King James Version

What Does Romans 15:23 Mean?

Romans 15:23 in the King James Version says “But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you;” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:23 · KJV

Context

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

25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

Read Romans 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But now having no more place in these parts (νυνὶ δὲ μηκέτι τόπον ἔχων ἐν τοῖς κλίμασι τούτοις, nyni de mēketi topon echōn en tois klimasi toutois)—Mēketi topon echōn (having no more place) indicates completion: Paul has fulfilled his pioneer church-planting mandate in the eastern Mediterranean. Klimasi (regions, territories) refers to the area from Jerusalem to Illyricum (v. 19). This doesn't mean every person is converted but that churches are established in major centers, capable of evangelizing their regions. Paul's apostolic task—laying foundations (v. 20)—is complete there; others will build on them.

And having a great desire these many years to come unto you (ἐπιποθίαν δὲ ἔχων τοῦ ἐλθεῖν πρὸς ὑμᾶς ἀπὸ πολλῶν ἐτῶν, epipothian de echōn tou elthein pros hymas apo pollōn etōn)—Epipothian (longing, desire) is strong yearning. Apo pollōn etōn (from many years) indicates this isn't a recent impulse but long-held desire. Paul's missionary strategy required patience: he waited years to visit Rome until strategic timing aligned. This demonstrates disciplined ambition—passionate desires held in check by Spirit-directed priorities.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

'Many years' suggests Paul had known about the Roman church and desired to visit since the early-to-mid 50s AD. By 57, with work in the east complete and plans for Spain forming (v. 24), the timing was right. This verse indicates Paul's advance planning and strategic thinking—apostolic ministry wasn't random opportunism but careful, prayerful strategy.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's sense of 'completion' in one region before moving to another teach about finishing well versus perpetually moving to new challenges?
  2. How do you maintain patient, disciplined pursuit of long-held desires while remaining flexible to God's timing?
  3. What role does strategic assessment ('no more place') play in discerning ministry transitions versus restless ambition or burnout-driven change?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
νυνὶ1 of 19

“now”

G3570

just now

δὲ2 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

μηκέτι3 of 19

“no more”

G3371

no further

τόπον4 of 19

“place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

ἔχων5 of 19

“having”

G2192

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

ἐν6 of 19

“in”

G1722

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

τοῖς7 of 19
G3588

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

κλίμασιν8 of 19

“parts”

G2824

a slope, i.e., (specially) a "clime" or tract of country

τούτοις9 of 19
G5125

to (for, in, with or by) these (persons or things)

ἐπιποθίαν10 of 19

“a great desire”

G1974

intense longing

δὲ11 of 19

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἔχων12 of 19

“having”

G2192

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

τοῦ13 of 19
G3588

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

ἐλθεῖν14 of 19

“to come”

G2064

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

πρὸς15 of 19

“unto”

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,

ὑμᾶς16 of 19

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀπὸ17 of 19

“these”

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

πολλῶν18 of 19

“these many”

G4183

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

ἐτῶν19 of 19

“years”

G2094

a year

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 15:23 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 15:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:32Romans 15:29Romans 1:10-12Acts 19:211 Thessalonians 3:102 Timothy 1:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 15 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes