Devine Scripture

Romans 1:14

What does Romans 1:14 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:14 means

Paul feels himself a debtor to Greeks and Barbarians, to the wise and the foolish. This does not mean he owes them money but that Christ’s commission obligates him to bring the gospel to all peoples and cultures. He makes no distinctions based on education, language, or refinement. The message belongs as much in learned Athens as in rough outposts. Grace received makes him a servant to others’ salvation. The breadth of these categories underscores the universal scope of the gospel and Paul’s resolve to cross every barrier so that Christ’s name is honored among all nations.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

I have a debt to Greeks and to the nations outside; to the wise and to those who have no learning.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to wise and to thoughtless, I am a debtor,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

To the Greeks and to the barbarians, to the wise and to the unwise, I am a debtor.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I am a debtor both to Greeks and barbarians, both to wise and unintelligent:

Context

Paul moves from desire (v.13) to duty (v.14): a universal obligation to preach. This sets up verse 15’s readiness to preach in Rome specifically. The argument is tightening toward the letter’s thesis in verses 16–17, where Paul will explain why he is unashamed: the gospel’s power and revelation of God’s righteousness. Thus personal calling (v.14) leads to confident proclamation (v.15) and then to foundational doctrine (vv.16–17).

v.13And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.

v.14This passage

v.15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also that are in Rome.

Cross references

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

  • Proverbs 1:22

    How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? And scoffers delight them in scoffing, And fools hate knowledge?

  • Acts 13:2

    And as they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:13

    Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words.

  • Romans 11:25

    For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;

  • 1 Corinthians 14:16

    Else if thou bless with the spirit, how shall he that filleth the place of the unlearned say the Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he knoweth not what thou sayest?

  • Acts 26:17

    delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,

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