For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

ROMANS 1:16KJV
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Romans 1:16 (KJV)

What does Romans 1:16 mean?

Romans 1:16 says that Paul is not embarrassed or hesitant about sharing the message of Jesus Christ, because this message is how God brings salvation to everyone who trusts in it—first to Jewish people, and then to non-Jews (called "Greeks" here). The verse emphasizes that the gospel is powerful and available to all who believe, regardless of their background.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining why he is eager to preach the gospel there. In the larger context, Paul is introducing his main theme: the good news about Jesus is for everyone, not just one group. By mentioning both Jews and Greeks, Paul shows that the gospel crosses cultural and ethnic boundaries.

The Greek behind Romans 1:16

  • εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion, "gospel"): This word means "good news" or "glad tidings." In Paul's context, it refers specifically to the message about Jesus Christ and what God has done through him.
  • δύναμις (dynamis, "power"): This word is often understood as active, effective power—not just potential, but real ability to accomplish something. Paul is saying the gospel actually brings about salvation, not just talks about it.
  • σωτηρία (sōtēria, "salvation"): This word means rescue, deliverance, or being made safe. Here, it points to being saved from sin and its consequences, and brought into a right relationship with God.
  • πᾶς (pas, "every one"): The Greek word for "everyone" highlights the universal offer of salvation—no one is excluded from this invitation if they believe.

Why Romans 1:16 matters

  • Romans 1:16 makes clear that the gospel is not limited to one nation or group; it is for everyone who believes, which was a radical idea in Paul's time.
  • The verse highlights that the gospel is not just a message, but the very means by which God acts to save people, stressing its real, life-changing power.
  • By saying "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek," Paul connects the gospel to God's promises to Israel while also opening the door to all nations, setting up the rest of his letter's argument about faith and inclusion.

Where else these words appear

“am” Greek G1870 · used in 9 verses

  • Mark 8:38 Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
  • Romans 6:21 What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
  • 2 Timothy 1:16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

“Greek” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Romans 10:12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

“salvation” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

“first” Greek G4412 · used in 61 verses

  • Matthew 5:24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
  • Luke 10:5 And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
  • Romans 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;