Devine Scripture

Romans 16:18

What does Romans 16:18 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 16:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 16:18 means

Paul explains why divisive teachers must be avoided: they are not serving the Lord Christ but their own appetites. Their motives are self-centered, and their methods involve smooth, flattering speech that deceives sincere hearts. This diagnosis unmasks the danger—such people exploit trust and piety for personal gain or influence. By highlighting both motive and method, Paul equips the church to see through pleasant words to the underlying reality. The safeguard is not cynicism but discernment shaped by loyalty to Christ, who is the true Lord, not any teacher’s ego or desires.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For such people are not servants of the Lord Christ, but of their stomachs; and by their smooth and well-said words the hearts of those who have no knowledge of evil are tricked.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For they that are such serve not Christ our Lord but their own belly: and by pleasing speeches and good words seduce the hearts of the innocent.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.

Context

Verse 18 expands the warning of verse 17 by revealing the inner drivers and tactics of false teachers. Having named the problem, Paul will, in verse 19, affirm the Romans’ commendable obedience while urging them to combine wisdom regarding what is good with a simple, untangled stance toward evil. Then verse 20 will add a strong promise of God’s soon victory over Satan, anchoring their vigilance in hope and grace.

v.17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them that are causing the divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which ye learned: and turn away from them.

v.18This passage

v.19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I rejoice therefore over you: but I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple unto that which is evil.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 6:24

    No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

  • Matthew 24:24

    For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.

  • Ezekiel 13:16

    to wit, the prophets of Israel that prophesy concerning Jerusalem, and that see visions of peace for her, and there is no peace, saith the Lord Jehovah.

  • Jeremiah 8:10

    Therefore will I give their wives unto others, and their fields to them that shall possess them: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness; from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely.

  • Psalms 119:130

    The opening of thy words giveth light; It giveth understanding unto the simple.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

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