Romans 15:24
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
Whensoever
G5613
ὡς
Whensoever
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 25
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
2 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
πορεύωμαι
I take my journey
G4198
πορεύωμαι
I take my journey
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
3 of 25
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
G2064
ἐλεύσομαι
I will come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
7 of 25
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
8 of 25
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεάσασθαι
to see
G2300
θεάσασθαι
to see
Strong's:
G2300
Word #:
13 of 25
to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑφ'
by
G5259
ὑφ'
by
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
16 of 25
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
προπεμφθῆναι
to be brought on my way
G4311
προπεμφθῆναι
to be brought on my way
Strong's:
G4311
Word #:
18 of 25
to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
20 of 25
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἀπὸ
with
G575
ἀπὸ
with
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
23 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Romans 15:28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.Romans 1:12That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.Acts 15:3And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.
Historical Context
There's no reliable evidence Paul reached Spain. Church tradition (1 Clement 5:7, Muratorian Canon) suggests he may have after his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), but it's uncertain. His arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21) and two-year Caesarean imprisonment delayed everything (Acts 24-26). His arrival in Rome was as prisoner, not free missionary (Acts 28). Whether he later traveled to Spain remains debated.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's missionary vision—constantly pressing into unreached territory—challenge or inspire your evangelistic priorities?
- What does Paul's request for the Roman church to 'send him on' to Spain teach about church responsibility in supporting missionaries and missions?
- How do you balance enjoying fellowship ('being filled with your company') with maintaining forward mission momentum?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you (ὡς ἂν πορεύωμαι εἰς τὴν Σπανίαν, ἐλεύσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, hōs an poreuōmai eis tēn Spanian, eleusomai pros hymas)—Paul announces his next missionary frontier: Spanian (Spain), the western edge of the Roman Empire. This was virgin territory for the gospel—Paul's pioneer principle (vv. 20-21) driving him westward. Rome is strategically located en route to Spain, allowing him finally to visit while advancing his mission. Eleusomai (I will come) expresses confident intention (though qualified by 'if the Lord wills,' cf. Jas 4:15, implied in v. 32).
For I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company (ἐλπίζω γὰρ διαπορευόμενος θεάσασθαι ὑμᾶς καὶ ὑφ' ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ ἐὰν ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἀπὸ μέρους ἐμπλησθῶ, elpizō gar diaporeuomenos theasasthai hymas kai hyph' hymōn propemphthēnai ekei ean hymōn prōton apo merous emplēsthō)—Propemphthēnai (to be sent on, brought on the way) was technical term for sponsoring missionaries: financial support, provisions, travel arrangements (Acts 15:3, 1 Cor 16:6, Tit 3:13). Paul hoped the Roman church would become his sending church for Spanish mission—a partnership model. Emplēsthō (be filled/satisfied) with their company indicates he anticipated mutual refreshment, not mere logistical stopover.