King James Version

What Does Romans 15:6 Mean?

Romans 15:6 in the King James Version says “That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 15:6 · KJV


Context

4

For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

5

Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: according to: or, after the example of

6

That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7

Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

8

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God (ἵνα ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐν ἑνὶ στόματι δοξάζητε τὸν θεόν, hina homothymadon en heni stomati doxazēte ton theon)—The purpose (hina) of unity (v. 5) is doxology. Homothymadon (with one accord, unanimously) appears frequently in Acts to describe the early church's Spirit-produced unity. En heni stomati (with one mouth) likely refers to corporate worship, particularly united praise and prayer. The weak and strong together, Jewish and Gentile believers united, create a multi-vocal yet harmonious chorus glorifying God—a foretaste of Revelation 7:9-10's multi-ethnic worship.

Even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (καὶ πατέρα τοῦ κυρίου ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, kai patera tou kyriou hēmōn Iēsou Christou)—God is glorified specifically as the Father of Jesus. This is trinitarian doxology: the Father is glorified through and in relation to the Son. United worship that honors the Father and acknowledges Jesus as Lord simultaneously glorifies both, reflecting the Son's own mission (John 17:1, 4). The goal of Christian ethics is not merely horizontal harmony but vertical worship.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Corporate worship was central to early Christian identity. In the Greco-Roman context where religious and social divisions were rigid, united worship of Jews and Gentiles was radically counter-cultural. Paul envisions worship as the culmination of ethics: right living leads to right praise. This verse shaped Christian liturgical tradition's emphasis on unity in corporate worship.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does corporate worship in your church reflect (or fail to reflect) the unity across differences that Paul envisions?
  2. In what ways might disunity in your Christian community hinder your ability to glorify God 'with one mouth'?
  3. How should the goal of unified doxology shape your interactions with believers from different backgrounds or convictions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ἵνα1 of 15

That

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ὁμοθυμαδὸν2 of 15

with one mind

G3661

unanimously

ἐν3 of 15

and

G1722

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

ἑνὶ4 of 15

one

G1520

one

στόματι5 of 15

mouth

G4750

the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e

δοξάζητε6 of 15

glorify

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

τὸν7 of 15
G3588

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

θεὸν8 of 15

God

G2316

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

καὶ9 of 15

even

G2532

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

πατέρα10 of 15

the Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

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

κυρίου12 of 15

Lord

G2962

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

ἡμῶν13 of 15

of our

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ14 of 15

Jesus

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ15 of 15

Christ

G5547

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


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 15:6 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 15:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study