Romans 15:17
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
Original Language Analysis
ἔχω
I have
G2192
ἔχω
I have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
1 of 9
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
οὖν
therefore whereof
G3767
οὖν
therefore whereof
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 9
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
καύχησιν
I may glory
G2746
καύχησιν
I may glory
Strong's:
G2746
Word #:
3 of 9
boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
6 of 9
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 5:1For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:Philippians 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.Hebrews 2:17Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.2 Corinthians 12:1It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.2 Corinthians 7:4Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.
Historical Context
Paul's discussion of boasting engages with both Jewish concerns (boasting in Torah observance, cf. Rom 2:17, 23) and Greco-Roman honor culture (boasting in achievements, status, patronage). Against both, Paul insists on boasting exclusively in Christ—a theological revolution that relativized both Jewish and pagan value systems.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between godly 'boasting in Christ' for your ministry effectiveness versus sinful boasting in your own abilities?
- What ministry accomplishments can you gratefully acknowledge as 'Christ working through you' rather than your own achievement?
- How does 'boasting in Christ' for spiritual fruit protect against both pride and false humility?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God (ἔχω οὖν καύχησιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, echō oun kauchēsin en Christō Iēsou ta pros ton theon)—Kauchēsin (boasting, glorying) is a key Pauline term. He emphatically rejects human boasting (3:27, 4:2, Eph 2:9) but affirms boasting en Christō Iēsou (in Christ Jesus)—boasting that acknowledges all achievement as Christ's work through the apostle. Ta pros ton theon (the things pertaining to God) refers to his sacred ministry just described (v. 16). Paul can take legitimate satisfaction in his apostolic work precisely because he recognizes it as Christ's accomplishment, not his own.
This models healthy Christian confidence: neither false humility that denies gifting nor proud boasting that claims credit. Paul simultaneously affirms real ministry effectiveness while attributing all success to Christ working through him. This is gospel-shaped confidence.