King James Version

What Does Romans 16:19 Mean?

Romans 16:19 in the King James Version says “For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto t... — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 16:19 · KJV


Context

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

21

Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For your obedience is come abroad unto all menHē gar hymōn hypakoē eis pantas aphiketo (ἡ γὰρ ὑμῶν ὑπακοὴ εἰς πάντας ἀφίκετο). Hypakoē (ὑπακοή, obedience) refers to the Roman believers' response to the gospel (1:5, 'obedience of faith'). Eis pantas aphiketo (εἰς πάντας ἀφίκομαι, came to all) means their reputation spread throughout the Christian world. Aphikomai (arrive/reach) suggests news traveled widely—the Roman church's faithfulness was famous (1:8, 'your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world').

I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evilChairō oun to eph' hymin, thelō de hymas sophous einai eis to agathon, akeraious de eis to kakon (χαίρω οὖν τὸ ἐφ' ὑμῖν, θέλω δὲ ὑμᾶς σοφοὺς εἶναι εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, ἀκεραίους δὲ εἰς τὸ κακόν). Sophous eis to agathon (σοφός εἰς τὸ ἀγαθόν, wise unto good) means shrewd, discerning in righteousness. Akeraious eis to kakon (ἀκέραιος εἰς τὸ κακόν, simple/unmixed concerning evil) means innocent, uncontaminated by evil. This echoes Jesus: 'wise as serpents, harmless as doves' (Matthew 10:16)—shrewd discernment without cynical corruption.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Rome's church was famous for faithfulness despite no apostolic founding (Paul hadn't visited, written circa AD 57). Their obedience 'came abroad' (aphiketo) through travelers, trade networks, imperial communications. Yet fame attracts false teachers—success invites infiltration. Paul's counsel balances confidence ('I rejoice') with caution ('be wise'). Early church fathers warned against 'simplicity' becoming naivety: Irenaeus (AD 180) wrote Against Heresies exposing Gnostic deceptions; Tertullian warned against philosophical speculation; Athanasius fought Arianism. Wisdom requires knowing truth deeply while remaining undefiled by error.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does your church's 'obedience' (<em>hypakoē</em>) spread—what reputation do you have among other believers?
  2. What does it mean to be 'wise unto good' (<em>sophous eis to agathon</em>) yet 'simple concerning evil' (<em>akeraious eis to kakon</em>)—shrewd yet innocent?
  3. How do you cultivate discernment and theological maturity without becoming cynical, suspicious, or defiled by constant exposure to error?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 26 words
1 of 26
G3588

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

γὰρ2 of 26

For

G1063

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

ὑμῶν3 of 26

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ὑπακοὴ4 of 26

obedience

G5218

attentive hearkening, i.e., (by implication) compliance or submission

εἰς5 of 26

concerning

G1519

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

πάντας6 of 26

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀφίκετο·7 of 26

is come abroad

G864

to go (i.e., spread) forth (by rumor)

χαίρω8 of 26

men I am glad

G5463

to be "cheer"ful, i.e., calmly happy or well-off; impersonally, especially as salutation (on meeting or parting), be well

οὖν9 of 26

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

τὸ10 of 26
G3588

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

ἐφ'11 of 26

behalf

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ὑμῖν12 of 26

your

G5213

to (with or by) you

θέλω13 of 26

I would have

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

δὲ14 of 26

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς15 of 26

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

σοφοὺς16 of 26

wise

G4680

wise (in a most general application)

μέν17 of 26

good

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

εἶναι18 of 26

that which is

G1511

to exist

εἰς19 of 26

concerning

G1519

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

τὸ20 of 26
G3588

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

ἀγαθόν21 of 26
G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἀκεραίους22 of 26

simple

G185

unmixed, i.e., (figuratively) innocent

δὲ23 of 26

and

G1161

but, and, etc

εἰς24 of 26

concerning

G1519

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

τὸ25 of 26
G3588

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

κακόν26 of 26

evil

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious


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 16:19 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 16:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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