Romans 15:9
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.
Original Language Analysis
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔθνεσιν
that the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
that the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
3 of 21
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ὑπὲρ
for
G5228
ὑπὲρ
for
Strong's:
G5228
Word #:
4 of 21
"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
δοξάσαι
might glorify
G1392
δοξάσαι
might glorify
Strong's:
G1392
Word #:
6 of 21
to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεόν
God
G2316
θεόν
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
10 of 21
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Διὰ
For
G1223
Διὰ
For
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
11 of 21
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
ἐξομολογήσομαί
I will confess
G1843
ἐξομολογήσομαί
I will confess
Strong's:
G1843
Word #:
13 of 21
to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully
ἔθνεσιν
that the Gentiles
G1484
ἔθνεσιν
that the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
16 of 21
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Samuel 22:50Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.Psalms 18:49Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.Romans 3:29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:Matthew 9:8But when the multitudes saw it, they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.
Historical Context
Psalm 18 is a royal psalm celebrating God's deliverance of David. In Second Temple Judaism, it was read messianically. Paul's interpretive move—seeing Christ as the 'I' who confesses God among Gentiles—reflects early Christian pesher hermeneutics, reading Israel's Scriptures christologically. This validated Gentile mission as fulfilling, not contradicting, Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing your salvation as sheer mercy (not covenant right) affect your gratitude and worship toward God?
- What implications does Christ's mission to the Gentiles have for the church's evangelistic and missionary commitments today?
- How can you 'confess God among the Gentiles' in your own context—glorifying God before those outside the faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy (τὰ δὲ ἔθνη ὑπὲρ ἐλέους δοξάσαι τὸν θεόν, ta de ethnē hyper eleous doxasai ton theon)—Paul contrasts Christ's mission to Jews (v. 8: for God's truth/faithfulness in keeping promises) with his mission to Gentiles (for God's mercy in extending salvation beyond covenant people). Jews received covenant rights; Gentiles received sheer eleos (mercy)—undeserved, unexpected inclusion in Israel's Messiah and Israel's God. Both groups glorify God, but for different reasons: Jews for his faithfulness, Gentiles for his mercy.
As it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name—Paul begins a chain of four OT quotations (vv. 9-12) proving Gentile inclusion was always God's plan. This citation from Psalm 18:49 (2 Sam 22:50) shows David—Israel's anointed king, a type of Christ—praising God among the nations. Christ, David's greater Son, brings Gentiles into the worship of Israel's God. The Messiah's mission was always centrifugal: from Israel to the nations.