I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul Greets the Roman Church
1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,
1Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God—
2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)
2the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures
3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;
3concerning his Son, who as to his earthly life was a descendant of David,
4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
4and who through the Spirit of holiness was appointed the Son of God in power by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.
5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:
5Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name's sake.
6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:
6And you also are among those Gentiles who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.
7To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
7To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.
8First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world.
9For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers;
9God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
10Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
10in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you.
11For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;
11I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong—
12That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.
12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith.
13Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
13I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
14I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.
15So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
15That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are in Rome.
The Gospel Is God's Power
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
16For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
17For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
17For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."
Humanity Rejects What It Knows
18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
18The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness,
19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
19since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them.
20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
20For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.
21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
21For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
22Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools
23And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
23and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal human beings and birds and animals and reptiles.
God Gives Them Over
24Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
24Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.
25Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
25They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.
26For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:
26Because of this, God gave them over to shameful desires. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.
27And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.
27In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error.
A Catalog of Vices
28And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
28Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
29Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
29They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips,
30Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
30slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents;
31Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful:
31they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.
32Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.
32Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Judge Condemns Himself
1Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.
1You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.
2But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.
3And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?
3So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment?
4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?
4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
5But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed.
God Judges Without Favoritism
6Who will render to every man according to his deeds:
6God "will repay each person according to what they have done."
7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
7To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, he will give eternal life.
8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
8But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.
9Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
9There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile;
10But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
10but glory, honor, and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.
11For there is no respect of persons with God.
11For God does not show favoritism.
Law Written on the Heart
12For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
12All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.
13For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous.
14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:
14Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.
15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
15They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts sometimes accusing them and at other times even defending them.
16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.
16This will take place on the day when God judges people's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.
Privilege Without Practice
17Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law, and makest thy boast of God,
17Now you, if you call yourself a Jew; if you rely on the law and boast in God;
18And knowest his will, and approvest the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law;
18if you know his will and approve of what is superior because you are instructed by the law;
19And art confident that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness,
19if you are convinced that you are a guide for the blind, a light for those who are in the dark,
20An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babes, which hast the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.
20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
21Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? thou that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?
21you, then, who teach others, do you not teach yourself? You who preach against stealing, do you steal?
22Thou that sayest a man should not commit adultery, dost thou commit adultery? thou that abhorrest idols, dost thou commit sacrilege?
22You who say that people should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples?
23Thou that makest thy boast of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?
23You who boast in the law, do you dishonor God by breaking the law?
24For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.
24As it is written: "God's name is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you."
True Circumcision Is Inward
25For circumcision verily profiteth, if thou keep the law: but if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is made uncircumcision.
25Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.
26Therefore if the uncircumcision keep the righteousness of the law, shall not his uncircumcision be counted for circumcision?
26So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?
27And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge thee, who by the letter and circumcision dost transgress the law?
27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.
28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:
28A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.
29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
29No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a person's praise is not from other people, but from God.
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
God's Faithfulness Despite Unbelief
1What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision?
1What advantage, then, is there in being a Jew, or what value is there in circumcision?
2Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.
2Much in every way! First of all, the Jews have been entrusted with the very words of God.
3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
3What if some were unfaithful? Will their unfaithfulness nullify God's faithfulness?
4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
4Not at all! Let God be true, and every human being a liar. As it is written: "So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge."
5But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)
5But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)
6God forbid: for then how shall God judge the world?
6Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?
7For if the truth of God hath more abounded through my lie unto his glory; why yet am I also judged as a sinner?
7Someone might argue, "If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?"
8And not rather, (as we be slanderously reported, and as some affirm that we say,) Let us do evil, that good may come? whose damnation is just.
8Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—"Let us do evil that good may result"? Their condemnation is just!
No One Is Righteous
9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;
9What shall we conclude then? Do we have any advantage? Not at all! For we have already made the charge that Jews and Gentiles alike are all under the power of sin.
10As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
10As it is written: "There is no one righteous, not even one;
11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.
11there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God.
12They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one.
12All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one."
13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:
13"Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit." "The poison of vipers is on their lips."
14Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness:
14"Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness."
15Their feet are swift to shed blood:
15"Their feet are swift to shed blood;
16Destruction and misery are in their ways:
16ruin and misery mark their ways,
17And the way of peace have they not known:
17and the way of peace they do not know."
18There is no fear of God before their eyes.
18"There is no fear of God before their eyes."
Every Mouth Silenced
19Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God.
20Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God's sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Righteousness Through Faith in Christ
21But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;
21But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
22This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
24and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
25God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—
26To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
26he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Boasting Excluded, Law Upheld
27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
27Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.
