Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

ROMANS 1:10KJV
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Romans 1:10 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:10 mean?

Romans 1:10 shows Paul telling the believers in Rome that he is praying and asking God to allow him to visit them, hoping for a safe and successful journey if it is God's will. Paul expresses his desire to finally come to Rome, but he makes clear that he depends on God's guidance and timing.

Paul is writing this letter to Christians in Rome whom he has never met in person. He wants them to know that he has been praying for an opportunity to visit them for some time. The verse highlights both Paul's longing to connect with these believers and his trust that any plans must fit within what God wants.

The Greek behind Romans 1:10

  • "request" (δέομαι, deomai): This word means to beg or earnestly ask, showing that Paul’s desire to visit Rome is heartfelt and persistent, not just a passing wish.
  • "prosperous journey" (εὐοδωθήσομαι, euodothesomai): This word means to have a successful or favorable journey. Paul is not just asking to travel, but for the trip to go well, under God’s care.
  • "by the will of God" (ἐν τῷ θελήματι τοῦ θεοῦ, en tō thelēmati tou theou): Paul’s plans are submitted to what God wants. He is not demanding, but asking that his journey only happen if it fits God’s purpose.

Why Romans 1:10 matters

  • Romans 1:10 clears up any idea that Paul was ignoring or uninterested in the Roman Christians; he had been praying for a way to visit them for a long time.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s humility and dependence on God, showing that even his strong desires are placed under God’s will, not his own plans.
  • This verse sets the tone for the rest of the letter, showing Paul’s care for the church in Rome and his belief that God’s guidance is necessary for every step in ministry.

Where else these words appear

“journey” Greek G2137 · used in 3 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:2 Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.
  • 3 John 1:2 Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth.

“means” Greek G1513 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 27:12 And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, the more part advised to depart thence also, if by any means they might attain to Phenice, and there to winter; which is an haven of Crete, and lieth toward the south west and north west.
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
  • Philippians 3:11 If by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

“request” Greek G1189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
  • Luke 21:36 Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.
  • Acts 21:39 But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

“length” Greek G4218 · used in 28 verses

  • Luke 22:32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
  • Ephesians 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
  • Titus 3:3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.