And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

ROMANS 15:11KJV
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Romans 15:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:11 mean?

Romans 15:11 calls on all non-Jewish nations (“Gentiles”) and every group of people to praise and honor the Lord. The verse emphasizes that worship of God is not limited to one nation or people, but is meant for everyone everywhere.

Paul is writing to Christians in Rome, many of whom were Gentiles, to show that God’s plan always included all nations. By quoting from the Old Testament, Paul highlights that the invitation to praise God has always been open to all people, not just Israel. This verse supports his larger point that God welcomes everyone who turns to Him.

The Greek behind Romans 15:11

  • ἔθνη (ethnē, “Gentiles”): This word refers to nations or peoples who are not Jewish. Paul uses it to stress that God’s praise is for all humanity, not just Israel.
  • λαός (laos, “people”): While often used for Israel, here it is broadened to mean all groups, reinforcing the idea of universal praise.
  • αἰνέω (aineō, “praise”) and ἐπαινέω (epainéō, “laud”): Both words mean to praise, but the second can carry a sense of enthusiastic approval or celebration. The double use highlights the call for joyful, active worship from everyone.

Why Romans 15:11 matters

  • Romans 15:11 clarifies that God’s invitation to worship is not restricted by ethnicity or background, but is extended to all people, which would have been a significant point for early Gentile Christians.
  • The verse shows that Paul’s teaching about including Gentiles is rooted in the Jewish Scriptures themselves, not a new idea he invented.
  • By quoting this Old Testament call, Paul strengthens his argument that unity in worship is part of God’s longstanding plan, helping the Roman church see themselves as fully included in God’s promises.

Where else these words appear

“laud” Greek G1867 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:2 Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you.
  • 1 Corinthians 11:17 Now in this that I declare unto you I praise you not, that ye come together not for the better, but for the worse.

“Praise” Greek G134 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
  • Luke 19:37 And when he was come nigh, even now at the descent of the mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen;
  • Acts 3:8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

“again” Greek G3825 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 4:7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.
  • John 4:13 Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again:
  • Acts 10:16 This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven.

“people” Greek G2992 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
  • Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.