King James Version

What Does Romans 15:20 Mean?

Romans 15:20 in the King James Version says “Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundati...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:”

Romans 15:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation:

21

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

22

For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. much: or, many ways, or oftentimes

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named (οὕτως δὲ φιλοτιμούμενον εὐαγγελίζεσθαι οὐχ ὅπου ὠνομάσθη Χριστός, houtōs de philotimoumenon euangelizesthai ouch hopou ōnomasthē Christos)—Philotimoumenon (strived, made it my ambition) indicates deliberate strategic focus. Paul's missionary principle was pioneer evangelism: preaching where Christ was not yet named (ouch hopou ōnomasthē Christos). He prioritized unreached regions over established churches. This wasn't arrogance but recognition of his specific calling: apostolic church-planting among Gentiles, not pastoral nurture of existing congregations.

Lest I should build upon another man's foundation (ἵνα μὴ ἐπ' ἀλλότριον θεμέλιον οἰκοδομῶ, hina mē ep' allotrion themelion oikodomō)—Themelion (foundation) is Christ himself (1 Cor 3:11) and the apostolic testimony about Christ (Eph 2:20). Paul avoided building (oikodomō) where others had laid foundations—not from competitiveness but from missional focus. He left pastoral work to others (like Apollos, 1 Cor 3:6) while he pressed into unreached territory. This models strategic mission: diverse callings working complementarily.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's pioneer principle explains why he wrote to Rome (a church he didn't plant) but planned only to visit briefly (vv. 23-24, 28-29) en route to Spain—new territory. This also explains his lengthy Ephesian ministry (Acts 19-20) versus brief stops elsewhere: Ephesus was strategic for reaching Asia Minor. His missionary strategy was intentional, not haphazard.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's ambition to preach where Christ is not yet named challenge or inform contemporary missionary strategy and personal evangelistic priorities?
  2. What is the difference between Paul's avoidance of building on others' foundations and inappropriate competition among Christian workers today?
  3. In your ministry context, are you called to pioneer work (planting/evangelism) or building work (pastoral care/discipleship), and how do you know?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
οὕτως1 of 14

“so”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

δὲ2 of 14

“Yea”

G1161

but, and, etc

φιλοτιμούμενον3 of 14

“have I strived”

G5389

to be fond of honor, i.e., emulous (eager or earnest to do something)

εὐαγγελίζεσθαι4 of 14

“to preach the gospel”

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

οὐχ5 of 14

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ὅπου6 of 14

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ὠνομάσθη7 of 14

“was named”

G3687

to name, i.e., assign an appellation; by extension, to utter, mention, profess

Χριστός8 of 14

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἵνα9 of 14
G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

μὴ10 of 14
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐπ'11 of 14

“upon”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἀλλότριον12 of 14

“another man's”

G245

another's, i.e., not one's own; by extension foreign, not akin, hostile

θεμέλιον13 of 14

“foundation”

G2310

something put down, i.e., a substruction (of a building, etc.), (literally or figuratively)

οἰκοδομῶ14 of 14

“I should build”

G3618

to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm

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 15:20 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 15:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 10:13-161 Corinthians 3:9-15Ephesians 2:20-22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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