King James Version

What Does Romans 16:26 Mean?

Romans 16:26 in the King James Version says “But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, ma...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:”

Romans 16:26 · KJV

Eternal LifeFaith

Context

24

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

25

Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began ,

26

But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:

27

To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe servant of the church at Cenchrea.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Which was kept secret since the world began, but now is made manifest—Chronois aiōniois sesigēmenou, phanerōthentos de nyn (χρόνοις αἰωνίοις σεσιγημένου, φανερωθέντος δὲ νῦν). Chronois aiōniois (χρόνος αἰώνιος, eternal times) means ages past—God's plan existed eternally but was hidden. Sesigēmenou (σιγάω, kept silent) uses perfect participle—having been silenced, kept secret. Phanerōthentos de nyn (φανερόω δὲ νῦν, but now made manifest) marks the eschatological 'now'—Christ's coming inaugurated the age of revelation. What prophets longed to see (1 Peter 1:10-12) believers now understand clearly.

And by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith—Dia te graphōn prophētikōn, kat' epitagēn tou aiōniou theou, eis hypakoēn pisteōs eis panta ta ethnē gnōristhentos (διά τε γραφῶν προφητικῶν, κατ' ἐπιταγὴν τοῦ αἰωνίου θεοῦ, εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη γνωρισθέντος). Graphōn prophētikōn (γραφή προφητικός, prophetic Scriptures) grounds the gospel in OT witness (1:2, 'promised before by his prophets'). Kat' epitagēn (κατ' ἐπιταγή, according to command) indicates divine commission. Eis panta ta ethnē (εἰς πάντα τὰ ἔθνη, to all nations) fulfills the Abrahamic promise (Genesis 12:3, 'all families of the earth blessed'). Eis hypakoēn pisteōs (εἰς ὑπακοὴν πίστεως, for obedience of faith) echoes 1:5—the gospel's goal is faithful obedience from all peoples.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's theology integrates OT and gospel: the mystery was 'kept secret' yet 'witnessed by the law and prophets' (3:21). Israel's story anticipated Christ—types, prophecies, promises pointed forward. Yet only in Christ's death-resurrection did the full meaning emerge: Gentiles included without becoming Jews (Acts 15), justification by faith apart from law (3:21-31), Israel's hardening serving Gentile salvation (11:11-12), ethnic hostility abolished (Ephesians 2:14-16). Church fathers (Irenaeus, Tertullian) defended Christianity against Marcion (who rejected OT) by showing gospel continuity with prophetic Scriptures. Romans ends as it began (1:2): the gospel rooted in OT, revealed in Christ, proclaimed to all nations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding the gospel as 'kept secret...but now manifest' (<em>sesigēmenou...phanerōthentos</em>) shape your reading of OT prophecy and promise?
  2. What role do 'the scriptures of the prophets' (<em>graphōn prophētikōn</em>) play in establishing the gospel's credibility and continuity with God's eternal plan?
  3. How is 'obedience of faith' (<em>hypakoē pisteōs</em>) both the goal of the gospel (v. 26) and its beginning (1:5)—what does this teach about conversion and sanctification?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
φανερωθέντος1 of 20

“is made manifest”

G5319

to render apparent (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 20

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

νῦν3 of 20

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

διά4 of 20

“by”

G1223

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

τε5 of 20

“and”

G5037

both or also (properly, as correlation of g2532)

γραφῶν6 of 20

“the scriptures”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

προφητικῶν7 of 20

“of the prophets”

G4397

pertaining to a foreteller ("prophetic")

κατ'8 of 20

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐπιταγὴν9 of 20

“to the commandment”

G2003

an injunction or decree; by implication, authoritativeness

τοῦ10 of 20
G3588

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

αἰωνίου11 of 20

“of the everlasting”

G166

perpetual (also used of past time, or past and future as well)

θεοῦ12 of 20

“God”

G2316

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

εἰς13 of 20

“for”

G1519

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

ὑπακοὴν14 of 20

“the obedience”

G5218

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

πίστεως15 of 20

“of faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

εἰς16 of 20

“for”

G1519

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

πάντα17 of 20

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὰ18 of 20
G3588

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

ἔθνη19 of 20

“nations”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

γνωρισθέντος20 of 20

“made known”

G1107

to make known; subjectively, to know

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 16:26 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 16:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 15:18Romans 1:5Galatians 3:8Isaiah 40:281 Timothy 1:17Romans 15:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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