Romans 1:13
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Original Language Analysis
θέλω
I would
G2309
θέλω
I would
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
2 of 30
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἀγνοεῖν
have
G50
ἀγνοεῖν
have
Strong's:
G50
Word #:
5 of 30
not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
6 of 30
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 30
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
προεθέμην
I purposed
G4388
προεθέμην
I purposed
Strong's:
G4388
Word #:
9 of 30
to place before, i.e., (for oneself) to exhibit; (to oneself) to propose (determine)
ἐλθεῖν
to come
G2064
ἐλθεῖν
to come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 30
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 30
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
καὶ
(but
G2532
καὶ
(but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 30
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δεῦρο
G1204
σχῶ
I might have
G2192
σχῶ
I might have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
21 of 30
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
καὶ
(but
G2532
καὶ
(but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
22 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
(but
G2532
καὶ
(but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
26 of 30
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 19:21After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.Philippians 4:17Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.1 Thessalonians 4:13But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.1 Thessalonians 2:18Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.2 Timothy 4:17Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.1 Corinthians 12:1Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.1 Corinthians 10:1Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;2 Corinthians 1:8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:Colossians 1:6Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth:Romans 11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
Historical Context
Paul's missionary strategy focused on major urban centers from which the gospel could spread regionally (Acts 19:10). By 57 AD, he had planted churches throughout Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia. Rome was the empire's capital, and establishing the church there would have strategic gospel impact. Paul's repeated plans to visit, though hindered, demonstrate persistent commitment to fulfilling his apostolic calling to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
Questions for Reflection
- When your plans are 'hindered' (κωλύω), how do you discern whether it is divine providence, satanic opposition, or simply circumstances?
- What 'fruit' (καρπός) is God calling you to bear in your current sphere of influence, even if it is not where you envisioned?
- How can you faithfully labor for gospel fruit without measuring success by worldly metrics of size, speed, or visibility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
Paul uses a characteristic phrase: ou thelō de humas agnoein (οὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, 'I do not want you to be ignorant'), which he employs to introduce important information (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Addressing them as adelphoi (ἀδελφοί, brethren) reinforces familial bond. Paul clarifies that his delay in visiting was not neglect: hoti pollakis proethemēn elthein pros humas (ὅτι πολλάκις προεθέμην ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, 'that many times I purposed to come to you').
Kai ekōluthēn achri tou deuro (καὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο, 'but was hindered until now') uses a passive verb—Paul was hindered, presumably by providence, ministry needs elsewhere, or satanic opposition (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:18). His motivation for coming is hina tina karpon schō kai en humin (ἵνα τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, 'that I might have some fruit among you also'). Karpon (fruit) likely means converts, strengthened believers, or spiritual results of ministry. Kathōs kai en tois loipois ethnesin (καθὼς καὶ ἐν τοῖς λοιποῖς ἔθνεσιν, 'even as among the other Gentiles') identifies Rome as part of Paul's Gentile mission field.