King James Version

What Does Romans 15:21 Mean?

Romans 15:21 in the King James Version says “But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:21 · KJV

Context

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

23

But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand (ἀλλὰ καθὼς γέγραπται· Οἷς οὐκ ἀνηγγέλη περὶ αὐτοῦ, ὄψονται, καὶ οἳ οὐκ ἀκηκόασιν συνήσουσιν, alla kathōs gegraptai· hois ouk anēngelē peri autou, opsontai, kai hoi ouk akēkoasin synēsousin)—Paul cites Isaiah 52:15 to ground his pioneer missionary principle in Scripture. Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, describes the Suffering Servant's mission to astonish nations and kings who had not heard of him. Opsontai (they shall see) and synēsousin (they shall understand) indicate spiritual perception, not mere physical sight—unreached peoples will come to saving knowledge of the Servant.

Paul identifies himself with the Servant's mission: announcing the Servant (Christ) to those who've never heard. This christological reading of Isaiah 53 (universally applied to Jesus in the NT) motivates mission: if the Servant came for unreached nations, servants of the Servant must go to them. Missions is theological necessity, not optional activity—it flows from Christ's identity and work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 52:13-53:12 was central to early Christian reflection on Jesus's suffering, death, and exaltation (Acts 8:32-35, 1 Pet 2:22-25). Paul's application here connects soteriology (Christ's atoning work for all nations) with missiology (apostolic mission to unreached peoples). The Servant's global mission necessitates the church's global mission.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does connecting Paul's missionary principle to Isaiah 53 (the Suffering Servant) link missions to the heart of the gospel?
  2. What unreached or under-reached groups in your context have 'not heard' and need to 'see and understand' Christ?
  3. How should the scriptural mandate for pioneer missions shape church budgets, personnel deployment, and member sending?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 14

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καθὼς2 of 14

“as”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται3 of 14

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

οἳ4 of 14

“To whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ5 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

ἀνηγγέλη6 of 14

“he was”

G312

to announce (in detail)

περὶ7 of 14

“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

αὐτοῦ8 of 14
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

ὄψονται9 of 14

“they shall see”

G3700

to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1

καὶ10 of 14

“and”

G2532

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

οἳ11 of 14

“To whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

οὐκ12 of 14

“not”

G3756

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

ἀκηκόασιν13 of 14

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

συνήσουσιν14 of 14

“shall understand”

G4920

to put together, i.e., (mentally) to comprehend; by implication, to act piously

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 15:21 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 15:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 52:15Isaiah 65:1

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