King James Version

What Does Romans 16:20 Mean?

Romans 16:20 in the King James Version says “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly . The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 16:20 · KJV

PeaceGrace

Context

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.

22

I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly—Ho de theos tēs eirēnēs syntripsei ton satanan hypo tous podas hymōn en tachei (ὁ δὲ θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης συντρίψει τὸν σατανᾶν ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας ὑμῶν ἐν τάχει). Theos tēs eirēnēs (θεὸς τῆς εἰρήνης, God of peace) is Paul's favorite benediction title—God who makes peace through Christ's blood (Colossians 1:20). Syntripsei (συντρίβω, bruise/crush) alludes to Genesis 3:15: the serpent's head will be crushed by the woman's seed. Hypo tous podas (ὑπὸ τοὺς πόδας, under your feet) echoes Psalm 110:1—enemies made footstool. En tachei (ἐν τάχει, shortly/soon) promises imminent victory.

Paul applies Genesis 3:15 to Roman believers—they participate in Christ's triumph over Satan. The 'God of peace' crushes the enemy, securing shalom. False teachers (v. 17-19) are Satan's instruments; resisting them is cosmic warfare. Yet victory is assured: God will crush Satan (future tense) under your feet—believers actively participate in the enemy's defeat. This grounds confidence: however fierce the battle, Satan's doom is certain (Revelation 20:10).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Genesis 3:15 (proto-evangelium, 'first gospel') promised the woman's seed would crush the serpent's head—fulfilled in Christ's death-resurrection (Colossians 2:15, 'spoiling principalities and powers'). Yet believers participate: 'resist the devil and he will flee' (James 4:7); 'overcome by the blood of the Lamb' (Revelation 12:11); Satan will be crushed 'shortly' (en tachei). Early Christians expected Satan's final defeat at Christ's return (Revelation 20:7-10), but experienced progressive victories over demons, idolatry, pagan oppression. Paul's promise encouraged persecuted believers: your struggle has cosmic significance—you're crushing Satan underfoot.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the promise that 'God will bruise Satan under your feet' (<em>syntripsei ton satanan hypo tous podas</em>) encourage you in spiritual warfare?
  2. What does it mean that the 'God of peace' (<em>theos tēs eirēnēs</em>) crushes the enemy—how do peace and conquest relate?
  3. How do believers participate in crushing Satan—through resisting temptation, exposing false teaching, enduring suffering, proclaiming the gospel?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
ὁ1 of 24
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

θεὸς3 of 24

“the God”

G2316

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

τῆς4 of 24
G3588

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

εἰρήνης5 of 24

“of peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

συντρίψει6 of 24

“shall bruise”

G4937

to crush completely, i.e., to shatter (literally or figuratively)

τὸν7 of 24
G3588

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

Σατανᾶν8 of 24

“Satan”

G4567

the accuser, i.e., the devil

ὑπὸ9 of 24

“under”

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τοὺς10 of 24
G3588

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

πόδας11 of 24

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

ὑμῶν12 of 24

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἐν13 of 24

“shortly”

G1722

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

τάχει14 of 24
G5034

a brief space (of time), i.e., (with g1722 prefixed) in haste

ἡ15 of 24
G3588

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

χάρις16 of 24

“The grace”

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τοῦ17 of 24
G3588

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

κυρίου18 of 24

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν19 of 24

“of our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ20 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ21 of 24

“Christ”

G5547

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

μεθ'22 of 24

“be with”

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

ὑμῶν23 of 24

“you”

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

ἀμήν.24 of 24

“Amen”

G281

properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)

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 16:20 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 16:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Luke 10:191 John 3:8Genesis 3:15Malachi 4:3Zechariah 10:5Revelation 12:10

Test Your Knowledge

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

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