King James Version

What Does Romans 15:7 Mean?

Romans 15:7 in the King James Version says “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 15:7 · KJV

Context

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:

9

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God (Διὸ προσλαμβάνεσθε ἀλλήλους, καθὼς καὶ ὁ Χριστὸς προσελάβετο ὑμᾶς εἰς δόξαν θεοῦ, dio proslambanesthe allēlous, kathōs kai ho Christos proselabeto hymas eis doxan theou)—Dio (therefore) draws the conclusion from vv. 1-6. Proslambanesthe (receive, welcome) is present imperative: continuous, habitual acceptance of one another. This echoes 14:1, 3 but now grounds the command explicitly in Christ's welcome of believers. Kathōs (just as) establishes Christ as both model and motive: we receive because we've been received.

Christ received us eis doxan theou (unto God's glory)—not despite our differences but precisely to display God's glory in reconciling diverse peoples. Christ welcomed both Jew and Gentile (vv. 8-9), the ceremonially observant and the liberated. Our mutual welcome mirrors Christ's gracious acceptance and thus glorifies God by demonstrating his reconciling power. Refusing to receive fellow believers whom Christ has received effectively impugns Christ's judgment.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The verb proslambanō carries social and relational nuance—welcoming someone into your household, accepting them into fellowship. In the Roman house churches, this meant Jewish believers hosting Gentiles for meals despite food tensions, and vice versa. Paul's appeal to Christ's example would resonate: if the Messiah could welcome uncircumcised Gentiles, surely circumcised Jews and Gentiles could welcome one another.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your Christian community do you find difficult to 'receive' or welcome fully, and how does Christ's welcome of you challenge that?
  2. How does recognizing that Christ received you 'to the glory of God' change your motivation for accepting believers different from you?
  3. What practical steps would demonstrate that you're receiving fellow believers 'as Christ received you'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
Διὸ1 of 12

“Wherefore”

G1352

through which thing, i.e., consequently

προσελάβετο2 of 12

“receive ye”

G4355

to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)

ἀλλήλους3 of 12

“one another”

G240

one another

καθὼς4 of 12

“also”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

καὶ5 of 12
G2532

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

ὁ6 of 12
G3588

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

Χριστὸς7 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

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

προσελάβετο8 of 12

“receive ye”

G4355

to take to oneself, i.e., use (food), lead (aside), admit (to friendship or hospitality)

ἡμᾶς9 of 12

“us”

G2248

us

εἰς10 of 12

“to”

G1519

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

δόξαν11 of 12

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

θεοῦ12 of 12

“of 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 15:7 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 15:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 10:40John 13:34Romans 14:1-3Romans 5:2Luke 9:48Mark 9:37

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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