Romans 1:14
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Original Language Analysis
Ἕλλησίν
to the Greeks
G1672
Ἕλλησίν
to the Greeks
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
1 of 10
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Acts 22:21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.Isaiah 35:8And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.Romans 8:12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.Romans 13:8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.Romans 1:22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,Romans 16:19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.2 Corinthians 11:19For ye suffer fools gladly, seeing ye yourselves are wise.
Historical Context
The Roman Empire was linguistically divided between Greek-speaking East and Latin-speaking West, but Greek was the lingua franca. 'Barbarians' included various tribal peoples on the empire's frontiers—Celts, Germans, Scythians—viewed by Greeks and Romans as culturally inferior. Paul's willingness to evangelize 'barbarians' and 'foolish' people was radical, as most philosophers reserved truth for the educated elite. Christianity's egalitarian message attracted slaves, women, and lower classes, sparking criticism from Roman intellectuals.
Questions for Reflection
- To whom do you feel 'indebted' (ὀφειλέτης) to share the gospel—which cultural, educational, or socioeconomic groups?
- What cultural prejudices or intellectual snobbery prevent you from seeing all people as equally needing and worthy of hearing the gospel?
- How does Paul's all-encompassing mission challenge the modern church's tendency to target demographically similar 'people groups'?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
Paul's sense of mission is framed as obligation: Hellēsin te kai barbarois, sophois te kai anoētois opheiletēs eimi (Ἕλλησίν τε καὶ βαρβάροις, σοφοῖς τε καὶ ἀνοήτοις ὀφειλέτης εἰμί, 'both to Greeks and barbarians, both to wise and foolish, I am debtor'). Opheiletēs (ὀφειλέτης, debtor/one who owes) indicates that Paul's apostleship created obligation. Having freely received the gospel, he owed it to others (1 Corinthians 9:16: 'Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!').
The pairs Hellēsin/barbarois (Greeks/barbarians) and sophois/anoētois (wise/foolish) are comprehensive categories. Hellēsin refers to Greek-speaking, culturally Hellenized peoples; barbarois (βάρβαροι) refers to non-Greek peoples (the term imitates how foreign languages sounded: 'bar-bar'). Sophois (σοφοί, wise) and anoētois (ἀνοήτοις, foolish/unlearned) cover all educational levels. Paul's mission transcended cultural and intellectual boundaries—the gospel is for all without distinction. This inclusive vision echoes Colossians 3:11: 'There is neither Greek nor Jew... barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.'