Romans 15:21

Authorized King James Version

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
G235
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
καθὼς
G2531
as
just (or inasmuch) as, that
#3
γέγραπται
G1125
it is written
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
#4
οἳ
G3739
To whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#5
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#6
ἀνηγγέλη
G312
he was
to announce (in detail)
#7
περὶ
G4012
of
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
#8
αὐτοῦ
G846
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
#9
ὄψονται
G3700
they shall see
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
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
οἳ
G3739
To whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
ἀκηκόασιν
G191
heard
to hear (in various senses)
#14
συνήσουσιν
G4920
shall understand
to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

Analysis

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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