Devine Scripture

Romans 1:11

What does Romans 1:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:11 means

Paul longs to see the Roman believers to impart some spiritual gift, so they may be established. He does not claim power to dispense the Spirit at will; rather, he desires to strengthen their faith through teaching, encouragement, and whatever God grants through his ministry. “Established” suggests being rooted and steady, resistant to error and trial. Paul’s goal is their stability, not personal recognition. Apostolic presence often brought fresh clarity and courage to young churches. He yearns to be an instrument for their upbuilding, seeing them grounded more firmly in the gospel’s truth and in the life of the Spirit.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I have a strong desire to see you, and to give you some grace of the spirit, so that you may be made strong;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, that ye may be established;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I long to see you that I may impart unto you some spiritual grace, to strengthen you:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I greatly desire to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to establish you;

Context

Having prayed to come (v.10), Paul now states his purpose (v.11): to fortify the Romans’ faith. He will immediately balance this by saying the encouragement will be mutual (v.12). This frames the visit not as a one-way transfer, but as shared edification. Then (v.13) he will acknowledge repeated attempts and hindrances, tying his desire to seek gospel fruit among Gentiles. The flow emphasizes ministry aims before logistics or travel details.

v.10making request, if by any means now at length I may be prospered by the will of God to come unto you.

v.11This passage

v.12that is, that I with you may be comforted in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 13:9

    Be not carried away by divers and strange teachings: for it is good that the heart be established by grace; not by meats, wherein they that occupied themselves were not profited.

  • Romans 15:23

    but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you,

  • Philippians 1:8

    For God is my witness, how I long after you all in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus.

  • 1 Peter 5:12

    By Silvanus, our faithful brother, as I accounthim, I have written unto you briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God: stand ye fast therein.

  • Acts 16:5

    So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

  • 2 Thessalonians 3:3

    But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you, and guard you from the evil one.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 1

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 1.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Romans 1:11.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary