For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

ROMANS 11:13KJV
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Romans 11:13 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:13 mean?

Romans 11:13 shows Paul directly addressing non-Jewish people (Gentiles), explaining that he has a special role as their apostle and takes that responsibility very seriously. Paul is highlighting the importance and dignity of his mission to the Gentiles within God’s larger plan.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, many of whom were Gentiles, to clarify his calling and authority. By saying he "magnifies" his office, Paul is not boasting about himself but emphasizing the value and seriousness of his God-given task to reach Gentiles. This sets up his later arguments about how Gentiles fit into God’s promises and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan.

The Greek behind Romans 11:13

  • ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin, "Gentiles"): This word refers to nations or peoples who are not Jewish. Paul’s use of it makes clear he is speaking to non-Jews and focusing on their place in God’s work.
  • ἀπόστολος (apostolos, "apostle"): This means a sent one or messenger. Paul is identifying himself as someone specifically sent with authority to the Gentiles, not just a general teacher.
  • δοξάζω (doxazō, "magnify"): This word means to honor, glorify, or make something important. Paul is saying he treats his role as apostle to the Gentiles with great respect and seriousness, not as something minor.

Why Romans 11:13 matters

  • Romans 11:13 clears up that Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles is not a side job or an afterthought, but a central part of God’s plan, given to him with authority.
  • This verse helps Gentile readers understand that they are not second-class in God’s eyes; Paul’s role is to serve them directly and purposefully.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s careful approach: he values his mission to Gentiles, but he also wants to make Jewish people jealous in a positive way, so that some might come to faith.

Where else these words appear

“office” Greek G1248 · used in 32 verses

  • Luke 10:40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
  • Romans 15:31 That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
  • 2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

“magnify” Greek G1392 · used in 54 verses

  • Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
  • John 12:16 These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him.
  • Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

“apostle” Greek G652 · used in 80 verses

  • Matthew 10:2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;
  • Acts 8:14 Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John:
  • 2 Corinthians 11:5 For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

“as” Greek G3745 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 7:12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
  • Luke 11:8 I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth.
  • Romans 2:12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;