King James Version

What Does Romans 1:13 Mean?

Romans 1:13 in the King James Version says “Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto ,) that ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Now 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. among: or, in”

Romans 1:13 · KJV

Context

11

For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

12

That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. with: or, in

13

Now 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. among: or, in

14

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15

So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now 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.

Paul uses a characteristic phrase: ou thelō de humas agnoein (οὐ θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς ἀγνοεῖν, 'I do not want you to be ignorant'), which he employs to introduce important information (cf. 1 Corinthians 10:1; 12:1; 1 Thessalonians 4:13). Addressing them as adelphoi (ἀδελφοί, brethren) reinforces familial bond. Paul clarifies that his delay in visiting was not neglect: hoti pollakis proethemēn elthein pros humas (ὅτι πολλάκις προεθέμην ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, 'that many times I purposed to come to you').

Kai ekōluthēn achri tou deuro (καὶ ἐκωλύθην ἄχρι τοῦ δεῦρο, 'but was hindered until now') uses a passive verb—Paul was hindered, presumably by providence, ministry needs elsewhere, or satanic opposition (cf. 1 Thessalonians 2:18). His motivation for coming is hina tina karpon schō kai en humin (ἵνα τινὰ καρπὸν σχῶ καὶ ἐν ὑμῖν, 'that I might have some fruit among you also'). Karpon (fruit) likely means converts, strengthened believers, or spiritual results of ministry. Kathōs kai en tois loipois ethnesin (καθὼς καὶ ἐν τοῖς λοιποῖς ἔθνεσιν, 'even as among the other Gentiles') identifies Rome as part of Paul's Gentile mission field.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's missionary strategy focused on major urban centers from which the gospel could spread regionally (Acts 19:10). By 57 AD, he had planted churches throughout Asia Minor, Macedonia, and Achaia. Rome was the empire's capital, and establishing the church there would have strategic gospel impact. Paul's repeated plans to visit, though hindered, demonstrate persistent commitment to fulfilling his apostolic calling to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).

Reflection Questions

  1. When your plans are 'hindered' (κωλύω), how do you discern whether it is divine providence, satanic opposition, or simply circumstances?
  2. What 'fruit' (καρπός) is God calling you to bear in your current sphere of influence, even if it is not where you envisioned?
  3. How can you faithfully labor for gospel fruit without measuring success by worldly metrics of size, speed, or visibility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
οὐ1 of 30

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

θέλω2 of 30

“I would”

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δὲ3 of 30

“Now”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς4 of 30

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀγνοεῖν5 of 30

“have”

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

ἀδελφοί6 of 30

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ὅτι7 of 30

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

πολλάκις8 of 30

“oftentimes”

G4178

many times, i.e., frequently

προεθέμην9 of 30

“I purposed”

G4388

to place before, i.e., (for oneself) to exhibit; (to oneself) to propose (determine)

ἐλθεῖν10 of 30

“to come”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς11 of 30

“unto”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς12 of 30

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ13 of 30

“(but”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐκωλύθην14 of 30

“was let”

G2967

to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)

ἄχρι15 of 30

“hitherto”

G891

(of time) until or (of place) up to

τοῦ16 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δεῦρο17 of 30
G1204

here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto

ἵνα18 of 30

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καρπὸν19 of 30

“fruit”

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

τινὰ20 of 30

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

σχῶ21 of 30

“I might have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

καὶ22 of 30

“(but”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν23 of 30

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν24 of 30

“you”

G5213

to (with or by) you

καθὼς25 of 30

“even as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ26 of 30

“(but”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν27 of 30

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς28 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

λοιποῖς29 of 30

“other”

G3062

remaining ones

ἔθνεσιν30 of 30

“Gentiles”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 1:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 1:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 19:21Philippians 4:172 Timothy 4:171 Thessalonians 2:181 Thessalonians 4:132 Corinthians 1:8

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