For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

ROMANS 16:19KJV
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Romans 16:19 (KJV)

What does Romans 16:19 mean?

Romans 16:19 means that the believers in Rome have become well known for their obedience to God, which makes Paul glad for them. However, Paul urges them to be wise about what is good and to remain innocent or untainted when it comes to evil.

Paul is writing to the Christian community in Rome, acknowledging their reputation for faithfully following Christ. He expresses joy over their faithfulness but also cautions them to stay sharp and discerning about good things, while not letting themselves become familiar with or influenced by evil. This verse highlights both encouragement for their spiritual progress and a warning to maintain moral purity.

The Greek behind Romans 16:19

  • The word for "obedience" is ὑπακοή (hypakoē), which means attentive listening that leads to action. Paul points out that their active response to the gospel is widely recognized.
  • "Wise" comes from σοφός (sophos), which means skilled or discerning. Paul wants them to be thoughtful and perceptive about what is truly good.
  • "Simple" is ἀκέραιος (akeraios), which carries the sense of being pure, unmixed, or innocent. Paul is urging them not to have any involvement or expertise in evil things, but to remain uncorrupted.

Why Romans 16:19 matters

  • This verse clarifies that a good reputation among believers is not enough; ongoing wisdom and innocence are also essential.
  • Paul’s encouragement balances praise with a gentle warning, showing that spiritual growth involves both positive action and careful avoidance of harm.
  • Romans 16:19 connects to the wider passage by showing Paul’s pastoral care—he celebrates the church’s strengths but also guides them to stay on the right path as they live out their faith.

Where else these words appear

“simple” Greek G185 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
  • Philippians 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

“obedience” Greek G5218 · used in 14 verses

  • Romans 1:5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
  • Romans 16:26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
  • Philemon 1:21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

“wise” Greek G4680 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
  • Colossians 3:5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: