Romans 15:21 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:21 mean?

Romans 15:21 explains why Paul brings the message about Jesus to people who have not heard it before. He sees his work reflected in an earlier passage of Scripture: people who had received no report about him would come to see and understand.

Paul introduces the quotation with “as it is written.” The words come from Isaiah 52:15, where the surprise of kings is described in connection with God’s servant. After explaining his aim in verse 20, Paul uses these words to show why reaching unfamiliar listeners matters to his work.

The Greek behind Romans 15:21

• “spoken” — ἀναγγέλλω (anangellō): This word carries the sense of reporting or announcing news. Here it points to a report about someone, not merely a passing mention.
• “understand” — συνίημι (syniēmi): This word can mean to grasp or comprehend. It gives the second half of the verse a focus on understanding what has been heard.

Why Romans 15:21 matters

• Paul connects his work to Israel’s Scriptures. By quoting Isaiah 52:15, he presents the response of new listeners as something those writings had already described.

• The verse points to a response, not just an audience. “They shall see” and “shall understand” describe what happens among those who had previously received no report.

• Paul’s concern is to reach places where Jesus is not yet known. In verse 20, he says he aims to preach where Christ had not been named, rather than build on another person’s foundation.