Romans 15:27
What does Romans 15:27 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 15:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 15:27 means
Their generosity is fitting because they are debtors. The Gentiles have shared in Israel’s spiritual blessings—the promises, the Scriptures, the Messiah—and therefore owe a material service in return. This is not a legalistic levy but a grateful response to grace received. Gospel logic turns privilege into obligation: those enriched spiritually seek to bless materially. The collection thus becomes a visible sign of the one people of God, where mutual care flows both ways as needs arise. Unity is expressed not only in worship but in tangible support.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
KJV
King James Version · 1611It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Yea, it hath been their good pleasure; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to minister unto them in carnal things.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Yes, it has been their good pleasure; and they are in their debt. For if the Gentiles have had a part in the things of the Spirit which were theirs, it is right for them, in the same way, to give them help in the things of the flesh.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for it pleased well, and their debtors they are, for if in their spiritual things the nations did participate, they ought also, in the fleshly things, to minister to them.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For it hath pleased them: and they are their debtors. For, if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they ought also in carnal things to minister to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890They have been well pleased indeed, and they are their debtors; for if the nations have participated in their spiritual things, they ought also in fleshly to minister to them.
Context
Verse 26 reported the joyful decision of Macedonia and Achaia to give. Verse 27 explains why it is appropriate: Gentiles, beneficiaries of Israel’s spiritual gifts, should minister in material things. This theological reasoning binds doctrine to practice. The next step (v.28) will describe Paul’s plan to complete the delivery and then continue toward Spain via Rome. The flow maintains focus on unity enacted through generosity.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 9:11
If we sowed unto you spiritual things, is it a great matter if we shall reap your carnal things?
- Romans 11:17
But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;
- Philemon 1:19
I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.
- Galatians 6:6
But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
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