King James Version

What Does Romans 1:6 Mean?

Romans 1:6 in the King James Version says “Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:”

Romans 1:6 · KJV

Context

4

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: declared: Gr. determined

5

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: for obedience: or, to the obedience of faith

6

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

7

To 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.

8

First , I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

Read Romans 1 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Paul now applies the global mission of verse 5 specifically to Roman believers: en hois este kai humeis klētoi Iēsou Christou (ἐν οἷς ἐστε καὶ ὑμεῖς κλητοὶ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'among whom you also are called of Jesus Christ'). The adjective klētoi (κλητοί, 'called ones') echoes verse 1 where Paul identified himself as klētos (called). The calling is divine initiative, effectual, and gracious—God calls, and those called respond in faith.

The genitive Iēsou Christou indicates both source (called by Jesus Christ) and possession (belonging to Jesus Christ). This calling is not merely to salvation but to belonging—they are Christ's people, His treasured possession. The inclusion of Gentile believers in Rome 'among the nations' was itself a demonstration of the gospel's power to unite Jew and Gentile into one body (Ephesians 2:11-22). Paul's addressing them as 'called' reminds them of their identity: chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), effectually summoned from darkness to light (1 Peter 2:9).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman church was likely majority Gentile by the time Paul wrote, though with a significant Jewish minority. Tensions between these groups over law observance, dietary practices, and holy days are addressed later in Romans 14-15. Paul's identification of them as 'called' on equal footing with Jewish believers was a powerful statement of unity in Christ, transcending ethnic and cultural divisions that plagued the ancient world.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your identity as one of the 'called' (κλητοί) of Jesus Christ reorder your priorities, relationships, and daily decisions?
  2. What aspects of your former identity (ethnic, cultural, socioeconomic) compete with your identity as 'belonging to Jesus Christ'?
  3. How should the doctrine of effectual calling shape your evangelistic efforts and prayers for the lost?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
ἐν1 of 8

“Among”

G1722

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

οἷς2 of 8

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐστε3 of 8

“are”

G2075

ye are

καὶ4 of 8

“also”

G2532

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

ὑμεῖς5 of 8

“ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

κλητοὶ6 of 8

“the called”

G2822

invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint

Ἰησοῦ7 of 8

“of Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ8 of 8

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 1:6 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 1:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 2:9Revelation 17:142 Peter 1:10Hebrews 3:11 Corinthians 1:9Romans 8:28-30

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 1 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes