King James Version

What Does Romans 15:22 Mean?

Romans 15:22 in the King James Version says “For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you. much: or, many ways, or oftentimes — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:22 · KJV


Context

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;

24

Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your company. with: Gr. with you


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you (διὸ καὶ ἐνεκοπτόμην τὰ πολλὰ τοῦ ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς, dio kai enekoptomēn ta polla tou elthein pros hymas)—Dio (for which cause) connects back to vv. 19-21: Paul's pioneer principle explains his repeated delays visiting Rome. Enekoptomēn (I was hindered) is imperfect: repeated, ongoing hindrance. Ta polla (much, many times) indicates this wasn't a single delay but multiple postponements. Paul had desired to visit Rome (1:10-13) but prioritized completing his eastern Mediterranean mission first. The 'hindrance' was his own missiological strategy, not external opposition—he wouldn't visit Rome until his pioneer work elsewhere was done.

This demonstrates integrity: Paul doesn't just theorize about pioneer missions (vv. 20-21); he practices it, even when inconvenient. His longing to visit Rome (expressed in chapter 1) submits to his apostolic calling. This models Spirit-led priorities: even good desires (visiting Roman Christians) yield to greater callings (unreached peoples).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Romans 1:13 mentions Paul's previous unsuccessful attempts to visit Rome. The delay was strategic, not circumstantial. By AD 57, with his eastern work 'complete' (v. 23), he can finally plan a Roman visit. This chronology helps date Romans: written near the end of the third missionary journey, before the Jerusalem visit (vv. 25-26) that would lead to his arrest and eventual Roman arrival as a prisoner (Acts 28).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'good' activities or relationships might God be calling you to delay for the sake of kingdom priorities?
  2. How do you discern between providential hindrance (Acts 16:6-7) and self-imposed discipline based on calling (as Paul here)?
  3. In what ways does Paul's example challenge pragmatic ministry approaches that prioritize convenience over strategic kingdom advance?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Διὸ1 of 9

For which cause

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

καὶ2 of 9

also

G2532

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

ἐνεκοπτόμην3 of 9

I have been

G1465

to cut into, i.e., (figuratively) impede, detain

τὰ4 of 9
G3588

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

πολλὰ5 of 9

much

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τοῦ6 of 9
G3588

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

ἐλθεῖν7 of 9

from coming

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς8 of 9

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,

ὑμᾶς·9 of 9

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)


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 15:22 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 15:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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