To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.

ROMANS 16:27KJV
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Romans 16:27 (KJV)

What does Romans 16:27 mean?

Romans 16:27 gives praise to God as the only wise one, declaring that all glory belongs to Him forever, and says this is accomplished through Jesus Christ. The verse closes the letter to the Romans with a statement of worship and a final affirmation, noting the letter was sent from Corinth by Phebe, a servant of the church at Cenchrea.

Paul, the writer of Romans, is ending his long letter to the Christian community in Rome. He emphasizes that God alone is truly wise and deserving of glory, and that this honor comes through Jesus Christ. The mention of Phebe and the locations gives a personal touch, showing how the letter traveled and who was involved in its delivery.

The Greek behind Romans 16:27

  • μόνον (monon, "only"): This word highlights that God is unique in His wisdom, setting Him apart from all others.
  • σοφῷ (sophō, "wise"): The Greek word for "wise" points to God's unmatched understanding and insight, which Paul singles out as a reason for giving God glory.
  • δόξα (doxa, "glory"): This word means honor, praise, or splendor. Paul is directing all recognition and worship to God, not to any human or created thing.
  • διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ (dia Iēsou Christou, "through Jesus Christ"): The phrase shows that the way people give glory to God is through Jesus, underlining the central role of Christ in Christian faith.

Why Romans 16:27 matters

  • Romans 16:27 clears up that all wisdom and glory belong to God alone, not to any person or spiritual being, which was important in a world full of competing religious ideas.
  • The verse ties the entire letter together by ending with worship and a reminder that Jesus Christ is the means by which believers relate to God.
  • Mentioning Phebe and the locations makes the letter feel real and grounded in history, reminding readers that these teachings were shared among actual people and communities.

Where else these words appear

“Phebe” Greek G5402 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

“Cenchrea” Greek G2747 · used in 3 verses

  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.
  • Romans 16:1 I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:

“Corinthus” Greek G2882 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 18:1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth;
  • 1 Corinthians 1:2 Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours:
  • 2 Corinthians 1:23 Moreover I call God for a record upon my soul, that to spare you I came not as yet unto Corinth.

“Romans” Greek G4514 · used in 13 verses

  • John 11:48 If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.
  • Acts 16:38 And the serjeants told these words unto the magistrates: and they feared, when they heard that they were Romans.
  • Acts 22:29 Then straightway they departed from him which should have examined him: and the chief captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.