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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 15:21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/15-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/45_Rom_15_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 15:21 - Paul the Minister to the Gentiles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Rather, as it is written: Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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and those who have not heard will understand." <a href="/kjv/romans/15.htm">King James Bible</a> But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand. <a href="/nkjv/romans/15.htm">New King James Version</a> but as it is written: “To whom He was not announced, they shall see; And those who have not heard shall understand.” <a href="/nasb_/romans/15.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but just as it is written: “THEY WHO HAVE NOT BEEN TOLD ABOUT HIM WILL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD WILL UNDERSTAND.” <a href="/nasb/romans/15.htm">NASB 1995</a> but as it is written, &#8220THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/romans/15.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but as it is written, “THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.” <a href="/lsb/romans/15.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but as it is written, “THEY WHO HAD NO DECLARATION OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND.” <a href="/amp/romans/15.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but [instead I would act on this goal] as it is written [in Scripture], “THEY WHO HAD NO NEWS OF HIM SHALL SEE, AND THEY WHO HAVE NOT HEARD [of Him] SHALL UNDERSTAND.” <a href="/csb/romans/15.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but, as it is written, Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. <a href="/hcsb/romans/15.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but, as it is written: Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand. <a href="/asv/romans/15.htm">American Standard Version</a> but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand. <a href="/cev/romans/15.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It is just as the Scriptures say, "All who haven't been told about him will see him, and those who haven't heard about him will understand." <a href="/erv/romans/15.htm">English Revised Version</a> but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand. <a href="/gwt/romans/15.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As Scripture says, "Those who were never told about him will see, and those who never heard will understand." <a href="/gnt/romans/15.htm">Good News Translation</a> As the scripture says, "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." <a href="/isv/romans/15.htm">International Standard Version</a> Rather, as it is written, "Those who were never told about him will see, and those who have never heard will understand." <a href="/msb/romans/15.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Rather, as it is written: ?Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.? <a href="/net/romans/15.htm">NET Bible</a> but as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." <a href="/nheb/romans/15.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But, as it is written, "Those who were not told about him, they will see, and those who have not heard, they will understand." <a href="/wbt/romans/15.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But as it is written, They shall see to whom he was not spoken of: and they that have not heard shall understand. <a href="/wey/romans/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, as Scripture says, "Those shall see, to whom no report about Him has hitherto come, and those who until now have not heard shall understand." <a href="/web/romans/15.htm">World English Bible</a> But, as it is written, “They will see, to whom no news of him came. They who haven’t heard will understand.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/15.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but according as it has been written: “To whom it was not told concerning Him, they will see; and they who have not heard, will understand.” <a href="/blb/romans/15.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Rather, as it has been written: "They will see, to whom it was not proclaimed concerning Him; and those who have not heard will understand." <a href="/ylt/romans/15.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but according as it hath been written, 'To whom it was not told concerning him, they shall see; and they who have not heard, shall understand.' <a href="/slt/romans/15.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But as has been written, to whom it was not announced of him, they shall see: and they who have not heard shall understand.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/15.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But as it is written: They to whom he was not spoken of, shall see, and they that have not heard shall understand. <a href="/cpdv/romans/15.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> but just as it was written: “Those to whom he was not announced shall perceive, and those who have not heard shall understand.” <a href="/nabre/romans/15.htm">New American Bible</a> but as it is written: “Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.” <a href="/nrsvce/romans/15.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but as it is written, “Those who have never been told of him shall see, and those who have never heard of him shall understand.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/15.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But as it is written, Those to whom he was never mentioned, they shall see him: and those who have not heard of him, they shall be made obedient. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/15.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But just as it is written: “Those who had not been told about him shall see him, and those who have not heard shall be convinced.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/15.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but, as it is written: They to whom he was not preached, shall see; and they who have not heard, shall understand.<CM> <a href="/godbey/romans/15.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but, as has been written, Those, to whom he has not been preached, shall see concerning him, and they who have not heard shall understand. <a href="/haweis/romans/15.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but as it is written,<RX 23.52.15> ?To whom the tidings concerning him have not reached, they shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand.? <a href="/mace/romans/15.htm">Mace New Testament</a> as it is written, "they to whom he was not mentioned, shall see: and they that have not heard, shall understand." <a href="/wey/romans/15.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, as Scripture says, "Those shall see, to whom no report about Him has hitherto come, and those who until now have not heard shall understand." <a href="/worrell/romans/15.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, as it has been written, "Those shall see, to whom nothing was announced concerning Him; and those who have not heard shall understand." <a href="/worsley/romans/15.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> but as it is written, They, to whom nothing was said concerning Him, shall see, and they who have not heard, shall understand. <a href="/parallel/romans/15-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=3768" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/15.htm">Paul the Minister to the Gentiles</a> …20In this way I have aspired to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation. 