves as the thematic core of the entire letter.

Historically and culturally, the church in Rome was a vibrant yet complex community. It consisted of both Jewish and Gentile converts, reflecting the diverse demographics of the imperial capital. While Jewish believers might have established the earliest Christian presence (perhaps returning from Pentecost, Acts 2:10), Gentile numbers likely grew significantly. Paul, as the Apostle to the Gentiles, had a strategic interest in Rome, the heart of the Roman Empire, for its evangelistic reach. The church's challenges would have included potential internal tensions between Jewish and Gentile practices, as well as external pressures from the broader pagan Roman society and imperial expectations. Paul's letter, and his desire to visit, aimed to unite them in sound doctrine, provide strong foundations for their faith, and prepare them for cooperative ministry, particularly his envisioned mission to Spain.

Romans 1 11 Word analysis

• For I long (γὰρ ἐπιποθῶ - gar epipothō):

  • gar (For): Connects to the previous thought, providing the reason or explanation for his earnest prayer and desire to visit them.
  • epipothō (long): This Greek word signifies a strong, earnest, intense craving or longing, an affectionate yearning. It reflects not just a wish to travel, but a deep spiritual yearning and pastoral concern for their spiritual well-being. This longing is divinely-instilled, not merely personal.

• to see you: Indicates the necessity of physical presence and personal interaction for this specific impartation of a spiritual gift. It underscores Paul's relational approach to ministry.

• that I may impart (ἵνα μεταδῶ - hina metadō):

  • hina (that): Introduces a purpose clause, clearly stating the goal of his visit.
  • metadō (impart): Meaning "to give a share of," "to communicate," or "to grant part of what one has." Paul is not creating the gift, but is a channel through which something already possessed (through Christ and the Spirit) is shared with them. It implies giving from what he is graced with for their benefit.

• to you: Specifies the direct recipients – the Roman believers, confirming his ministry's specific target.

• some spiritual gift (χαρισμα τι πνευματικον - charisma ti pneumatikon):

  • charisma (gift): Derived from charis (grace), denoting a grace-gift, a divine favor freely given by God. It refers to a supernatural endowment for ministry or service.
  • ti (some): Can mean "a certain" or "some measure." It suggests not a specific, predefined gift (like tongues or prophecy, though not excluding them), but a spiritual impartation appropriate to their specific needs. Its broadness allows for flexibility in what Paul would share.
  • pneumatikon (spiritual): Signifies that the gift originates from and is empowered by the Holy Spirit (pneuma). It is not a humanly derived skill or wisdom, but something that pertains to the spiritual realm and spiritual growth. This underlines its divine source and character.

• to the end (εἰς τὸ - eis to): Indicates the final outcome or result.

• you may be established (στηριχθῆναι - stērichthēnai):

  • stērichthēnai (established): This is a passive infinitive, meaning "to be made firm," "to be strengthened," "to be made steadfast," or "to be confirmed." It describes their becoming secure and stable in faith. This stability is divine work facilitated by Paul. It implies inner strength, doctrinal soundness, moral fortitude, and perseverance against trials and false teachings. It points to a deep spiritual grounding that enables endurance.

• "For I long to see you": This phrase highlights Paul's profound pastoral care and his belief in the importance of personal presence in ministry. It reflects an affectionate concern that goes beyond mere duty, flowing from the very love of Christ within him.

• "that I may impart to you some spiritual gift": This reveals Paul's primary vocational drive – not personal ambition, but a desire to enrich others spiritually. The "spiritual gift" is specifically for their benefit and establishment, indicating that Paul viewed his apostolic office and accompanying spiritual endowments as being for the building up of the churches. It suggests a direct transmission or catalytic effect that Paul's Spirit-empowered presence and teaching would have.

• "to the end you may be established": This entire phrase delineates the clear and singular objective of the 'impartation'. It is not for Paul's glory, or for an empty display of power, but solely for the lasting spiritual stability and maturity of the believers in Rome. This establishment is a foundational work, ensuring their perseverance and strength in Christ, which is crucial for a fledgling community facing various internal and external pressures.

Romans 1 11 Bonus section

The nature of the "spiritual gift" mentioned here is intentionally broad and not specified. While Paul frequently discusses spiritual gifts (charismata) in 1 Corinthians 12-14 and Romans 12:6-8 (like prophecy, teaching, administration), here it’s "some" gift, implying something that directly builds up and establishes. It could be Paul's unique apostolic anointing for teaching and conveying profound gospel truths in a way that profoundly impacts hearts and minds, deepening their roots in Christ. It's a demonstration of the Spirit's power to fortify and confirm believers, ensuring their spiritual maturity and readiness for enduring faithful service. This preparatory strengthening would have been essential for their collective witness and stability as a major hub for the spread of the gospel throughout the empire. Paul's commitment was not merely to convert, but to truly make firm and solidify their walk with God.

Romans 1 11 Commentary

Romans 1:11 encapsulates Paul's apostolic passion and his deep, Spirit-driven pastoral care for the churches. His longing to visit Rome was not for tourism or personal agenda, but solely rooted in his divine commission to strengthen believers. The "spiritual gift" he intended to impart was not necessarily a dramatic, visible manifestation (though the Spirit works as He wills), but more fundamentally, a spiritual strengthening for their faith. This could include a deeper understanding of the Gospel, clarification of doctrine, or a release of the Holy Spirit's power that would ground them more firmly in Christ.

The goal, "that you may be established," points to stability and steadfastness in their Christian walk. In a city like Rome, believers would face numerous temptations, pagan influences, and potentially internal strife. Being "established" implies firm foundations in their belief, moral life, and spiritual resilience, enabling them to stand unshakeable amidst challenges. This verse also implicitly underlines the relational aspect of spiritual growth – though God empowers, human vessels, especially Spirit-filled apostles and teachers, play a vital role in discipling and fortifying others through direct interaction and the imparting of divine truths and Spirit-given graces. It exemplifies Christian ministry as a giving-out for the strengthening of others.