Romans 16:18

Authorized King James Version

PDF

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

Original Language Analysis

οἱ G3588
οἱ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 1 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοιοῦτοι they that are such G5108
τοιοῦτοι they that are such
Strong's: G5108
Word #: 3 of 25
truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ Lord G2962
κυρίῳ Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 5 of 25
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἡμῶν our G2257
ἡμῶν our
Strong's: G2257
Word #: 6 of 25
of (or from) us
Ἰησοῦ Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 7 of 25
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστῷ Christ G5547
Χριστῷ Christ
Strong's: G5547
Word #: 8 of 25
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 9 of 25
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
δουλεύουσιν serve G1398
δουλεύουσιν serve
Strong's: G1398
Word #: 10 of 25
to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
ἀλλὰ but G235
ἀλλὰ but
Strong's: G235
Word #: 11 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 12 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῶν their own G1438
ἑαυτῶν their own
Strong's: G1438
Word #: 13 of 25
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
κοιλίᾳ belly G2836
κοιλίᾳ belly
Strong's: G2836
Word #: 14 of 25
a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart
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
διὰ by G1223
διὰ by
Strong's: G1223
Word #: 16 of 25
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρηστολογίας good words G5542
χρηστολογίας good words
Strong's: G5542
Word #: 18 of 25
fair speech, i.e., plausibility
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 19 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εὐλογίας fair speeches G2129
εὐλογίας fair speeches
Strong's: G2129
Word #: 20 of 25
fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr
ἐξαπατῶσιν deceive G1818
ἐξαπατῶσιν deceive
Strong's: G1818
Word #: 21 of 25
to seduce wholly
τὰς G3588
τὰς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίας the hearts G2588
καρδίας the hearts
Strong's: G2588
Word #: 23 of 25
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
τῶν G3588
τῶν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 24 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀκάκων of the simple G172
ἀκάκων of the simple
Strong's: G172
Word #: 25 of 25
not bad, i.e., (objectively) innocent or (subjectively) unsuspecting

Analysis & Commentary

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly—Hoi gar toioutoi tō kyriō hēmōn Christō ou douleuousin alla tē heautōn koilia (οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν Χριστῷ οὐ δουλεύουσιν ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ). Tō kyriō ou douleuousin (οὐ δουλεύω τῷ κυρίῳ, do not serve the Lord) exposes false motive. Tē koilia (τῇ κοιλίᾳ, the belly) symbolizes fleshly appetites—greed, sensuality, self-interest (Philippians 3:19, 'whose god is their belly'). False teachers use religion for personal gain, not God's glory.

And by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple—Kai dia tēs chrēstologias kai eulogias exapatōsin tas kardias tōn akakōn (καὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας ἐξαπατῶσιν τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων). Chrēstologias kai eulogias (χρηστολογία καὶ εὐλογία, good words and blessings) are persuasive rhetoric, smooth talking. Exapatōsin (ἐξαπατάω, deceive/seduce) indicates intentional deception. Tōn akakōn (τῶν ἄκακος, the simple/innocent) are naive believers, trusting and unguarded. False teachers target the vulnerable—using flattery, charisma, eloquence to manipulate.

Historical Context

Paul's warning echoes OT prophets: false prophets prophesy peace for pay (Micah 3:5, 11), shepherds feed themselves not the flock (Ezekiel 34:2-3), greedy dogs never satisfied (Isaiah 56:11). Jesus warned of false prophets in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). Peter described false teachers as greedy, exploiting believers with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:1-3). Church history confirms the pattern: Montanists (2nd century), Gnostics, prosperity preachers, cult leaders—using religious language for personal enrichment. Paul's warning remains urgent: test teachers by fruit, doctrine, and motive (1 John 4:1, 'test the spirits').

Questions for Reflection