Romans 1:11
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Original Language Analysis
ἐπιποθῶ
I long
G1971
ἐπιποθῶ
I long
Strong's:
G1971
Word #:
1 of 14
to dote upon, i.e., intensely crave possession (lawfully or wrongfully)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἰδεῖν
to see
G1492
ἰδεῖν
to see
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 14
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
χάρισμα
gift
G5486
χάρισμα
gift
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
8 of 14
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
πνευματικὸν
spiritual
G4152
πνευματικὸν
spiritual
Strong's:
G4152
Word #:
10 of 14
non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou
εἰς
to the end
G1519
εἰς
to the end
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 14
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Peter 1:12Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth.Romans 16:25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,Romans 15:29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.2 Thessalonians 3:3But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil.Acts 19:6And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.1 Peter 5:12By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Acts 16:5And so were the churches established in the faith, and increased in number daily.2 Chronicles 20:20And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.2 Thessalonians 2:17Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.
Historical Context
The early church relied heavily on apostolic teaching and personal discipleship. Without the completed New Testament canon, believers depended on apostolic tradition passed down orally and through letters. Paul's desire to visit churches in person for extended teaching was crucial for doctrinal stability and protection against false teachers. The face-to-face nature of Christian discipleship remains vital despite modern technology.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'spiritual gifts' (χαρίσματα πνευματικά) has God given you to impart to others for their strengthening?
- How are you being 'established' (στηρίζω) in your faith, and who is God using to stabilize and mature you?
- In an age of digital connection, how important is physical presence and face-to-face ministry for spiritual growth?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
Paul explains his motivation for visiting: epipotheō gar idein humas (ἐπιποθῶ γὰρ ἰδεῖν ὑμᾶς, 'for I long to see you'). Epipotheō (long for/yearn) expresses intense desire, not casual interest. The purpose is hina ti metadō charisma humin pneumatikon (ἵνα τι μεταδῶ χάρισμα ὑμῖν πνευματικόν, 'that I may impart to you some spiritual gift'). Metadō (impart/share) suggests giving from what one has received. Charisma pneumatikon (spiritual gift) is somewhat ambiguous—likely not a miraculous sign gift but apostolic teaching, encouragement, and pastoral care that strengthens faith.
The ultimate goal is eis to stērichthēnai humas (εἰς τὸ στηριχθῆναι ὑμᾶς, 'that you may be established'). Stērichthēnai (be established/strengthened/confirmed) implies stability, rootedness, and perseverance. Paul's apostolic ministry aimed at building up believers to maturity (Ephesians 4:11-14). Despite Rome being a thriving church, Paul saw room for growth and wanted to contribute to their spiritual stability. This verse balances apostolic authority (Paul has something to give) with humility (he desires mutual encouragement, as v. 12 clarifies).