Romans 1:14

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I owe a debt to both civilized Greeks and uncivilized people, to both the educated and the ignorant;

Berean Standard Bible:

I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.

American Standard Version:

I am debtor both to Greeks and to Barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

I am^{G1510} debtor^{G3781} both^{G5037} to the Greeks^{G1672}, and^{G2532} to the Barbarians^{G915}; both^{G5037} to the wise^{G4680}, and^{G2532} to the unwise^{G453}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Romans 1:14

Romans 1:14 is a verse in the New Testament where the Apostle Paul expresses his deep sense of obligation to share the Gospel with all people. In this verse, Paul articulates his indebtedness to both the Greeks and the Barbarians, which in the context of the time referred to the civilized Greeks and non-Greeks or those considered uncultured. He also mentions his debt to both the wise—those who were educated and of higher social status—and the unwise—those without formal education or of lower social standing.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in Paul's missionary journeys and his calling to spread Christianity beyond Jewish communities to the wider Gentile world. The Greeks represent the intellectual elite of the Roman Empire, while the Barbarians symbolize the diverse nations and cultures that the Romans considered less sophisticated. By acknowledging his debt to all these groups, Paul emphasizes the universal scope of the Christian message, which is not confined to any particular ethnic, cultural, or social group.

The themes of this verse include the universality of the Gospel, the inclusivity of Christian mission, and the breaking down of cultural and social barriers within the early Christian community. Paul's statement reflects the radical nature of early Christianity, which sought to transcend the social and ethnic divisions that were common in the ancient world. It also underscores the Apostle's personal commitment to evangelism and his sense of duty to preach the message of Christ to everyone, regardless of their background or perceived societal value. This verse sets the stage for the broader theological arguments and teachings that Paul presents throughout the Epistle to the Romans, emphasizing God's impartiality and the salvation offered to all through faith in Jesus Christ.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G1510
   There are 137 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: εἰμί
   Transliteration: eimí
   Pronunciation: i-mee'
   Description: the first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist (used only when emphatic):--am, have been, X it is I, was. See also εἶ, εἴην, εἶναι, εἰσί, ἦν, ἔσομαι, ἐσμέν, ἐστέ, ἐστί, κέρδος, ἴσθι, ὦ.
   
2. Strong's Number: G3781
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ὀφειλέτης
   Transliteration: opheilétēs
   Pronunciation: of-i-let'-ace
   Description: from ὀφείλω; an ower, i.e. person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against God):--debtor, which owed, sinner.
   
3. Strong's Number: G5037
   There are 192 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: τέ
   Transliteration: té
   Pronunciation: teh
   Description: a primary particle (enclitic) of connection or addition; both or also (properly, as correlation of καί):--also, and, both, even, then, whether. Often used in composition, usually as the latter participle.
   
4. Strong's Number: G1672
   There are 26 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἕλλην
   Transliteration: Héllēn
   Pronunciation: hel'-lane
   Description: from Ἑλλάς; a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas; by extension a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew:-- Gentile, Greek.
   
5. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
6. Strong's Number: G915
   There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: βάρβαρος
   Transliteration: bárbaros
   Pronunciation: bar'-bar-os
   Description: of uncertain derivation; a foreigner (i.e. non-Greek):--barbarian(-rous).
   
7. Strong's Number: G4680
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: σοφός
   Transliteration: sophós
   Pronunciation: sof-os'
   Description: akin to (clear); wise (in a most general application):--wise. Compare φρόνιμος.
   
8. Strong's Number: G453
   There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀνόητος
   Transliteration: anóētos
   Pronunciation: an-o'-ay-tos
   Description: from Α (as a negative particle) and a derivative of νοιέω; unintelligent; by implication, sensual:--fool(-ish), unwise.