King James Version

What Does Romans 15:32 Mean?

Romans 15:32 in the King James Version says “That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:32 · KJV


Context

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.

33

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed (ἵνα ἐν χαρᾷ ἐλθὼν πρὸς ὑμᾶς διὰ θελήματος θεοῦ συναναπαύσωμαι ὑμῖν, hina en chara elthōn pros hymas dia thelēmatos theou synanapavsōmai hymin)—The third prayer request: that he come to Rome en chara (with joy), contingent on dia thelēmatos theou (through/by God's will). Thelēmatos theou acknowledges divine sovereignty over Paul's plans—he hopes and plans, but God determines (Prov 16:9, Jas 4:13-15). True joy comes from fulfilled divine will, not merely successful plans. Synanapavsōmai (may be refreshed together) expresses mutual encouragement: Paul will find rest and renewal in Roman fellowship, and they in his.

Paul's phrasing—'by the will of God'—proves prophetic: he did reach Rome, but God's will involved arrest, trials, shipwreck, and arrival in chains (Acts 28). Yet even this fulfilled God's purpose: Paul testified before rulers (Acts 9:15, 23:11) and reached Rome to preach unhindered (Acts 28:30-31). God's will transcends our neat plans.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's desire for mutual refreshment echoes 1:11-12. He longed for reciprocal blessing: strengthening Roman believers while being strengthened by them. Acts 28:15 records Roman Christians meeting Paul on the Appian Way, sight of whom 'he thanked God and took courage'—partial fulfillment of desired mutual refreshment despite circumstances. Fellowship in Christ transcends circumstances.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's submission to 'the will of God' regarding his travel plans model healthy balance between intentional planning and divine sovereignty?
  2. In what ways have you experienced God's will unfolding differently than you planned, yet recognizably good and purposeful in retrospect?
  3. What does the concept of mutual refreshment (Paul needing encouragement from Roman Christians) teach about interdependence in the body of Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἵνα1 of 12

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐν2 of 12

with

G1722

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

χαρᾷ3 of 12

joy

G5479

cheerfulness, i.e., calm delight

ἔλθω4 of 12

I may come

G2064

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

πρὸς5 of 12

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,

ὑμᾶς6 of 12

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

διὰ7 of 12

by

G1223

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

θελήματος8 of 12

the will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

θεοῦ9 of 12

of God

G2316

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

καὶ10 of 12

and

G2532

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

συναναπαύσωμαι11 of 12

be refreshed

G4875

to recruit oneself in company with

ὑμῖν12 of 12

with you

G5213

to (with or by) you


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 15:32 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 15:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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