King James Version

What Does Romans 1:16 Mean?

Romans 1:16 in the King James Version says “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For 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.”

Romans 1:16 · KJV

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Context

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.

16

For 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.

17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

18

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For 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.

Paul's declaration ou gar epaischunomai to euangelion (οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, 'for I am not ashamed of the gospel') uses litotes—understatement expressing strong positive conviction. In Greco-Roman culture prizing rhetoric, philosophy, and social status, proclaiming a crucified Jewish messiah invited ridicule (1 Corinthians 1:23). Yet Paul boldly affirms the gospel because dunamis gar theou estin eis sōtērian panti tō pisteuonti (δύναμις γὰρ θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι, 'it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes').

Dunamis theou (δύναμις θεοῦ, power of God) is not merely information but divine energy accomplishing salvation. Sōtērian (σωτηρία, salvation) encompasses justification, sanctification, and glorification—rescue from sin's penalty, power, and presence. The universal scope panti tō pisteuonti (to everyone who believes) breaks ethnic and social barriers. Yet historical priority remains: Ioudaiō te prōton kai Hellēni (Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι, 'to Jew first and also to Greek'). Israel's historical privilege as recipients of God's oracles (Romans 3:1-2) and the lineage of Messiah grants them temporal priority, but salvation is equally available to Gentiles through faith alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

To preach Christ crucified in Rome was to proclaim a convicted criminal as Lord, subverting Roman authority and inviting persecution. Crucifixion was shameful, reserved for slaves and rebels. Yet Paul glories in the cross (Galatians 6:14). The gospel's 'foolishness' and 'weakness' in human estimation is God's wisdom and power (1 Corinthians 1:18-25). Early Christians were mocked as atheists (for rejecting pagan gods), cannibals (misunderstanding the Eucharist), and insurrectionists (for confessing 'Jesus is Lord' not 'Caesar is Lord').

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you tempted to be 'ashamed' (ἐπαισχύνομαι) of the gospel—embarrassed by its exclusivity, supernatural claims, or moral demands?
  2. How does understanding the gospel as 'power of God' (δύναμις θεοῦ) rather than good advice or moral example change your evangelism?
  3. What does 'to the Jew first' mean for contemporary Christian witness and missions strategy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Οὐ1 of 21

“not”

G3756

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

γὰρ2 of 21

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἐπαισχύνομαι3 of 21

“I am”

G1870

to feel shame for something

τὸ4 of 21
G3588

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

εὐαγγέλιον5 of 21

“of the gospel”

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ6 of 21
G3588

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

Χριστοῦ·,7 of 21

“of Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

δύναμις8 of 21

“the power”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

γὰρ9 of 21

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

θεοῦ10 of 21

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐστιν11 of 21

“it is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

εἰς12 of 21

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σωτηρίαν13 of 21

“salvation”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

παντὶ14 of 21

“to every one”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῷ15 of 21
G3588

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

πιστεύοντι16 of 21

“that believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

Ἰουδαίῳ17 of 21

“to the Jew”

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

τε18 of 21

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

πρῶτον19 of 21

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

καὶ20 of 21

“also”

G2532

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

Ἕλληνι21 of 21

“to the Greek”

G1672

a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew

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 1:16 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 1:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 8:382 Timothy 1:81 Peter 4:162 Timothy 1:12Psalms 40:9-10Luke 9:26

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 1 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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