Romans 11:13
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγω
I speak
G3004
λέγω
I speak
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐθνῶν
Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
5 of 16
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐφ'
inasmuch as
G1909
ἐφ'
inasmuch as
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
8 of 16
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἐθνῶν
Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
11 of 16
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἀπόστολος
the apostle
G652
ἀπόστολος
the apostle
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
12 of 16
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
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:Acts 13:2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.Acts 22:21And he said unto me, Depart: for I will send thee far hence unto the Gentiles.Ephesians 3:8Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ;1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.Galatians 1:16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Historical Context
Paul wrote as a Jewish apostle to predominantly Gentile churches (Romans 1:5-6). His identity was complex: ethnically Jewish but called to Gentiles. This dual identity equipped him uniquely to address Jewish-Gentile tensions in the church.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's 'magnifying' his ministry to Gentiles demonstrate that God's purposes for Israel and the nations are interconnected, not opposed?
- What does it mean that Christian mission to Gentiles should provoke Israel to jealousy rather than contempt?
- How can Christians today 'magnify' their calling in a way that honors God's ongoing purposes for ethnic Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles—hymin legō tois ethnesin (ὑμῖν λέγω τοῖς ἔθνεσιν). Paul now addresses Gentile believers directly, reminding them of his apostolic calling (Acts 9:15; 22:21; Galatians 2:7-8). He is ethnōn apostolos (ἐθνῶν ἀπόστολος), commissioned specifically to Gentiles. The phrase I magnify mine office (doxazō mou tēn diakonian, δοξάζω μου τὴν διακονίαν) means "I glorify my ministry."
Paul is not boasting but explaining his strategic focus. By magnifying his Gentile ministry, he hopes to accomplish the goal stated in verse 11—provoking Israel to jealousy. The more Gentiles come to faith, the more evident God's blessing becomes, ideally stirring Israel to recognize their Messiah. Paul's mission to Gentiles is not anti-Israel; it's for Israel's ultimate salvation. His evangelistic strategy has eschatological purpose.