Romans 15 9

Romans 15:9 kjv

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

Romans 15:9 nkjv

and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: "For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name."

Romans 15:9 niv

and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name."

Romans 15:9 esv

and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."

Romans 15:9 nlt

He also came so that the Gentiles might give glory to God for his mercies to them. That is what the psalmist meant when he wrote: "For this, I will praise you among the Gentiles;
I will sing praises to your name."

Romans 15 verses

Romans 15 9 Meaning

Romans 15:9 reveals God's inclusive plan that extends beyond Israel, demonstrating that the Gentiles, or non-Jews, are brought into a relationship where they glorify God. This glorification is attributed directly to God's profound and unmerited mercy shown to them. Paul grounds this truth in the Old Testament, citing a prophetic scripture that foretold the day when God's name would be openly praised among the nations. The verse emphasizes that Gentile inclusion in God's family and their worship is not an unforeseen development, but a preordained aspect of divine mercy and a fulfillment of ancient prophecies.

Romans 15 9 Context

Romans 15:9 is part of Paul's larger argument in chapters 14 and 15 concerning unity and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile believers within the Roman church. Following his discussion of the "strong" and "weak" in faith, Paul urges them to bear with one another, just as Christ bore with all. He exemplifies this in Romans 15:1-3, emphasizing Christ's selfless service. In Romans 15:8, Paul highlights that Christ became a "servant to the circumcised" (Jews) to confirm God's promises made to the patriarchs. Verse 9 then expands this by showing another reason for Christ's ministry: that the Gentiles, too, might glorify God. This dual purpose for Christ's work bridges the gap between the two groups, demonstrating God's consistent plan for both Jews and Gentiles, validating Gentile inclusion and worship by rooting it deeply in the Old Testament scriptures (Rom 15:9-12). It sets the stage for Paul's mission statement as an apostle to the Gentiles (Rom 15:16).

Romans 15 9 Word analysis

• and that (καὶ, kai): Serves as a connector, linking this outcome directly to Christ's prior ministry to the Jews (Rom 15:8). It signifies that the inclusion of Gentiles is part of the same divine overarching purpose.
• the Gentiles (τὰ ἔθνη, ta ethnē): Lit. "the nations." Refers to all non-Jewish peoples. In the Old Testament, often distinct from Israel, frequently seen as idolatrous. Their inclusion in God's covenant blessings and worship is a pivotal theological point.
• might glorify (δοξάσαι, doxasai, aorist infinitive): To praise, honor, magnify, or acknowledge the excellent nature of God. It's the intended purpose and proper response to God's revelation. This is active participation, not mere observation.
• God (τὸν Θεόν, ton Theon): The one true Creator and Sovereign Lord, the ultimate recipient of all worship.
• for His mercy (ὑπὲρ ἐλέους, hyper eleous): "On account of His mercy" or "because of mercy." Eleos signifies active compassion, kindness, and unwavering covenant love (Hebrew hesed). This is the foundation of their inclusion; it is not due to Gentile merit, but solely God's gracious character and unmerited favor.
• as it is written (καθὼς γέγραπται, kathōs gegraptai): A standard Pauline formula to introduce a scriptural quotation. It signifies that what follows is not Paul's innovative idea but an established, authoritative divine truth, a fulfillment of prophecy.
• 'For this reason' (Διὰ τοῦτο, Dia touto): From Psalm 18:49 (2 Sam 22:50 in Hebrew canon). In its original context, David attributes a specific act of God's deliverance (from his enemies and other nations) as the reason for his subsequent praise among the nations. Paul applies this now to God's redemptive work in Christ, allowing the Gentiles to actively participate in praise due to their salvation.
• 'I will confess to You' (ἐξομολογήσομαί σοι, exhomologēsomai soi, future middle indicative): A strong verb denoting open, public acknowledgment, confession, and praise. It means to express thanks and adoration. The "I" here, in Paul's context, refers to the Messianic king (Christ), or the community of believers now including Gentiles, expressing gratitude.
• 'among the Gentiles,' (ἐν ἔθνεσιν, en ethnesin): Again, "among the nations." This highlights the public and global nature of this worship. The praise is not hidden but declared openly in their presence, involving them.
• 'And sing to Your name' (καὶ ψαλῶ τῷ ὀνόματί σου, kai psalō tō onomati sou, future active indicative): To sing praises, celebrate with psalms or songs. "To Your name" signifies to God's character, reputation, and manifest power. The name represents the very being of God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy": This phrase directly states the intended outcome and motivation: Gentiles are not merely subjects but active participants, offering worship directly to God. The root of this possibility is God's sheer, unearned mercy, underscoring grace.
• "as it is written: 'For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name.'": Paul uses this extended quotation to validate his argument biblically. The very idea of Gentiles witnessing or joining in praise to God was part of God's ancient word, showing a consistent, long-term divine plan now realized in Christ. It provides an unbreakable divine authority to the concept of Gentile inclusion. The phrase highlights a Messianic, corporate expression of praise that finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church of Jesus Christ.

Romans 15 9 Bonus section

The quote in Romans 15:9 is from Psalm 18:49, which is also paralleled in 2 Samuel 22:50. This psalm is a powerful hymn of thanksgiving from King David to God for delivering him from his enemies. The original context of David praising God "among the nations" refers to David's personal triumph and the nations observing his God's power. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives this ancient text a richer, messianic reinterpretation: now, it is the Gentiles themselves who join in the praise, not merely witnessing Israel's God, but becoming God's people who directly glorify Him through Christ's work. This expansion of meaning from national deliverance to universal salvation is a profound example of New Testament biblical interpretation and demonstrates the unfolding of God's eternal plan through Christ. The repeated appeal to Old Testament prophecies (four distinct citations in Rom 15:9-12 alone) highlights Paul's argument that Gentile inclusion is not an exception but the very intent of God's covenant promises and messianic expectation.

Romans 15 9 Commentary

Romans 15:9 serves as a profound theological bridge, unifying God's redemptive plan for both Jew and Gentile. It flows directly from Christ's faithful service to the Jews, explaining that this faithfulness wasn't exclusive, but provided the groundwork for a broader purpose: to include the Gentiles. Their inclusion is emphatically declared not to be an afterthought or by human merit, but entirely "for His mercy"—an outpouring of God's unconditional love and compassion.

Paul masterfully buttresses this potentially controversial idea (to some Jewish believers) by grounding it firmly in Old Testament prophecy, citing Psalm 18:49. By stating, "as it is written," he asserts divine authority and demonstrates continuity between God's ancient promises and their New Testament fulfillment. This wasn't a new direction for God but the unveiling of His original, expansive design.

The prophesied praise — "I will confess to You among the Gentiles, And sing to Your name" — speaks of open, public, and joyous adoration. It paints a picture of diverse nations uniting in heartfelt worship of the one true God, acknowledging His saving works and His very being. This public praise "among the Gentiles" is a key component of the prophecy, emphasizing the worldwide spread of God's glory and the active participation of non-Jewish believers. It shows God's plan culminates not merely in saving Gentiles, but in transforming them into worshippers.

Practically, this verse underscores the radical inclusivity of the gospel and the unity of the global church. It reminds believers that our shared praise flows from the same divine mercy, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. For believers, it's a call to echo this "confession" and "singing" in our own lives, glorifying God for His boundless mercy, and actively participating in the expansion of His kingdom among all peoples.