King James Version

What Does Romans 15:24 Mean?

Romans 15:24 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 15:24 · KJV

Context

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.

26

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you (ὡς ἂν πορεύωμαι εἰς τὴν Σπανίαν, ἐλεύσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς, hōs an poreuōmai eis tēn Spanian, eleusomai pros hymas)—Paul announces his next missionary frontier: Spanian (Spain), the western edge of the Roman Empire. This was virgin territory for the gospel—Paul's pioneer principle (vv. 20-21) driving him westward. Rome is strategically located en route to Spain, allowing him finally to visit while advancing his mission. Eleusomai (I will come) expresses confident intention (though qualified by 'if the Lord wills,' cf. Jas 4:15, implied in v. 32).

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 (ἐλπίζω γὰρ διαπορευόμενος θεάσασθαι ὑμᾶς καὶ ὑφ' ὑμῶν προπεμφθῆναι ἐκεῖ ἐὰν ὑμῶν πρῶτον ἀπὸ μέρους ἐμπλησθῶ, elpizō gar diaporeuomenos theasasthai hymas kai hyph' hymōn propemphthēnai ekei ean hymōn prōton apo merous emplēsthō)—Propemphthēnai (to be sent on, brought on the way) was technical term for sponsoring missionaries: financial support, provisions, travel arrangements (Acts 15:3, 1 Cor 16:6, Tit 3:13). Paul hoped the Roman church would become his sending church for Spanish mission—a partnership model. Emplēsthō (be filled/satisfied) with their company indicates he anticipated mutual refreshment, not mere logistical stopover.

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Historical & Cultural Context

There's no reliable evidence Paul reached Spain. Church tradition (1 Clement 5:7, Muratorian Canon) suggests he may have after his first Roman imprisonment (Acts 28), but it's uncertain. His arrest in Jerusalem (Acts 21) and two-year Caesarean imprisonment delayed everything (Acts 24-26). His arrival in Rome was as prisoner, not free missionary (Acts 28). Whether he later traveled to Spain remains debated.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's missionary vision—constantly pressing into unreached territory—challenge or inspire your evangelistic priorities?
  2. What does Paul's request for the Roman church to 'send him on' to Spain teach about church responsibility in supporting missionaries and missions?
  3. How do you balance enjoying fellowship ('being filled with your company') with maintaining forward mission momentum?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὡς1 of 25

“Whensoever”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἐὰν2 of 25

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

πορεύωμαι3 of 25

“I take my journey”

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς4 of 25

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν5 of 25
G3588

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

Σπανίαν·6 of 25

“Spain”

G4681

spania, a region of europe

ἐλεύσομαι7 of 25

“I will come”

G2064

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

πρὸς8 of 25

“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,

ὑμας9 of 25

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐλπίζω10 of 25

“I trust”

G1679

to expect or confide

γὰρ11 of 25

“for”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

διαπορευόμενος12 of 25

“in my journey”

G1279

to travel through

θεάσασθαι13 of 25

“to see”

G2300

to look closely at, i.e., (by implication) perceive (literally or figuratively); by extension to visit

ὑμας14 of 25

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ15 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

ὑφ'16 of 25

“by”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

ὑμῶν17 of 25

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

προπεμφθῆναι18 of 25

“to be brought on my way”

G4311

to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel

ἐκεῖ19 of 25

“thitherward”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

ἐὰν20 of 25

“if”

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ὑμῶν21 of 25

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

πρῶτον22 of 25

“first”

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

ἀπὸ23 of 25

“with”

G575

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

μέρους24 of 25

“somewhat”

G3313

a division or share (literally or figuratively, in a wide application)

ἐμπλησθῶ25 of 25

“I be”

G1705

to fill in (up), i.e., (by implication) to satisfy (literally or figuratively)

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 15:24 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 15:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:28Romans 1:12Acts 15:31 Corinthians 16:5-7Acts 21:5Acts 19:21

Places in This Verse

RomeSettlement · Modern: Rome · 41.89°N, 12.49°E15 verses across 3 books
SpainRegion · Modern: Hispania · 40.21°N, -4.35°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Romans 15 →

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