King James Version

What Does Romans 15:10 Mean?

Romans 15:10 in the King James Version says “And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people. — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

Romans 15:10 · KJV


Context

8

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

9

And 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.

10

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

11

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

12

And 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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people (καὶ πάλιν λέγει· Εὐφράνθητε, ἔθνη, μετὰ τοῦ λαοῦ αὐτοῦ, kai palin legei· euphranthēte, ethnē, meta tou laou autou)—Paul's second quotation comes from Moses' final song (Deut 32:43, LXX). Euphranthēte (rejoice, be glad) is an imperative: Gentiles are commanded to join Israel's rejoicing. Meta tou laou autou (with his people) indicates inclusion, not replacement—Gentiles join Israel in worship, forming one multi-ethnic people of God. This isn't Gentile replacement of Israel but Gentile addition to Israel through Christ.

The Deuteronomy 32 context is significant: Moses' song predicts Israel's rebellion, God's judgment, and eventual vindication when God avenges his people and atones for their land. In that eschatological restoration, Gentiles rejoice with Israel—precisely what Paul sees happening in the gospel. The church's Jewish-Gentile unity is eschatological fulfillment of Torah's own vision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 32:43 in the Septuagint includes lines not in the Hebrew Masoretic Text but present in Dead Sea Scroll fragments, validating Paul's use. The text's call for Gentile rejoicing 'with his people' was eschatologically oriented in Judaism—associated with Messiah's age. Paul argues this age has dawned in Christ, so Gentile inclusion now is prophetic fulfillment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the image of Gentiles rejoicing 'with' Israel (not replacing it) shape your understanding of the church's relationship to God's ancient people?
  2. What does Gentile and Jewish believers rejoicing together reveal about God's character and purposes?
  3. In what ways does your worship reflect the multi-ethnic, inclusive vision of God's people that Scripture anticipates?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
καὶ1 of 9

And

G2532

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

πάλιν2 of 9

again

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

λέγει3 of 9

he saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Εὐφράνθητε4 of 9

Rejoice ye

G2165

to put (middle voice or passively, be) in a good frame of mind, i.e., rejoice

ἔθνη5 of 9

Gentiles

G1484

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

μετὰ6 of 9

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τοῦ7 of 9
G3588

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

λαοῦ8 of 9

people

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

αὐτοῦ9 of 9

his

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


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 15:10 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 15:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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