Devine Scripture

Romans 15:21

What does Romans 15:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 15:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 15:21 means

Paul supports his strategy by citing Scripture that speaks of those who have not been told seeing and those who have not heard understanding. The Servant’s work reaches untouched peoples. This prophetic word frames Paul’s vocation: he is drawn to places where the message is new. The authority of Scripture shapes both his message and his methods. He reads his mission through God’s promises, not through personal ambition. By aligning his plans with Scripture, he invites the church to value pioneer work as part of God’s redemptive design.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But as it is said in the holy Writings, They will see, to whom the news of him had not been given, and those to whose ears it had not come will have knowledge.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But as it is written: They to whom he was not spoken of shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but according as it is written, To whom there was nothing told concerning him, they shall see; and they that have not heard shall understand.

Context

Having declared his aim to preach where Christ is unknown (v.20), Paul now shows that this aim fulfills Scripture (v.21). With biblical warrant established, he will explain in verse 22 that this focus repeatedly prevented his visit to Rome. The sequence validates his past choices and sets up his new plans, now that earlier regions are well covered (v.23), to visit Rome on the way to further frontiers (v.24).

v.20yea, making it my aim so to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already named, that I might not build upon another man’s foundation;

v.21This passage

v.22Wherefore also I was hindered these many times from coming to you:

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 65:1

    I am inquired of by them that asked notfor 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.

  • Isaiah 52:15

    so shall he sprinkle many nations; 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 understand.

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