Romans 15:21
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
3 of 14
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
οἳ
To whom
G3739
οἳ
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
4 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
περὶ
of
G4012
περὶ
of
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὄψονται
they shall see
G3700
ὄψονται
they shall see
Strong's:
G3700
Word #:
9 of 14
to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἳ
To whom
G3739
οἳ
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
11 of 14
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Isaiah 52:15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.Isaiah 65:1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.
Historical Context
Isaiah 52:13-53:12 was central to early Christian reflection on Jesus's suffering, death, and exaltation (Acts 8:32-35, 1 Pet 2:22-25). Paul's application here connects soteriology (Christ's atoning work for all nations) with missiology (apostolic mission to unreached peoples). The Servant's global mission necessitates the church's global mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does connecting Paul's missionary principle to Isaiah 53 (the Suffering Servant) link missions to the heart of the gospel?
- What unreached or under-reached groups in your context have 'not heard' and need to 'see and understand' Christ?
- How should the scriptural mandate for pioneer missions shape church budgets, personnel deployment, and member sending?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand (ἀλλὰ καθὼς γέγραπται· Οἷς οὐκ ἀνηγγέλη περὶ αὐτοῦ, ὄψονται, καὶ οἳ οὐκ ἀκηκόασιν συνήσουσιν, alla kathōs gegraptai· hois ouk anēngelē peri autou, opsontai, kai hoi ouk akēkoasin synēsousin)—Paul cites Isaiah 52:15 to ground his pioneer missionary principle in Scripture. Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, describes the Suffering Servant's mission to astonish nations and kings who had not heard of him. Opsontai (they shall see) and synēsousin (they shall understand) indicate spiritual perception, not mere physical sight—unreached peoples will come to saving knowledge of the Servant.
Paul identifies himself with the Servant's mission: announcing the Servant (Christ) to those who've never heard. This christological reading of Isaiah 53 (universally applied to Jesus in the NT) motivates mission: if the Servant came for unreached nations, servants of the Servant must go to them. Missions is theological necessity, not optional activity—it flows from Christ's identity and work.