Romans 1:8
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Original Language Analysis
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
G2168
εὐχαριστῶ
I thank
Strong's:
G2168
Word #:
3 of 21
to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
διὰ
through
G1223
διὰ
through
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
7 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 21
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
10 of 21
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
15 of 21
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ὅλῳ
the whole
G3650
ὅλῳ
the whole
Strong's:
G3650
Word #:
19 of 21
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
Cross References
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.1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Ephesians 1:15Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints,1 Peter 2:5Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.1 Peter 4:11If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.Hebrews 13:15By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.Colossians 1:3We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you,Philippians 1:3I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,Ephesians 5:20Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;
Historical Context
By 57 AD, Christianity had spread throughout major urban centers of the Roman Empire. Believers in Rome, despite persecution, maintained faithful witness. When Paul wrote, Nero's reign (54-68 AD) had not yet turned violently against Christians (the Great Fire and subsequent persecution came in 64 AD). Nevertheless, professing Christ in pagan Rome required courage, as the religion was viewed with suspicion by authorities and the populace alike.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean to thank God 'through Jesus Christ' (διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) for blessings, and how does this differ from generic gratitude?
- If your faith were 'proclaimed' publicly among your community, would it be known for authenticity, love, courage, or something else?
- How can you cultivate a habit of thanksgiving for other believers, even those you disagree with or find difficult?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
Paul's thanksgiving establishes relational warmth before theological instruction. Prōton men eucharistō tō theō mou (πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, 'first, I thank my God') shows Paul's habitual gratitude and personal relationship with God. The phrase dia Iēsou Christou (διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'through Jesus Christ') indicates that access to God is mediated by Christ alone (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Prayer and thanksgiving flow through our High Priest and Mediator.
Peri pantōn humōn (περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, 'for all of you') is inclusive—Paul thanks God for every believer, not just leaders or mature Christians. The content of thanksgiving is hoti hē pistis humōn katangelletai en holō tō kosmō (ὅτι ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, 'that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world'). The verb katangelletai (proclaimed/announced) is passive—their faith had become news that spread widely. En holō tō kosmō (throughout the whole world) is hyperbolic but reflects Rome's centrality; news from the capital traveled via trade routes and imperial communications to all corners of the empire. Their faith was visible, public, and exemplary.