That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

ROMANS 15:32KJV
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Romans 15:32 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:32 mean?

Romans 15:32 expresses Paul's hope that he will be able to visit the believers in Rome with joy, according to God's will, and that together they will find refreshment and encouragement. Paul is looking forward to a mutually uplifting time with the Roman Christians, trusting that God will guide his journey.

Paul, the writer of Romans, is speaking to the Christian community in Rome near the end of his letter. He has been explaining his travel plans and asking for their prayers. In this verse, Paul highlights both his desire to see them and his dependence on God's will for the timing and outcome, emphasizing the importance of spiritual encouragement among believers.

The Greek behind Romans 15:32

  • The word for "joy" is χαρά (chara), which often means a deep, spiritual gladness rather than just happiness. Paul’s use of this word suggests he expects their meeting to be a source of real spiritual encouragement.
  • The phrase "may...be refreshed" comes from συναναπαύομαι (synanapauomai), which carries the idea of being refreshed together or finding rest with one another. This points to the mutual benefit Paul expects from their fellowship, not just his own refreshment but theirs as well.
  • The phrase "by the will of God" uses θέλημα (thelēma), meaning God's purpose or desire. Paul is making it clear that even his travel plans are subject to God's direction, showing humility and trust in God’s guidance.

Why Romans 15:32 matters

  • This verse shows that even someone as prominent as Paul sees the value in mutual encouragement and spiritual refreshment, not just giving but also receiving support from other believers.
  • Paul’s emphasis on "the will of God" reminds readers that Christian plans and hopes should be held with openness to God's direction, not just personal desires.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s heart for unity and fellowship among Christians, reinforcing a theme that runs throughout Romans about the importance of the church supporting and building up one another.

Where else these words appear

“joy” Greek G5479 · used in 57 verses

  • Matthew 2:10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
  • John 16:21 A woman when she is in travail hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world.
  • Philippians 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

“will” Greek G2307 · used in 60 verses

  • Matthew 6:10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
  • Acts 13:22 And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king; to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
  • Colossians 1:9 For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;