Romans 15:30
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;
Original Language Analysis
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
G3870
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 26
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 26
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
5 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
7 of 26
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
9 of 26
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
12 of 26
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀγάπης
the love
G26
ἀγάπης
the love
Strong's:
G26
Word #:
14 of 26
love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
of the Spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
16 of 26
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
συναγωνίσασθαί
that ye strive together
G4865
συναγωνίσασθαί
that ye strive together
Strong's:
G4865
Word #:
17 of 26
to struggle in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant)
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
προσευχαῖς
your prayers
G4335
προσευχαῖς
your prayers
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
21 of 26
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
22 of 26
"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super
πρὸς
to
G4314
πρὸς
to
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
24 of 26
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,
Cross References
Colossians 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.2 Corinthians 1:11Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.2 Corinthians 4:11For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.1 Thessalonians 5:25Brethren, pray for us.2 Thessalonians 3:1Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you:Colossians 2:1For I would that ye knew what great conflict I have for you, and for them at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh;Philippians 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Historical Context
Paul's urgent prayer request reflects his awareness of Jerusalem danger (Acts 20:22-23, 21:10-11). Prophets warned of imprisonment; Paul knew his life was at risk. His request for prayer wasn't theoretical but life-or-death intercession. The Roman Christians, though distant, could participate in Paul's mission through prayer—demonstrating prayer's strategic importance in missions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's metaphor of 'striving together' in prayer elevate your understanding of intercessory prayer's intensity and importance?
- For which missionaries, church leaders, or dangerous gospel ministries should you be 'striving' in prayer rather than offering casual mention?
- What does Paul's request—appealing 'for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake and for the love of the Spirit'—teach about motivations for intercession?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit (Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ πνεύματος, parakalō de hymas, adelphoi, dia tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou kai dia tēs agapēs tou pneumatos)—Parakalō (I urge, beseech, appeal) introduces urgent request. Dia (through, for the sake of) indicates basis for the appeal: ton kyrion (the Lord Jesus Christ) and tēs agapēs tou pneumatos (the love of the Spirit). This is implicitly trinitarian: Paul appeals by Christ and by the Spirit's love. Agapēs tou pneumatos could mean love produced by the Spirit (subjective genitive) or love for the Spirit (objective genitive)—more likely the former: the Spirit-produced love binding believers together.
That ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me (συναγωνίσασθαί μοι ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, synagōnisasthai moi en tais proseuchais hyper emou pros ton theon)—Synagōnisasthai (strive together, agonize together) is athletic/military language: intense, concerted effort. Paul requests not casual prayer but striving prayer—fervent intercession. Moi (with me) indicates partnership: they fight alongside him in spiritual battle via prayer. This models apostolic humility: Paul, the great apostle, desperately needs others' prayers.