King James Version

What Does Romans 1:8 Mean?

Romans 1:8 in the King James Version says “First , I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 1:8 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

9

For 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; with: or, in

10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Read Romans 1 full chapter

Commentary

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

Paul's thanksgiving establishes relational warmth before theological instruction. Prōton men eucharistō tō theō mou (πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου, 'first, I thank my God') shows Paul's habitual gratitude and personal relationship with God. The phrase dia Iēsou Christou (διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'through Jesus Christ') indicates that access to God is mediated by Christ alone (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Prayer and thanksgiving flow through our High Priest and Mediator.

Peri pantōn humōn (περὶ πάντων ὑμῶν, 'for all of you') is inclusive—Paul thanks God for every believer, not just leaders or mature Christians. The content of thanksgiving is hoti hē pistis humōn katangelletai en holō tō kosmō (ὅτι ἡ πίστις ὑμῶν καταγγέλλεται ἐν ὅλῳ τῷ κόσμῳ, 'that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world'). The verb katangelletai (proclaimed/announced) is passive—their faith had become news that spread widely. En holō tō kosmō (throughout the whole world) is hyperbolic but reflects Rome's centrality; news from the capital traveled via trade routes and imperial communications to all corners of the empire. Their faith was visible, public, and exemplary.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By 57 AD, Christianity had spread throughout major urban centers of the Roman Empire. Believers in Rome, despite persecution, maintained faithful witness. When Paul wrote, Nero's reign (54-68 AD) had not yet turned violently against Christians (the Great Fire and subsequent persecution came in 64 AD). Nevertheless, professing Christ in pagan Rome required courage, as the religion was viewed with suspicion by authorities and the populace alike.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to thank God 'through Jesus Christ' (διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ) for blessings, and how does this differ from generic gratitude?
  2. If your faith were 'proclaimed' publicly among your community, would it be known for authenticity, love, courage, or something else?
  3. How can you cultivate a habit of thanksgiving for other believers, even those you disagree with or find difficult?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
Πρῶτον1 of 21

“First”

G4412

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

μὲν2 of 21
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

εὐχαριστῶ3 of 21

“I thank”

G2168

to be grateful, i.e., (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace at a meal

τῷ4 of 21
G3588

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

θεῷ5 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

μου6 of 21

“my”

G3450

of me

διὰ7 of 21

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

Ἰησοῦ8 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ9 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

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

ὑπὲρ10 of 21

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

πάντων11 of 21

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὑμῶν12 of 21

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὅτι13 of 21

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἡ14 of 21
G3588

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

πίστις15 of 21

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν16 of 21

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

καταγγέλλεται17 of 21

“is spoken”

G2605

to proclaim, promulgate

ἐν18 of 21

“of throughout”

G1722

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

ὅλῳ19 of 21

“the whole”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τῷ20 of 21
G3588

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

κόσμῳ21 of 21

“world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

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 1:8 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 1:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 16:191 Corinthians 1:41 Thessalonians 1:8-9Romans 6:171 Peter 4:11Philippians 1:3

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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