And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

ROMANS 15:9KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 15:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 15:9 mean?

Romans 15:9 says that non-Jewish people (Gentiles) will honor and praise God because of the mercy He has shown them. The verse quotes Scripture to show that this idea—that Gentiles would join in worshiping God—was always part of God's plan.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how God's mercy extends beyond the Jewish people to include Gentiles. By quoting from the Old Testament, Paul shows that the inclusion of Gentiles in praising God is not a new idea, but something already written about in Scripture.

The Greek behind Romans 15:9

  • ἔθνη (ethnē, "Gentiles"): This word refers to nations or peoples who are not Jewish. Its use here highlights that God's mercy is not limited to one group.
  • δοξάζω (doxazō, "glorify"): This word means to honor or praise. In this context, it shows that Gentiles are not just passive recipients but active worshipers of God.
  • ἔλεος (eleos, "mercy"): This word points to God's compassion and kindness, which is the reason Gentiles are able to glorify Him.
  • ὁμολογέω (homologeō, "confess"): This means to openly acknowledge or declare. Here, it emphasizes Gentiles publicly praising God, not just privately believing.

Why Romans 15:9 matters

  • Romans 15:9 clears up the idea that God's mercy and salvation were only for the Jewish people; it shows that Gentiles are included in God's plan.
  • The verse emphasizes that Gentiles are not just accepted but are called to actively glorify and praise God, fulfilling what was written in the Scriptures.
  • This verse connects to Paul's larger argument in Romans about unity among believers, showing that both Jews and Gentiles have a place in God's family and worship.

Where else these words appear

“sing” Greek G5567 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 14:15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
  • Ephesians 5:19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;
  • James 5:13 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.

“confess” Greek G1843 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 3:6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

“mercy” Greek G1656 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 9:13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.
  • Luke 10:37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.
  • Titus 1:4 To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.

“glorify” 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.