King James Version

What Does Romans 16:18 Mean?

Romans 16:18 in the King James Version says “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.”

Romans 16:18 · KJV

Context

16

Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.

17

Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them .

18

For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good , and simple concerning evil. simple: or, harmless

20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. bruise: or, tread

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly—Hoi gar toioutoi tō kyriō hēmōn Christō ou douleuousin alla tē heautōn koilia (οἱ γὰρ τοιοῦτοι τῷ κυρίῳ ἡμῶν Χριστῷ οὐ δουλεύουσιν ἀλλὰ τῇ ἑαυτῶν κοιλίᾳ). Tō kyriō ou douleuousin (οὐ δουλεύω τῷ κυρίῳ, do not serve the Lord) exposes false motive. Tē koilia (τῇ κοιλίᾳ, the belly) symbolizes fleshly appetites—greed, sensuality, self-interest (Philippians 3:19, 'whose god is their belly'). False teachers use religion for personal gain, not God's glory.

And by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple—Kai dia tēs chrēstologias kai eulogias exapatōsin tas kardias tōn akakōn (καὶ διὰ τῆς χρηστολογίας καὶ εὐλογίας ἐξαπατῶσιν τὰς καρδίας τῶν ἀκάκων). Chrēstologias kai eulogias (χρηστολογία καὶ εὐλογία, good words and blessings) are persuasive rhetoric, smooth talking. Exapatōsin (ἐξαπατάω, deceive/seduce) indicates intentional deception. Tōn akakōn (τῶν ἄκακος, the simple/innocent) are naive believers, trusting and unguarded. False teachers target the vulnerable—using flattery, charisma, eloquence to manipulate.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's warning echoes OT prophets: false prophets prophesy peace for pay (Micah 3:5, 11), shepherds feed themselves not the flock (Ezekiel 34:2-3), greedy dogs never satisfied (Isaiah 56:11). Jesus warned of false prophets in sheep's clothing (Matthew 7:15). Peter described false teachers as greedy, exploiting believers with fabricated stories (2 Peter 2:1-3). Church history confirms the pattern: Montanists (2nd century), Gnostics, prosperity preachers, cult leaders—using religious language for personal enrichment. Paul's warning remains urgent: test teachers by fruit, doctrine, and motive (1 John 4:1, 'test the spirits').

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you identify those who 'serve their belly' (<em>tē koilia douleuō</em>) rather than Christ—what are the signs of false teachers?
  2. What makes 'good words and fair speeches' (<em>chrēstologia kai eulogia</em>) so effective in deceiving the simple—why is eloquence dangerous?
  3. How can believers cultivate discernment to avoid being 'simple' (<em>akakos</em>)—innocent yet not naive, trusting yet not gullible?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
οἱ1 of 25
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 25

“For”

G1063

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

τοιοῦτοι3 of 25

“they that are such”

G5108

truly this, i.e., of this sort (to denote character or individuality)

τῷ4 of 25
G3588

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

κυρίῳ5 of 25

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν6 of 25

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ7 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστῷ8 of 25

“Christ”

G5547

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

οὐ9 of 25

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

δουλεύουσιν10 of 25

“serve”

G1398

to be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)

ἀλλὰ11 of 25

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τῇ12 of 25
G3588

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

ἑαυτῶν13 of 25

“their own”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

κοιλίᾳ14 of 25

“belly”

G2836

a cavity, i.e., (especially) the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart

καὶ15 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

διὰ16 of 25

“by”

G1223

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

τῆς17 of 25
G3588

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

χρηστολογίας18 of 25

“good words”

G5542

fair speech, i.e., plausibility

καὶ19 of 25

“and”

G2532

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

εὐλογίας20 of 25

“fair speeches”

G2129

fine speaking, i.e., elegance of language; commendation ("eulogy"), i.e., (reverentially) adoration; religiously, benediction; by implication, consecr

ἐξαπατῶσιν21 of 25

“deceive”

G1818

to seduce wholly

τὰς22 of 25
G3588

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

καρδίας23 of 25

“the hearts”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

τῶν24 of 25
G3588

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

ἀκάκων25 of 25

“of the simple”

G172

not bad, i.e., (objectively) innocent or (subjectively) unsuspecting

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 16:18 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 16:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Colossians 2:4Matthew 7:151 Timothy 6:52 Peter 2:3Philippians 3:19Micah 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 16 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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