28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
28For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
29Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
30Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
30since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
31Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
31Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Abraham and David Justified by Faith
1What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?
2For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.
3For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
3What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."
4Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
4Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.
5But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
5However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
6Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
6David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
7"Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
8Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
8Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them."
Blessing Before Circumcision
9Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
9Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness.
10How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
10Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!
11And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
11And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.
12And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
12And he is then also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
The Promise Rests on Grace
13For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
13It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.
14For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
14For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,
15Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.
15because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.
17As it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Abraham's Faith Against Hope
18Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
18Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be."
19And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:
19Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah's womb was also dead.
20He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;
20Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,
21And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
21being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.
22And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.
22This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."
Written for Us Too
23Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;
23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone,
24But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
25Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.
25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Peace, Hope, and Suffering
1Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
1Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
2By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
2through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.
3And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
3Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;
4And patience, experience; and experience, hope:
4perseverance, character; and character, hope.
5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
5And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
Christ Died for Sinners
6For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.
6You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.
7For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.
7Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die.
8But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
8But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
9Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him!
10For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
10For if, while we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
11And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.
11Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.
Sin and Death Through Adam
12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
12Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned—
13(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
13To be sure, sin was in the world before the law was given, but sin is not charged against anyone's account where there is no law.
14Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.
14Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam to the time of Moses, even over those who did not sin by breaking a command, as did Adam, who is a pattern of the one to come.
The Gift Outweighs the Offense
15But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.
15But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God's grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!
16And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
16Nor can the gift of God be compared with the result of one man's sin: The judgment followed one sin and brought condemnation, but the gift followed many trespasses and brought justification.
17For if by one man’s offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)
17For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!
Grace Reigns Through Righteousness
18Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life.
18Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people.
19For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
20Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:
20The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,
21That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
21so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
1What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
1What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?
2God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
2By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?
3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
3Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death?
4Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
4We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
United with Christ's Resurrection
5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
5For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.
6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
6For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—
7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
7because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
8Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:
8Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him.
9Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.
9For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him.
10For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.
10The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God.
11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
11In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Do Not Let Sin Reign
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.
12Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires.
13Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.
13Do not offer any part of yourself to sin as an instrument of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.
14For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.
14For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.
Slaves to Whoever You Obey
15What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
15What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? By no means!
16Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?
16Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.
17But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.
18Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
18You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.
19I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
19I am using an example from everyday life because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness leading to holiness.
Wages of Sin, Gift of God
20For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.
20When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness.
21What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death.
21What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death!
22But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.
22But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.
23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Released from the Law's Authority
1Know ye not, brethren, (for I speak to them that know the law,) how that the law hath dominion over a man as long as he liveth?
1Do you not know, brothers and sisters—for I am speaking to those who know the law—that the law has authority over someone only as long as that person lives?
2For the woman which hath an husband is bound by the law to her husband so long as he liveth; but if the husband be dead, she is loosed from the law of her husband.
2For example, by law a married woman is bound to her husband as long as he is alive, but if her husband dies, she is released from the law that binds her to him.
3So then if, while her husband liveth, she be married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress: but if her husband be dead, she is free from that law; so that she is no adulteress, though she be married to another man.
3So then, if she has sexual relations with another man while her husband is still alive, she is called an adulteress. But if her husband dies, she is released from that law and is not an adulteress if she marries another man.
4Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
4So, my brothers and sisters, you also died to the law through the body of Christ, that you might belong to another, to him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God.
5For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death.
5For when we were in the realm of the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in us, so that we bore fruit for death.
6But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.
6But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.
The Law Exposes Sin
7What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.
7What shall we say, then? Is the law sinful? Certainly not! Nevertheless, I would not have known what sin was had it not been for the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, "You shall not covet."
8But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin was dead.
8But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of coveting. For apart from the law, sin was dead.
9For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.
9Once I was alive apart from the law; but when the commandment came, sin sprang to life and I died.
10And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be unto death.
10I found that the very commandment that was intended to bring life actually brought death.
11For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew me.
11For sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, deceived me, and through the commandment put me to death.
12Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.
12So then, the law is holy, and the commandment is holy, righteous and good.
The Struggle Inside
13Was then that which is good made death unto me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by that which is good; that sin by the commandment might become exceeding sinful.
13Did that which is good, then, become death to me? By no means! Nevertheless, in order that sin might be recognized as sin, it used what is good to bring about my death, so that through the commandment sin might become utterly sinful.
14For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.
14We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin.
15For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.
15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.
16If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.
16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good.
17Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me.
18For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.
18For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.
19For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
19For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.
20Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.
20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
Who Will Rescue Me
21I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me.
21So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me.
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
22For in my inner being I delight in God's law;
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
23but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me.
24O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?
24What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?
