Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
Original Language Analysis
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
G3870
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 22
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 22
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σκάνδαλα
offences
G4625
σκάνδαλα
offences
Strong's:
G4625
Word #:
11 of 22
a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)
παρὰ
contrary
G3844
παρὰ
contrary
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
12 of 22
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἣν
which
G3739
ἣν
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
15 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ποιοῦντας
them which cause
G4160
ποιοῦντας
them which cause
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
18 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
19 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκκλίνατε
avoid
G1578
ἐκκλίνατε
avoid
Strong's:
G1578
Word #:
20 of 22
to deviate, i.e., (absolutely) to shun (literally or figuratively), or (relatively) to decline (from piety)
Cross References
Jude 1:19These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.2 Thessalonians 3:6Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.Colossians 2:8Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.2 Timothy 3:5Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.Galatians 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:Titus 3:10A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject;1 Timothy 1:3As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine,Matthew 18:7Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!Philippians 3:17Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.1 Corinthians 3:3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
Historical Context
Paul repeatedly warned against false teachers: Judaizers requiring circumcision (Galatians 1:6-9, 'let him be accursed'), antinomians promoting license (Romans 6:1-2), proto-Gnostics denying resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-19), ascetics forbidding marriage/food (1 Timothy 4:1-5). The early church faced constant doctrinal threats. Paul's command to 'avoid them' (ekklinete) seems harsh but protects the flock—false teaching spreads like gangrene (2 Timothy 2:17). Church discipline for doctrinal error was normative: Hymenaeus and Alexander delivered to Satan (1 Timothy 1:20), factious persons rejected after two warnings (Titus 3:10).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you distinguish between disputable matters (ch. 14, allow diversity) and doctrinal deviations (v. 17, avoid them)?
- What does it mean to 'mark' (<em>skopein</em>) those causing divisions—how do you identify false teaching without becoming heresy hunters?
- When is it faithful to 'avoid' (<em>ekklinete</em>) divisive teachers versus engage them—where's the line between discernment and sectarianism?
Analysis & Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them—Parakalō de hymas, adelphoi, skopein tous tas dichostasias kai ta skandala para tēn didachēn hēn hymeis emathete poiountas, kai ekklinete ap' autōn (παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, σκοπεῖν τοὺς τὰς διχοστασίας καὶ τὰ σκάνδαλα παρὰ τὴν διδαχὴν ἣν ὑμεῖς ἐμάθετε ποιοῦντας, καὶ ἐκκλίνετε ἀπ' αὐτῶν). Skopein (σκοπέω, watch/mark) means observe carefully, identify. Dichostasias (διχοστασία, divisions) are factional splits. Skandala (σκάνδαλον, offenses/snares) are stumbling blocks causing spiritual ruin. Para tēn didachēn (παρὰ τὴν διδαχήν, contrary to the teaching) identifies the criterion: apostolic doctrine. Ekklinete (ἐκκλίνω, avoid/turn away) is strong—don't engage, debate, or tolerate. This isn't disputable matters (ch. 14) but false teaching threatening the gospel.