King James Version

What Does Romans 15:11 Mean?

Romans 15:11 in the King James Version says “And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:11 · KJV

Context

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.

13

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people (καὶ πάλιν· Αἰνεῖτε, πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, τὸν κύριον, καὶ ἐπαινεσάτωσαν αὐτὸν πάντες οἱ λαοί, kai palin· Aineite, panta ta ethnē, ton kyrion, kai epainesatōsan auton pantes hoi laoi)—Paul's third quotation, from Psalm 117:1, universalizes the call: panta ta ethnē (all the Gentiles/nations) and pantes hoi laoi (all the peoples)—comprehensive inclusion. The verbs aineite (praise) and epainesatōsan (laud, extol) are worship terms. The entire human family is summoned to worship ton kyrion (the Lord)—in Christian reading, this Kyrios is Jesus (cf. Phil 2:9-11).

Psalm 117 is the Bible's shortest psalm but makes the grandest claim: universal worship of YHWH. What seemed hyperbolic in the psalmist's day Paul sees fulfilled in the gospel's global reach. The church's mission to disciple panta ta ethnē (Matt 28:19) fulfills the psalter's call. Every tribe and tongue praising Christ realizes Scripture's vision.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 117 was part of the Hallel psalms (113-118) sung at Passover. Jesus likely sang this psalm at the Last Supper (Matt 26:30). Paul's use connects Gentile worship to Israel's liturgical tradition—Gentile believers join the song Israel has always sung, now understanding its full, Christ-centered meaning. This continuity between synagogue and church worship was theologically vital.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Psalm 117's call for universal praise shape your understanding of the Great Commission and global missions?
  2. What does it mean for you personally to join 'all peoples' in lauding the Lord—what does your worship contribute to this cosmic chorus?
  3. How can your church better reflect the 'all nations, all peoples' inclusiveness that Scripture envisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
καὶ1 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

πάλιν2 of 14

“again”

G3825

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

Αἰνεῖτε3 of 14

“Praise”

G134

to praise (god)

τὸν4 of 14
G3588

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

κύριον5 of 14

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

πάντες6 of 14

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ7 of 14
G3588

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

ἔθνη8 of 14

“Gentiles”

G1484

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

καὶ9 of 14

“And”

G2532

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

ἐπαινέσατε10 of 14

“laud”

G1867

to applaud

αὐτὸν11 of 14

“him”

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

πάντες12 of 14

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

οἱ13 of 14
G3588

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

λαοί14 of 14

“people”

G2992

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

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 15:11 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 15:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 117:1

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