King James Version

What Does Romans 15:27 Mean?

Romans 15:27 in the King James Version says “It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual... — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

Romans 15:27 · KJV


Context

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.

27

It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

28

When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29

And I am sure that, when I come unto you, I shall come in the fulness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are (εὐδόκησαν γάρ, καὶ ὀφειλέται αὐτῶν εἰσιν, eudokēsan gar, kai opheiletai autōn eisin)—Paul reaffirms their willing pleasure (eudokēsan) but adds a theological dimension: opheiletai eisin (they are debtors). Gentile believers owe material support to Jerusalem—not legal obligation but spiritual debt of gratitude. The verb opheilō (to owe) echoes 15:1 ('we ought to bear')—moral obligation rooted in grace received.

For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things (εἰ γὰρ τοῖς πνευματικοῖς αὐτῶν ἐκοινώνησαν τὰ ἔθνη, ὀφείλουσιν καὶ ἐν τοῖς σαρκικοῖς λειτουργῆσαι αὐτοῖς, ei gar tois pneumatikois autōn ekoinōnēsan ta ethnē, opheilousin kai en tois sarkikois leitourgēsai autois)—Ekoinōnēsan (have shared in, been partners in) uses koinōnia language again. Gentiles received ta pneumatika (spiritual things)—the gospel, Scriptures, apostles, Christ himself—from Jewish believers. Therefore they owe (opheilousin) ta sarkika (material/fleshly things, i.e., money). Leitourgēsai (to minister) is the same priestly service term from v. 16—giving is worship, priestly service to God and his people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle—those who receive spiritual benefit should provide material support—undergirds NT teaching on supporting ministers (1 Cor 9:11, 14, Gal 6:6, 1 Tim 5:17-18). Paul extends it to inter-church support: Gentile churches owe the Jerusalem church because salvation came 'from the Jews' (John 4:22, Rom 11:17-18). This theology counters supersessionism: Gentile Christianity shouldn't despise its Jewish roots.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing the 'spiritual debt' Gentile Christians owe to Jewish believers shape your view of Christian-Jewish relations?
  2. What 'spiritual things' have you received from others that create a responsibility to serve them with 'material things'?
  3. How does viewing financial generosity as 'priestly service' (leitourgia) elevate your approach to giving?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
εὐδόκησαν1 of 21

It hath pleased them

G2106

to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)

γὰρ2 of 21

For

G1063

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

καὶ3 of 21

also

G2532

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

ὀφειλέται4 of 21

debtors

G3781

an ower, i.e., person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against god)

αὐτοῖς5 of 21

of their

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

εἰσὶν6 of 21

they are

G1526

they are

εἰ7 of 21

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ8 of 21

For

G1063

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

τοῖς9 of 21
G3588

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

πνευματικοῖς10 of 21

spiritual things

G4152

non-carnal, i.e., (humanly) ethereal (as opposed to gross), or (daemoniacally) a spirit (concretely), or (divinely) supernatural, regenerate, religiou

αὐτοῖς11 of 21

of their

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

ἐκοινώνησαν12 of 21

have been made partakers

G2841

to share with others (objectively or subjectively)

τὰ13 of 21
G3588

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

ἔθνη14 of 21

the Gentiles

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ὀφείλουσιν15 of 21

their duty is

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

καὶ16 of 21

also

G2532

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

ἐν17 of 21

in

G1722

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

τοῖς18 of 21
G3588

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

σαρκικοῖς19 of 21

carnal things

G4559

pertaining to flesh, i.e., (by extension) bodily, temporal, or (by implication) animal, unregenerate

λειτουργῆσαι20 of 21

to minister

G3008

to be a public servant, i.e., (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship, obey, relieve)

αὐτοῖς21 of 21

of their

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


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 15:27 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 15:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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