Romans 15:32

Authorized King James Version

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That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

Original Language Analysis

ἵνα That G2443
ἵνα That
Strong's: G2443
Word #: 1 of 12
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
ἐν with G1722
ἐν with
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 2 of 12
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
χαρᾷ joy G5479
χαρᾷ joy
Strong's: G5479
Word #: 3 of 12
cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight
ἔλθω I may come G2064
ἔλθω I may come
Strong's: G2064
Word #: 4 of 12
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς unto G4314
πρὸς unto
Strong's: G4314
Word #: 5 of 12
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,
ὑμᾶς you G5209
ὑμᾶς you
Strong's: G5209
Word #: 6 of 12
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 7 of 12
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
θελήματος the will G2307
θελήματος the will
Strong's: G2307
Word #: 8 of 12
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
θεοῦ of God G2316
θεοῦ of God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 9 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συναναπαύσωμαι be refreshed G4875
συναναπαύσωμαι be refreshed
Strong's: G4875
Word #: 11 of 12
to recruit oneself in company with
ὑμῖν with you G5213
ὑμῖν with you
Strong's: G5213
Word #: 12 of 12
to (with or by) you

Analysis & Commentary

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed (ἵνα ἐν χαρᾷ ἐλθὼν πρὸς ὑμᾶς διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ συναναπαύσωμαι ὑμῖν, hina en chara elthōn pros hymas dia thelēmatos theou synanapavsōmai hymin)—The third prayer request: that he come to Rome en chara (with joy), contingent on dia thelēmatos theou (through/by God's will). Thelēmatos theou acknowledges divine sovereignty over Paul's plans—he hopes and plans, but God determines (Prov 16:9, Jas 4:13-15). True joy comes from fulfilled divine will, not merely successful plans. Synanapavsōmai (may be refreshed together) expresses mutual encouragement: Paul will find rest and renewal in Roman fellowship, and they in his.

Paul's phrasing—'by the will of God'—proves prophetic: he did reach Rome, but God's will involved arrest, trials, shipwreck, and arrival in chains (Acts 28). Yet even this fulfilled God's purpose: Paul testified before rulers (Acts 9:15, 23:11) and reached Rome to preach unhindered (Acts 28:30-31). God's will transcends our neat plans.

Historical Context

Paul's desire for mutual refreshment echoes 1:11-12. He longed for reciprocal blessing: strengthening Roman believers while being strengthened by them. Acts 28:15 records Roman Christians meeting Paul on the Appian Way, sight of whom 'he thanked God and took courage'—partial fulfillment of desired mutual refreshment despite circumstances. Fellowship in Christ transcends circumstances.

Questions for Reflection

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