Devine Scripture

Romans 1:9

What does Romans 1:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 1:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 1:9 means

Paul calls God as witness to the sincerity and constancy of his prayers for the Romans. He serves God in his spirit in the gospel of God’s Son—his ministry is heartfelt worship, not mere duty. Unceasing mention shows deep pastoral concern. Though absent, he is spiritually involved with them, bearing them before God. His service is centered on the Son’s gospel, aligning his prayers and labors. By invoking God as witness, Paul assures the Romans of genuine affection. Prayer binds far-flung believers, and Paul models a leader whose public mission is sustained by private intercession.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For God is my witness, whose servant I am in spirit in the good news of his Son, that you are at all times in my memory and in my prayers,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the good news of His Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For God is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make a commemoration of you:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

ForGod is my witness, whom I serve in my spirit in the glad tidings of his Son, how unceasingly I make mention of you,

Context

Continuing the thanksgiving (v.8), Paul explains its depth (v.9): regular prayer and sincere service. He is building trust with a church he has not seen. Verse 10 will reveal the specific content of his request—that God would allow him to visit them. This sequence shows that Paul’s desire to come is not impulsive but prayed over, framed by worship, and submitted to God’s will.

v.8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world.

v.9This passage

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

Cross references

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

  • 2 Corinthians 11:10

    As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this glorying in the regions of Achaia.

  • Philippians 1:4

    always in every supplication of mine on behalf of you all making my supplication with joy,

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:10

    night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

  • Acts 12:5

    Peter therefore was kept in the prison: but prayer was made earnestly of the church unto God for him.

  • Philemon 1:4

    I thank my God always, making mention of thee in my prayers,

  • Colossians 1:28

    whom we proclaim, admonishing every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ;

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