21<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">Rather,</a> <a href="/greek/2531.htm" title="2531: kathōs (Adv) -- According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1125.htm" title="1125: gegraptai (V-RIM/P-3S) -- A primary verb; to grave, especially to write; figuratively, to describe.">it is written:</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hois (RelPro-DMP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">“Those who</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/312.htm" title="312: anēngelē (V-AIP-3S) -- To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce.">were not told</a> <a href="/greek/4012.htm" title="4012: peri (Prep) -- From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time.">about</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">Him</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: Opsontai (V-FIM-3P) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">will see,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hoi (RelPro-NMP) -- Who, which, what, that. ">those who</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/191.htm" title="191: akēkoasin (V-RIA-3P) -- To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear.">have not heard</a> <a href="/greek/4920.htm" title="4920: synēsousin (V-FIA-3P) -- To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously.">will understand.”</a> 22That is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a> so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard. <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a> Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, / and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” <a href="/acts/13-47.htm">Acts 13:47</a> For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">1 Peter 1:12</a> It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves, but you, when they foretold the things now announced by those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. <a href="/isaiah/65-1.htm">Isaiah 65:1</a> “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ <a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">1 Corinthians 2:9</a> Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” <a href="/colossians/1-25.htm">Colossians 1:25-27</a> I became its servant by the commission God gave me to fully proclaim to you the word of God, / the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. / To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. <a href="/acts/26-17.htm">Acts 26:17-18</a> I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them / to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those sanctified by faith in Me.’ <a href="/2_corinthians/10-16.htm">2 Corinthians 10:16</a> so that we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. Then we will not be boasting in the work already done in another man’s territory. <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Ephesians 3:5-6</a> which was not made known to men in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. / This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus. <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.” <a href="/john/10-16.htm">John 10:16</a> I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd. <a href="/acts/28-28.htm">Acts 28:28</a> Be advised, therefore, that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1-4</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. / He will not cry out or raise His voice, nor make His voice heard in the streets. / A bruised reed He will not break and a smoldering wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice. ... <a href="/matthew/24-14.htm">Matthew 24:14</a> And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.<a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a> So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.<a href="/isaiah/65-1.htm">Isaiah 65:1</a> I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/11-8.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/romans/10-18.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/15-20.htm">News</a> <a href="/romans/14-13.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Report</a> <a href="/romans/11-26.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/romans/15-19.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/romans/14-11.htm">Writings</a> <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/2-9.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/romans/16-19.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-7.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/romans/16-16.htm">Holy</a> <a href="/romans/15-29.htm">News</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-10.htm">Rather</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-25.htm">Report</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-31.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Tidings</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-12.htm">Understand</a> <a href="/romans/16-26.htm">Writings</a> <a href="/romans/16-22.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 15</div>1. <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">The strong must bear with the weak.</a> 2. <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">We must not please ourselves;</a> 3. <a href="/romans/15-3.htm">for Christ did not so;</a> 7. <a href="/romans/15-7.htm">but receive one another, as Christ did us all;</a> 8. <a href="/romans/15-8.htm">both Jews and Gentiles;</a> 15. <a href="/romans/15-15.htm">Paul excuses his writing;</a> 28. <a href="/romans/15-28.htm">and promises to see them;</a> 30. <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">and requests their prayers.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/15.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/15.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Rather, as it is written: This phrase introduces a quotation from the Old Testament, indicating that Paul is grounding his argument in Scripture. The use of "as it is written" is a common formula in the New Testament to reference the authority of the Hebrew Scriptures. Paul often uses this method to show that his teachings are in continuity with God's revealed word. This particular citation is from <a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a>, which is part of the Servant Songs, prophetic passages that Christians interpret as referring to Jesus Christ.“Those who were not told about Him will see, This part of the verse highlights the theme of revelation to the Gentiles, a key aspect of Paul's ministry. The "Him" refers to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. The prophecy in Isaiah originally spoke to the surprise of nations and kings at the revelation of God's servant. In the context of Romans, Paul is emphasizing the spread of the Gospel beyond the Jewish people to the Gentiles, fulfilling the mission to bring light to those who were previously in darkness. This aligns with the Great Commission in <a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations.and those who have not heard will understand.” This phrase underscores the transformative power of the Gospel message. Even those who have not been part of the covenant community of Israel will come to understand and accept the truth of Christ. This reflects the inclusivity of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14-16</a>. The understanding mentioned here is not merely intellectual but involves a deep, spiritual comprehension that leads to faith and salvation. This fulfillment of prophecy demonstrates God's sovereign plan to extend His grace to all humanity, a theme that runs throughout the New Testament.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, expressing his mission to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. <a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a> The city to which Paul is writing, a significant center of the ancient world, representing a diverse population including both Jews and Gentiles. 3. <a href="/topical/i/isaiah_the_prophet.htm">Isaiah the Prophet</a> The original source of the quotation in <a href="/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21</a>, Isaiah prophesied about the coming of the Messiah and the revelation of God to the Gentiles. 