King James Version

What Does Romans 15:30 Mean?

Romans 15:30 in the King James Version says “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together w... — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

Romans 15:30 · KJV


Context

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.

30

Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

31

That I may be delivered from them that do not believe in Judaea; and that my service which I have for Jerusalem may be accepted of the saints; do not: or, are disobedient

32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit (Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί, διὰ τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ καὶ διὰ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ πνεύματος, parakalō de hymas, adelphoi, dia tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou kai dia tēs agapēs tou pneumatos)—Parakalō (I urge, beseech, appeal) introduces urgent request. Dia (through, for the sake of) indicates basis for the appeal: ton kyrion (the Lord Jesus Christ) and tēs agapēs tou pneumatos (the love of the Spirit). This is implicitly trinitarian: Paul appeals by Christ and by the Spirit's love. Agapēs tou pneumatos could mean love produced by the Spirit (subjective genitive) or love for the Spirit (objective genitive)—more likely the former: the Spirit-produced love binding believers together.

That ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me (συναγωνίσασθαί μοι ἐν ταῖς προσευχαῖς ὑπὲρ ἐμοῦ πρὸς τὸν θεόν, synagōnisasthai moi en tais proseuchais hyper emou pros ton theon)—Synagōnisasthai (strive together, agonize together) is athletic/military language: intense, concerted effort. Paul requests not casual prayer but striving prayer—fervent intercession. Moi (with me) indicates partnership: they fight alongside him in spiritual battle via prayer. This models apostolic humility: Paul, the great apostle, desperately needs others' prayers.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's urgent prayer request reflects his awareness of Jerusalem danger (Acts 20:22-23, 21:10-11). Prophets warned of imprisonment; Paul knew his life was at risk. His request for prayer wasn't theoretical but life-or-death intercession. The Roman Christians, though distant, could participate in Paul's mission through prayer—demonstrating prayer's strategic importance in missions.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's metaphor of 'striving together' in prayer elevate your understanding of intercessory prayer's intensity and importance?
  2. For which missionaries, church leaders, or dangerous gospel ministries should you be 'striving' in prayer rather than offering casual mention?
  3. What does Paul's request—appealing 'for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake and for the love of the Spirit'—teach about motivations for intercession?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
Παρακαλῶ1 of 26

I beseech

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δὲ2 of 26

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί4 of 26

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

διὰ5 of 26

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ6 of 26
G3588

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

κυρίου7 of 26

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν8 of 26

sake

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ9 of 26

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ10 of 26

Christ's

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ11 of 26

and

G2532

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

διὰ12 of 26

for

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τῆς13 of 26
G3588

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

ἀγάπης14 of 26

the love

G26

love, i.e., affection or benevolence; specially (plural) a love-feast

τοῦ15 of 26
G3588

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

πνεύματος16 of 26

of the Spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

συναγωνίσασθαί17 of 26

that ye strive together

G4865

to struggle in company with, i.e., (figuratively) to be a partner (assistant)

μοι18 of 26

with me

G3427

to me

ἐν19 of 26

in

G1722

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

ταῖς20 of 26
G3588

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

προσευχαῖς21 of 26

your prayers

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

ὑπὲρ22 of 26

for

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἐμοῦ23 of 26

me

G1700

of me

πρὸς24 of 26

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,

τὸν25 of 26
G3588

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

θεόν26 of 26

God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


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 15:30 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 15:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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