King James Version

What Does Romans 15:17 Mean?

Romans 15:17 in the King James Version says “I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.”

Romans 15:17 · KJV

Context

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

17

I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God.

18

For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19

Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I have therefore whereof I may glory through Jesus Christ in those things which pertain to God (ἔχω οὖν καύχησιν ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τὰ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, echō oun kauchēsin en Christō Iēsou ta pros ton theon)—Kauchēsin (boasting, glorying) is a key Pauline term. He emphatically rejects human boasting (3:27, 4:2, Eph 2:9) but affirms boasting en Christō Iēsou (in Christ Jesus)—boasting that acknowledges all achievement as Christ's work through the apostle. Ta pros ton theon (the things pertaining to God) refers to his sacred ministry just described (v. 16). Paul can take legitimate satisfaction in his apostolic work precisely because he recognizes it as Christ's accomplishment, not his own.

This models healthy Christian confidence: neither false humility that denies gifting nor proud boasting that claims credit. Paul simultaneously affirms real ministry effectiveness while attributing all success to Christ working through him. This is gospel-shaped confidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's discussion of boasting engages with both Jewish concerns (boasting in Torah observance, cf. Rom 2:17, 23) and Greco-Roman honor culture (boasting in achievements, status, patronage). Against both, Paul insists on boasting exclusively in Christ—a theological revolution that relativized both Jewish and pagan value systems.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between godly 'boasting in Christ' for your ministry effectiveness versus sinful boasting in your own abilities?
  2. What ministry accomplishments can you gratefully acknowledge as 'Christ working through you' rather than your own achievement?
  3. How does 'boasting in Christ' for spiritual fruit protect against both pride and false humility?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
ἔχω1 of 9

“I have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

οὖν2 of 9

“therefore whereof”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

καύχησιν3 of 9

“I may glory”

G2746

boasting (properly, the act; by implication, the object), in a good or a bad sense

ἐν4 of 9

“through”

G1722

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

Χριστῷ5 of 9

“Christ”

G5547

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

Ἰησοῦ6 of 9

“Jesus”

G2424

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

τὰ7 of 9
G3588

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

πρὸς8 of 9

“in those things which pertain to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

θεόν·9 of 9

“God”

G2316

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

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 15:17 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 15:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 2:14-162 Corinthians 7:42 Corinthians 12:11-212 Corinthians 3:4-6Philippians 3:3Hebrews 5:1

Test Your Knowledge

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

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