King James Version

What Does Romans 15:14 Mean?

Romans 15:14 in the King James Version says “And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able a...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.”

Romans 15:14 · KJV

Context

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.

14

And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another.

15

Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,

16

That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost. offering up: or, sacrificing

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness (Πέπεισμαι δέ, ἀδελφοί μου, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐγὼ περὶ ὑμῶν, ὅτι καὶ αὐτοὶ μεστοί ἐστε ἀγαθωσύνης, pepeismai de, adelphoi mou, kai autos egō peri hymōn, hoti kai autoi mestoi este agathōsynēs)—Paul begins the letter's personal conclusion with affirmation. Pepeismai (I am persuaded) is perfect tense: settled conviction. Autos egō (I myself) is emphatic—despite not founding this church, Paul is confident about their spiritual state. Mestoi (full) indicates they possess, not lack, agathōsynē (goodness)—moral excellence, virtue.

Filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another (πεπληρωμένοι πάσης γνώσεως, δυνάμενοι καὶ ἀλλήλους νουθετεῖν, peplērōmenoi pasēs gnōseōs, dynamenoi kai allēlous nouthetein)—they have gnōsis (knowledge) of gospel truth and capacity to nouthetein (admonish, instruct, warn) mutually. Nouthesia combines teaching with corrective warning. Paul's letter, while instructive, hasn't treated them as ignorant or immature but as capable of mutual ministry. This models healthy pastoral posture: affirm believers' giftedness while providing additional guidance.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul had never visited Rome when he wrote this letter (1:10-13), yet he addresses them with pastoral authority and confidence. This balance—respecting their maturity while offering apostolic instruction—was crucial for accepting this letter. Paul's affirmation (v. 14) softens what might otherwise seem presumptuous in a thirteen-chapter letter of theological correction and exhortation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's model of affirming believers' goodness and knowledge before offering correction challenge or inform your approach to fellow Christians?
  2. In what ways are you exercising your ability to 'admonish one another' in your Christian community?
  3. What is the relationship between being 'filled with all knowledge' and being 'able to admonish'—how does doctrinal understanding enable mutual correction?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Πέπεισμαι1 of 22

“am persuaded”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

δέ2 of 22

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀδελφοί3 of 22

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

μου4 of 22

“my”

G3450

of me

καὶ5 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ6 of 22

“myself”

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

ἐγὼ7 of 22

“I”

G1473

i, me

περὶ8 of 22

“of”

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

ὑμῶν9 of 22

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὅτι10 of 22

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

καὶ11 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

αὐτοὶ12 of 22

“myself”

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

μεστοί13 of 22

“full”

G3324

replete (literally or figuratively)

ἐστε14 of 22

“are”

G2075

ye are

ἀγαθωσύνης15 of 22

“of goodness”

G19

goodness, i.e., virtue or beneficence

πεπληρωμένοι16 of 22

“filled”

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

πάσης17 of 22

“with all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γνώσεως18 of 22

“knowledge”

G1108

knowing (the act), i.e., (by implication) knowledge

δυνάμενοι19 of 22

“able”

G1410

to be able or possible

καὶ20 of 22

“also”

G2532

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

ἀλλήλους21 of 22

“one another”

G240

one another

νουθετεῖν22 of 22

“to admonish”

G3560

to put in mind, i.e., (by implication) to caution or reprove gently

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 15:14 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 15:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Peter 1:12Colossians 3:161 Corinthians 8:11 John 2:211 Thessalonians 5:111 Corinthians 8:7

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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