Romans 16 17

Romans 16:17 kjv

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

Romans 16:17 nkjv

Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them.

Romans 16:17 niv

I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.

Romans 16:17 esv

I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.

Romans 16:17 nlt

And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.

Romans 16 verses

Romans 16 17 Meaning

This verse instructs believers to watch out for those who cause division and create stumbling blocks contrary to the teaching they have learned. It emphasizes a need for discernment and to turn away from such individuals and their disruptive influences. The core message is about maintaining unity and doctrinal purity within the Christian community by identifying and avoiding those who promote false teachings or harmful practices that go against the apostolic tradition.

Romans 16 17 Context

In Romans 16, Paul offers various greetings and commendations to members of the Roman church. Chapter 16, verse 17, is positioned towards the end of the letter, following numerous specific exhortations and personal remarks. This placement suggests it's a crucial, final warning to the church to safeguard its doctrinal integrity and unity. Historically, the early church faced internal threats from differing interpretations of Jewish law and Gentile customs, as well as external pressures from various philosophical and pagan ideas. Paul’s instruction here serves as a timeless reminder for believers to exercise discernment regarding individuals and teachings that could compromise the foundational truths of the Gospel as passed down through apostolic tradition.

Romans 16 17 Word Analysis

• Skopeō (σκοπέω): This verb means "to look at," "to consider," "to observe," or "to beware." It implies a vigilant and intentional act of paying attention, not passive observation. It's about being on guard.

• Dihairesis (αἵρεσις): This Greek word means "division," "faction," or "sect." In this context, it refers to dissensions or divisions within the church, often caused by differing doctrines or disruptions. It carries a negative connotation, implying something harmful to the unity of the body.

• Trophotos (τρόφον): While trophos means "nurse" or "feeder," tropes (τρόπος), meaning "way" or "manner," is strongly related here, often seen in etraponto (ἐτραπὸτο). The reading ta ex automatos (τὰ ἐξ αὐτῶν) meaning "things from themselves" or "which they made themselves" or even skandalon (σκάνδαλον) which means "stumbling-block" or "snare," as an object or action that causes stumbling. The original Greek text as most scholarly consensus presents Romans 16:17 with the reading "ταῦτα" (tauta) meaning "these" or "those," or as ta skandalōn meaning "the stumbling blocks." The reading "trophos" itself is not standard here in reliable manuscripts. The phrase rendered as "causes divisions and...puts obstacles" often implies sowing discord and creating stumbling blocks. The most prevalent and strongly supported textual variant is ta skandala (σκάνδαλα), meaning "stumbling blocks" or "causes of offense," directly connected with creating hindrances to spiritual progress or unity.

• Parotetias (παρατρέψας): This is the aorist passive participle of paratiteō (παρατίθημι), meaning "to set beside," "to put before," or "to present." In this context, it's "according to the teaching." However, there's a critical textual variation. Many reliable manuscripts have diadiskontas (διδάσκοντας) meaning "teaching," but paratypontas (παραπτουοντας) or similar related terms from paratypóō meaning to "fashion" or "mold," or even parastētase meaning to "present" are found. Some translations render it "contrary to the teaching." The emphasis is on departing from established doctrine or tradition.

• The autoi (αὐτοὶ): Refers to the individuals causing the division.

• Dielkoun (διελκύνων): From dieulkeo (διελκύω), meaning "to draw apart," "to pull in different directions," or "to cause to dispute." This verb vividly describes the disruptive effect of division.

• Skandalōn (σκάνδαλον): Meaning "stumbling block," "snare," or "offense." It refers to anything that causes another to stumble or fall, especially spiritually.

• Efkete (ἐκφέρετε): From ekpherō (ἐκφέρω), meaning "to bring out," "to carry out," or "to bring to an end." Here it means to "avoid" or "turn away from." It’s an imperative to distance oneself.

• Phrase/Group Analysis:

  • "Skopeō tous causas divisoriores" (Beware of those who cause divisions): This highlights the need for active, spiritual discernment to identify individuals or groups creating factions within the body of Christ. It's not about simply ignoring differences but recognizing harmful intent and behavior that splits the church.
  • "Et parapetontos ta tropou" (and put obstacles contrary to the doctrine they were taught): This describes the method of division. It's not usually through outright rebellion but by subtly or overtly undermining the established apostolic teaching with their own traditions or false understandings. The aim is to make the faithful stumble or stray from the truth.
  • "Ep'autou delous" (according to their own doctrines): This clarifies that the "obstacles" or teachings originate from the individuals themselves, rather than from God or the apostles. It signifies independent and unauthorized doctrine that goes against the received "paradosis" (παράδοσις - tradition).
  • "Dichou dei" (according to the doctrine which ye have learned): This defines the standard against which these divisions and obstacles are to be measured: the sound teaching passed down by the apostles and received by the believers.

Romans 16 17 Bonus Section

The term skandalon (stumbling block) is rich in meaning. It can refer to a literal trap or snare. In the Gospels, Jesus speaks of the offenses that will come (Matt 13:41, 24:24), and his own person was a skandalon to some (1 Peter 2:8). Paul, in 1 Corinthians 1:23, describes Christ crucified as a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. Here, however, it is the actions and teachings of individuals within the church that are to be recognized as potential stumbling blocks. The emphasis is on the deceptive nature of these divisive teachings, often appearing plausible but ultimately leading away from Christ and truth. This instruction is not a call to an unloving or self-righteous isolationism, but a call to discernment for the protection of the flock and the glory of God, ensuring the Gospel is faithfully proclaimed and received. The principle is consistent with Paul’s earlier emphasis on unity in the body of Christ (Romans 12:5, 1 Corinthians 1:10) and the need to "contend earnestly for the faith" (Jude 1:3).

Romans 16 17 Commentary

Paul provides a stark warning to the Roman Christians. The presence of individuals sowing discord and leading people astray from sound doctrine is a serious matter requiring active vigilance. This isn't about personal disagreements but about those who intentionally create divisions, presenting alternative teachings or practices that ultimately cause believers to stumble in their faith. The emphasis is on the teaching—the orthodox doctrine faithfully handed down. Believers are not to be passive recipients of teaching but active guardians of the truth they have learned. They must be able to identify those who deviate from this apostolic standard and, upon confirmation, separate themselves from them to protect their own faith and the unity of the church. This directive promotes discernment, unity, and the preservation of the pure Gospel.

• Practical Usage:
  • If someone consistently elevates their own teachings or interpretations above Scripture and the established consensus of biblical teaching, exercise caution.
  • If individuals or groups within the church are known for creating strife or dividing members over minor issues or doctrinal novelties not grounded in apostolic teaching, a watchful eye is needed.
  • When encountering teachings that subtly or overtly contradict core Gospel truths (e.g., the deity of Christ, salvation by grace through faith, the resurrection), a believer should not readily embrace them.
  • The directive to "turn away" suggests that repeated exposure to such divisive influences without repentance should lead to a cessation of fellowship regarding those divisive teachings.