25I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
25Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law, but in my sinful nature a slave to the law of sin.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
No Condemnation in Christ
1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
1Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,
2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
2because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
3For what the law was powerless to do because it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in the flesh,
4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
4in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
Flesh and Spirit
5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
5Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.
6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
6The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.
7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
7The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so.
8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
8Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God.
9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
9You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.
10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.
10But if Christ is in you, then even though your body is subject to death because of sin, the Spirit gives life because of righteousness.
11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
11And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.
Children and Heirs of God
12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.
12Therefore, brothers and sisters, we have an obligation—but it is not to the flesh, to live according to it.
13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.
13For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.
14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
14For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.
15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
15The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children.
17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
17Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Creation Waits in Hope
18For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
18I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
19For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
19For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed.
20For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
20For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope
21Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
21that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
22We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
23And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
23Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies.
24For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
24For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have?
25But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.
25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
The Spirit's Help and God's Purpose
26Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
26In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
27And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.
28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Nothing Can Separate Us
31What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
31What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
32He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?
33Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
33Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies.
34Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
34Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?
36As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
36As it is written: "For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered."
37Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
38For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers,
39Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Paul's Sorrow for Israel
1I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
1I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—
2That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race,
4Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.
5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Not All Israel Is Israel
6Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
6It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.
7Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
7Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
8That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
8In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God's children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham's offspring.
9For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
9For this was how the promise was stated: "At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son."
10And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
10Not only that, but Rebekah's children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.
11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
11Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God's purpose in election might stand:
12It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
12not by works but by him who calls—she was told, "The older will serve the younger."
13As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
13Just as it is written: "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."
God's Freedom to Show Mercy
14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
14What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!
15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
16It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.
17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
17For Scripture says to Pharaoh: "I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth."
18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
18Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
The Potter and the Clay
19Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
19One of you will say to me: "Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?"
20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
20But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? "Shall what is formed say to the one who formed it, 'Why did you make me like this?'"
21Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
21Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use?
22What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
22What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction?
23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
23What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—
24Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?
24even us, whom he also called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?
Prophets Foresaw a Remnant
25As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.
25As he says in Hosea: "I will call them 'my people' who are not my people; and I will call her 'my loved one' who is not my loved one,"
26And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
26and, "In the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' there they will be called 'children of the living God.'"
27Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
27Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: "Though the number of the Israelites be like the sand by the sea, only the remnant will be saved.
28For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
28For the Lord will carry out his sentence on earth with speed and finality."
29And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
29It is just as Isaiah said previously: "Unless the Lord Almighty had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have been like Gomorrah."
Stumbling over the Stone
30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
30What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;
31But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
31but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.
32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
32Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.
33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
33As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame."
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Zeal without Knowledge
1Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.
1Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
2For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
2For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.
3For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.
3Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
4For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
4Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
Righteousness by Faith Is Near
5For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.
5Moses writes this about the righteousness that is by the law: "The person who does these things will live by them."
6But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
6But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down)
7Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
7"or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
8But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
8But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:
9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
9If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
10For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
11As Scripture says, "Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame."
12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
12For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
13For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
13for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
Faith Comes by Hearing
14How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?
14How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
15And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
15And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
16But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
16But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"
17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
17Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.
Israel Heard and Refused
18But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.
18But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
19But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
19Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, "I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."
20But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
20And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."
21But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.
21But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
A Remnant Chosen by Grace
1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
1I ask then: Did God reject his people? By no means! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.
2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
2God did not reject his people, whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says in the passage about Elijah—how he appealed to God against Israel:
3Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
3"Lord, they have killed your prophets and torn down your altars; I am the only one left, and they are trying to kill me"?
4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
4And what was God's answer to him? "I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal."
5Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
5So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
6And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
The Rest Were Hardened
7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
7What then? What the people of Israel sought so earnestly they did not obtain. The elect among them did, but the others were hardened,
8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
8as it is written: "God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see and ears that could not hear, to this very day."
9And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
9And David says: "May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them.
10Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
10May their eyes be darkened so they cannot see, and their backs be bent forever."
Israel's Fall Brings Gentile Riches
11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
11Again I ask: Did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Not at all! Rather, because of their transgression, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel envious.
12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
12But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!
13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
13I am talking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch as I am the apostle to the Gentiles, I take pride in my ministry
14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
14in the hope that I may somehow arouse my own people to envy and save some of them.
15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
15For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?
16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
16If the part of the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy; if the root is holy, so are the branches.
The Olive Tree Warning
17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
17If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root,
18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
18do not consider yourself superior to those other branches. If you do, consider this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
19You will say then, "Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in."
20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
20Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.
21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
21For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either.
22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
22Consider therefore the kindness and sternness of God: sternness to those who fell, but kindness to you, provided that you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you also will be cut off.
