Devine Scripture

Romans 1:8

What does Romans 1:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:8 means

Paul begins with gratitude, thanking God through Jesus Christ for the Roman believers because their faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world. Their witness has spread beyond their city, encouraging the broader church. Paul’s thanksgiving is Christ-centered—he approaches God through the Mediator. He celebrates not their achievements but God’s work in them. This recognition builds unity and humility, setting a positive foundation for later exhortation. Reputation for faith matters when it magnifies God. Paul wants them to know they are seen and valued, even though he has not yet visited; the gospel has already borne fruit among them.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

First of all, I give praise to my God through Jesus Christ for you all, because news of your faith has gone into all the world.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

first, indeed, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed in the whole world;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

First, I give thanks to my God, through Jesus Christ, for you all: because your faith is spoken of in the whole world.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

First, I thank myGod through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed in the whole world.

Context

After greeting them (v.7), Paul turns to thanksgiving (v.8), a common epistolary move that forges relational warmth. He will continue in vv.9–10 describing his ongoing prayers and desire to visit. This sets the pastoral stage before he states his readiness to preach the gospel in Rome (vv.14–15) and then articulates the gospel’s thesis (vv.16–17). Thanksgiving thus smooths the way for both personal connection and theological argument.

v.7to all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

v.8This passage

v.9For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you, always in my prayers

Cross references

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

  • 1 Peter 2:5

    ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

  • Colossians 1:3

    We give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,

  • Ephesians 5:20

    giving thanks always for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

  • Philippians 1:11

    being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are through Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  • Hebrews 13:15

    Through him then let us offer up a sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of lips which make confession to his name.

  • Romans 6:17

    But thanks be to God, that, whereas ye were servants of sin, ye became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching whereunto ye were delivered;

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