4. <a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a> Non-Jewish people who are the focus of Paul's missionary work, as he seeks to fulfill the prophecy of bringing the Gospel to those who have not heard. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_gospel.htm">The Gospel</a> The good news of Jesus Christ, which Paul is dedicated to spreading, especially to those who have not yet heard it.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_universal_reach_of_the_gospel.htm">The Universal Reach of the Gospel</a> The Gospel is intended for all people, regardless of their background or previous knowledge of God. This underscores the inclusivity of God's salvation plan. <a href="/topical/f/fulfillment_of_prophecy.htm">Fulfillment of Prophecy</a> Paul's mission to the Gentiles is a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating the continuity and reliability of God's Word. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_evangelism.htm">The Role of Evangelism</a> Believers are called to participate in the Great Commission, sharing the Gospel with those who have not heard, just as Paul did. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_and_revelation.htm">Understanding and Revelation</a> Spiritual understanding is a gift from God, and He reveals Himself to those who seek Him, even if they have not been previously exposed to the Gospel. <a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_scripture.htm">The Importance of Scripture</a> Paul's use of Isaiah highlights the importance of Scripture in guiding and validating our mission and message as Christians.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_15.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 15</a> <a href="/q/day_2_journey_events.htm">What key events occur in Journey to the Cross, Part 39?</a> <a href="/q/isaiah_65_19__why_weeping_in_jerusalem.htm">Isaiah 65:19: How do we reconcile the promise of no more weeping in Jerusalem with its violent and sorrowful history?</a> <a href="/q/how_reconcile_psalm_31_7-8_with_suffering.htm">Psalm 31:7-8 affirms divine deliverance, yet history shows numerous faithful people suffering or dying--how do we reconcile this apparent discrepancy?</a> <a href="/q/does_proverbs_16_4_imply_god_created_evil.htm">Proverbs 16:4 states God made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for a day of disaster--doesn't this suggest a divine origin for evil, conflicting with the idea of a just and loving God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/15.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) To whom . . .--From the LXX. of <a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm" title="So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.">Isaiah 52:15</a>. The original has reference to the servant of Jehovah, first suffering and then glorified, so that kings should be dumb with astonishment at the change. Here it is applied to the evangelisation of distant heathen nations.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/15.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21-24. - But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand (<a href="/isaiah/52-15.htm">Isaiah 52:15</a>, as in the LXX. The passage is Messianic; but St. Paul need be understood to be quoting it as predictive or directive of the rule he follows. Enough if it expresses his meaning well). For which cause also I have been much hindered (or, was for the most part, or many times hindered) from coming to you. The hindrance had been, mainly at least, as is evident from Δὼ (ver. 22), the obligation he was under of completing his ministry in the first place in other quarters (see on Romans 1:13). But now having no longer place in these regions (i.e., according to the context, there being no additional sphere for my activity there. He had now planted the gospel in all the principal centres, leaving disciples and converts, and probably an ordained ministry, to carry on the work and extend it in the regions round. In this his proper apostolic work consisted; cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-14.htm">1 Corinthians 1:14-17</a>), and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I hope to see you on my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. The sense of this verse is no way affected by the omission of "I will come unto you," which authorities are against retaining. If "for," after this omission, be retained, the sentence is incomplete, as St. Paul's sometimes are. The omission of "for" (for which there is some little authority) leaves the sentence improved. The apostle's selection of Spain as his next intended sphere of labour might be due to the notoriety of that Roman province, and the facility of communication with it by sea. His omission of Italy, except for a passing visit, is accounted for by his principle, already enunciated, of not building on other men's foundation, there being already a flourishing Church at any rate at Rome. He hoped, as appears from this verse, that some of the members of it might join him in his mission to Spain. For the word προπεμφθῆναι would imply their going all the way in the case of a sea-voyage. For the use of the word, cf. <a href="/acts/15-3.htm">Acts 15:3</a>; <a href="/acts/20-38.htm">Acts 20:38</a>; <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">Acts 21:5</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/16-6.htm">1 Corinthians 16:6</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/1-16.htm">2 Corinthians 1:16</a>. Observe the characteristic courtesy of the concluding clause, which is literally, "should I be first in part" (i.e. not as much as I should wish, but to such extent as my short stay with you will allow) "filled with you," i.e. enjoy you. <a href="/commentaries/romans/15-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Rather, ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. as καθὼς (kathōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2531.htm">Strong's 2531: </a> According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that. it is written: γέγραπται (gegraptai) Verb - Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1125.htm">Strong's 1125: </a> A primary verb; to 'grave', especially to write; figuratively, to describe. “Those who οἷς (hois) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. were not told ἀνηγγέλη (anēngelē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_312.htm">Strong's 312: </a> To bring back word, report; I announce, declare. From ana and the base of aggelos; to announce. about περὶ (peri) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4012.htm">Strong's 4012: </a> From the base of peran; properly, through, i.e. Around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time. Him αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. will see, Ὄψονται (Opsontai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. those who οἳ (hoi) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. have not heard ἀκηκόασιν (akēkoasin) Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_191.htm">Strong's 191: </a> To hear, listen, comprehend by hearing; pass: is heard, reported. A primary verb; to hear. will understand.” συνήσουσιν (synēsousin) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4920.htm">Strong's 4920: </a> To consider, understand, perceive. From sun and hiemi; to put together, i.e. to comprehend; by implication, to act piously. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/15-21.htm">Romans 15:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/15-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 15:21 But as it is written They will (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/15-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 15:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 15:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/15-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 15:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 15:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>