23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
23And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.
24For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
24After all, if you were cut out of an olive tree that is wild by nature, and contrary to nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree!
All Israel Will Be Saved
25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers and sisters, so that you may not be conceited: Israel has experienced a hardening in part until the full number of the Gentiles has come in,
26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
26and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: "The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.
27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
27And this is my covenant with them when I take away their sins."
28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
28As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for your sake; but as far as election is concerned, they are loved on account of the patriarchs,
29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
29for God's gifts and his call are irrevocable.
30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
30Just as you who were at one time disobedient to God have now received mercy as a result of their disobedience,
31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
31so they too have now become disobedient in order that they too may now receive mercy as a result of God's mercy to you.
32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
32For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
Praise for God's Unsearchable Ways
33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
33Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
34"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
35"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?"
36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
36For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Living Sacrifices
1I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
2Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.
One Body, Many Gifts
3For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
3For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.
4For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office:
4For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function,
5So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
5so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
6Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith;
6We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith;
7Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching;
7if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach;
8Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.
8if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love Without Pretense
9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
9Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
10Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
11Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
12Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;
12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
13Share with the Lord's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Sharing Joy and Sorrow
14Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.
14Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.
15Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
16Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Overcome Evil With Good
17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.
17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
18If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.
18If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
19Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord.
20Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.
20On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head."
21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
21Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Submission to Governing Authorities
1Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.
1Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
2Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation.
2Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.
3For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same:
3For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended.
4For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.
4For the one in authority is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God's servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.
5Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake.
5Therefore it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.
6For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.
6This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing.
7Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.
7Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
Love Fulfills the Law
8Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.
8Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.
9For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
9The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery," "You shall not murder," "You shall not steal," "You shall not covet," and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."
10Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
10Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.
Wake Up, the Day Is Near
11And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
11And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
12The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.
12The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.
13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
13Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy.
14But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
14Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
XIV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Do Not Judge Over Disputable Matters
1Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
1Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.
2For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
2One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables.
3Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
3The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them.
4Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.
4Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
Living and Dying to the Lord
5One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.
5One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.
6He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks.
6Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.
7For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.
7For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone.
8For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.
8If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.
9For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.
9For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
Everyone Will Give Account
10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
10You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat.
11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
11It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord, 'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"
12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
12So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
Do Not Cause a Brother to Stumble
13Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
13Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister.
14I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
14I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean.
15But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died.
15If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died.
16Let not then your good be evil spoken of:
16Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil.
17For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
17For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit,
18For he that in these things serveth Christ is acceptable to God, and approved of men.
18because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
Pursue Peace, Act From Faith
19Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
19Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
20For meat destroy not the work of God. All things indeed are pure; but it is evil for that man who eateth with offence.
20Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble.
21It is good neither to eat flesh, nor to drink wine, nor any thing whereby thy brother stumbleth, or is offended, or is made weak.
21It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22Hast thou faith? have it to thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself in that thing which he alloweth.
22So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.
23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.
23But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
XV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Bear With the Weak
1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.
1We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
2Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
2Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.
3For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.
3For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."
4For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
4For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus:
5May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,
6That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
6so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ Welcomed Jews and Gentiles
7Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
8Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:
8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed
9And 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.
9and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name."
10And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.
10Again, it says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."
11And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.
11And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him."
12And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust.
12And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope."
13Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
13May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul's Mission to the Gentiles
14And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.
14I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge, and competent to instruct one another.
15Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,
15Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me
16That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.
16to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.
17Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God.
18For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
18I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done—
19Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.
19by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ.
20Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:
20It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation.
21But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
21Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."
Plans to Visit Rome and Spain
22For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.
22This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
23But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;
23But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you,
24Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company.
24I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while.
25But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.
25Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there.
26For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
26For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem.
27It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
27They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.
28When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.
28So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way.
29And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.
29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
A Request for Prayer
30Now 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;
30I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me.
31That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints;
31Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there,
32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.
32so that I may come to you with joy, by God's will, and in your company be refreshed.
33Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
33The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
XVI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Commending Phoebe
1I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
1I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae.
2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
2I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
Greetings to Believers in Rome
3Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus:
3Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus.
4Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.
4They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.
5Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.
6Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow-prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
8Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.
8Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.
9Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus’ household.
10Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
11Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
11Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12Salute Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured much in the Lord.
12Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.
13Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14Salute Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brethren which are with them.
14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15Salute Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints which are with them.
15Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.
16Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.
16Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
Warning Against Divisive People
17Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
17I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them.
18For 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.
18For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
19For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Greetings From Paul's Companions
21Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.
21Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.
22I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
23Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Closing Doxology
25Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,
25Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,
26But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
26but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith—
27To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.
27to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.