Devine Scripture

Romans 16:26

What does Romans 16:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 16:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 16:26 means

Paul says the once-hidden mystery is now revealed and made known through the prophetic Scriptures, by the command of the eternal God, to all nations, with the goal of bringing about the obedience of faith. The gospel fulfills what the prophets anticipated and carries divine authority for worldwide proclamation. Its scope is universal, and its aim is not mere assent but believing obedience. God Himself drives this mission, ensuring that the message about Christ reaches the nations so that people from every background bow to Him in trusting, life-shaping faith.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But is now made clear; and by the writings of the prophets, by the order of the eternal God, the knowledge of it has been given to all the nations, so that they may come under the rule of the faith;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and now having been made manifest, also, through prophetic writings, according to a command of the age-during God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

(Which now is made manifest by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the precept of the eternal God, for the obedience of faith) known among all nations:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but [which] has now been made manifest, and by prophetic scriptures, according to commandment of the eternalGod, made known for obedience of faith to all the nations —

Context

Continuing the doxology, Paul explains the means and aim of the revealed mystery. The ancient Scriptures are the vehicle of promise; God’s eternal command drives the mission; the nations are its field; obedient faith is its fruit. This sets up the final ascription of glory in verse 27, where Paul will sum up the theological heartbeat of Romans—God’s wisdom displayed in salvation through Jesus Christ—and seal the letter with worship.

v.25Now to him that is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which hath been kept in silence through times eternal,

v.26This passage

v.27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 10:43

    To him bear all the prophets witness, that through his name every one that believeth on him shall receive remission of sins.

  • Romans 1:20

    For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse:

  • Deuteronomy 33:27

    The eternal God isthy dwelling-place, And underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy from before thee, And said, Destroy.

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • 2 Timothy 1:10

    but hath now been manifested by the appearing of our Saviour Christ Jesus, who abolished death, and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,

  • Romans 15:4

    For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that through patience and through comfort of the scriptures we might have hope.

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