King James Version

What Does Romans 16:27 Mean?

Romans 16:27 in the King James Version says “To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen. Written to the Romans from Corinthus, and sent by Phebe ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 16:27 · KJV

Context

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.

Read Romans 16 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen—Monō sophō theō, dia Iēsou Christou, hō hē doxa eis tous aiōnas. Amēn (μόνῳ σοφῷ θεῷ, διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας. ἀμήν). Monō sophō theō (μόνος σοφός θεός, to the only wise God) celebrates divine wisdom—God's plan orchestrating sin, law, Israel, Gentiles, Christ, church to display His glory. Dia Iēsou Christou (διὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, through Jesus Christ) identifies the mediator: all glory ascends to God through Christ (Hebrews 13:15, 'sacrifice of praise...through him').

Hō hē doxa eis tous aiōnas (ᾧ ἡ δόξα εἰς τοὺς αἰῶνας, to whom be glory forever) ascribes eternal praise. Doxa (δόξα, glory) is God's radiant majesty, the weight of His presence. Eis tous aiōnas (εἰς τοὺς αἰών, into the ages) means eternally—God's glory has no end. Amēn (ἀμήν) from Hebrew ('truly, certainly') seals the doxology—'so be it.' Paul ends Romans not with systematic argument but worship: the only fitting response to God's wisdom, grace, and gospel is eternal praise through Jesus Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish doxologies concluded prayers and letters with praise to 'the only God' (monotheism versus pagan polytheism). Paul Christianizes the form: God is praised through Jesus Christ, reflecting Christ's mediatorship (1 Timothy 2:5, 'one mediator between God and men'). The early church used doxologies liturgically: benedictions, prayers, hymns. Romans 11:33-36 contains another doxology ('O the depth of the riches...to him be glory for ever'). Paul's letters frequently conclude with doxologies (Galatians 1:5; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 4:20; 1 Timothy 1:17), anchoring theology in worship—doctrine fuels doxology, truth births praise.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing God as 'only wise' (<em>monos sophos</em>) shape your response to unexplained suffering, unanswered prayers, or confusing providences?
  2. What does it mean that glory ascends to God 'through Jesus Christ' (<em>dia Iēsou Christou</em>)—why can't we praise God without Christ?
  3. How should theology (Romans 1-16's argument) lead to doxology (worship, praise, eternal glory to God)—and does your study of doctrine produce deeper worship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
μόνῳ1 of 15

“only”

monō

G3441

alone, only

σοφῷ2 of 15

“wise”

sophō

G4680

wise, skilled

Θεῷ3 of 15

“God”

Theō

G2316

God

διὰ4 of 15

“through”

dia

G1223

through, on account of

Ἰησοῦ5 of 15

“Jesus”

Iēsou

G2424

Jesus

Χριστοῦ6 of 15

“Christ”

Christou

G5547

Christ, Anointed One

ᾧ7 of 15

“to whom”

hō

G3739

who, which, that

ἡ8 of 15

“be the”

hē

G3588

the

δόξα9 of 15

“glory”

doxa

G1391

glory, honor

εἰς10 of 15

“to”

eis

G1519

to, into, unto

τοὺς11 of 15

“the”

tous

G3588

the

αἰῶνας12 of 15

“ages”

aiōnas

G165

an age, eternity

τῶν13 of 15

“of the”

tōn

G3588

the

αἰώνων14 of 15

“ages”

aiōnōn

G165

an age, eternity

ἀμήν15 of 15

“Amen”

amēn

G281

amen, truly

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 16:27 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 16:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 11:361 Timothy 1:17Revelation 7:10-12Revelation 19:1-6Romans 11:33-34Revelation 5:9-14

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 16 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes