But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

ROMANS 15:23KJV
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Romans 15:23 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:23 mean?

Romans 15:23 means that Paul, the writer, has finished his work in the regions he has been serving and now, after many years of wanting to visit the believers in Rome, he finally sees an opportunity to come to them. Paul is expressing both the completion of his mission in one area and his long-standing desire to travel to Rome.

Paul is writing to the Christian community in Rome, explaining why he has not visited them before. He has been busy spreading the message about Jesus in other places, but now that there is “no more place in these parts” for his work, he hopes to fulfill his wish to see them. This verse sets up his travel plans and shows his personal connection and longing to meet the Roman believers.

The Greek behind Romans 15:23

  • μέρος (meros, G5117) — “place”: This word often means a region or area. Paul is saying there is no longer a region nearby where his work is needed, suggesting he has completed his mission in those areas.
  • ἐπιθυμίαν (epithymian, G1974) — “desire”: This word means a strong longing or earnest wish. Paul’s use of it here shows that his wish to visit Rome is not casual but deeply felt and persistent over many years.

Why Romans 15:23 matters

  • Romans 15:23 helps clear up why Paul had not visited Rome earlier, showing it was not lack of interest but his commitment to his mission elsewhere.
  • The verse highlights Paul’s personal feelings and his respect for the Roman believers, making his letter more relational and heartfelt.
  • This verse connects to the wider passage by explaining the transition in Paul’s ministry and setting the stage for his planned journey, which is important for understanding the flow of his letter.

Where else these words appear

“parts” Greek G2824 · used in 3 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 11:10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia.
  • Galatians 1:21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;

“these” Greek G5125 · used in 19 verses

  • Luke 16:26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
  • 1 Corinthians 12:23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
  • Hebrews 9:23 It was therefore necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these; but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.

“now” Greek G3570 · used in 21 verses

  • Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
  • 1 Corinthians 12:18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
  • Colossians 1:21 And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

“more” Greek G3371 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 21:19 And when he saw a fig tree in the way, he came to it, and found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it, Let no fruit grow on thee henceforward for ever. And presently the fig tree withered away.
  • John 8:11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
  • Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;