Romans 1:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Romans 1:14, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound sense of spiritual obligation, declaring himself a "debtor" to all humanity—categorized by cultural distinctions as "Greeks" and "Barbarians," and by intellectual capacities as "the wise" and "the unwise." This declaration serves as a foundational statement for his apostolic mission, revealing his deep conviction that the gospel of Jesus Christ is a universal message intended for every person, irrespective of their background, status, or intellectual prowess, and that he is divinely compelled to proclaim it to all.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 1:14 appears within Paul's extensive salutation and introduction to his letter to the Roman church, specifically following his expression of longing to visit them. Having established his apostolic identity and divine calling in [Romans 1:1-7](/romans/1-1-7 "Romans 1:1-7 - Paul's Apostolic Greeting"), Paul then expresses his earnest desire to impart a spiritual gift to the believers in Rome and be mutually encouraged by their faith, a desire he has long held but has been hindered from fulfilling ([Romans 1:8-13](/romans/1-8-13 "Romans 1:8-13 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome")). Verse 14 directly explains the theological impetus behind this desire: his universal obligation to preach the gospel. This verse, therefore, acts as a crucial bridge, transitioning from his personal greetings and travel plans to the grand theological exposition of the gospel's power and necessity, which he immediately declares in [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Power of the Gospel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire at the time of Paul's writing was a vast and diverse realm. The terms "Greeks" and "Barbarians" reflect a common Hellenistic worldview. "Greeks" (Hellenes) referred not only to inhabitants of Greece but broadly to those who adopted Greek language, culture, and philosophy—the educated, sophisticated, and dominant cultural force of the Mediterranean world. "Barbarians" (from the Greek _barbaros_, an onomatopoeic word mimicking unintelligible speech) was a pejorative term used by Greeks to describe anyone who did not speak Greek and therefore was considered uncivilized, uncultured, or foreign. This distinction covered the vast majority of the empire's non-Hellenized populations. Similarly, the contrast between "the wise" and "the unwise" highlights the intellectual stratification of society, encompassing philosophers, rhetoricians, and educated elites versus the common, uneducated populace. Paul's use of these categories underscores the truly universal scope of his mission, transcending the deeply ingrained social, cultural, and intellectual divisions of his day, recognizing that all people, regardless of their standing, are in need of the gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several key themes central to Paul's theology and the broader message of Romans. Firstly, it highlights **Paul's profound sense of apostolic obligation**, not as a burden, but as a compelling divine mandate stemming from his commission by Christ to the Gentiles, as seen in [Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - Paul's Apostolic Calling") and [Galatians 1:15-16](/galatians/1-15-16 "Galatians 1:15-16 - Paul's Divine Call"). Secondly, it emphatically declares the **universality of the gospel**, demonstrating that salvation is not exclusive to any particular ethnic group, cultural background, or intellectual class. By explicitly naming "Greeks" and "Barbarians," "wise" and "unwise," Paul asserts that the good news is for all humanity. This aligns perfectly with the Great Commission given by Jesus in [Matthew 28:19](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19 - The Great Commission"), to "make disciples of all nations." Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **humanity's universal need for salvation**, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent argument in [Romans 1:18-3:20](/romans/1-18-3-20 "Romans 1:18-3:20 - The Universality of Sin"), where he systematically demonstrates that both Jews and Gentiles, wise and unwise, are under the power of sin and in need of God's righteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **opheilétēs (Greek, _opheilétēs'_):** This word, translated "debtor," literally means "an ower, a person indebted." Figuratively, it can mean a delinquent or, morally, a transgressor against God. Paul uses it here not in a financial sense of owing money, but in a profound moral and spiritual sense of being under an inescapable obligation or duty. His apostleship, received by divine grace, created a spiritual "debt" to share the gospel with those for whom it was intended.
* **Héllēn (Greek, _Héllēn'_):** This term, translated "Greeks," refers to a Hellen (Grecian) or inhabitant of Hellas. By extension, it denotes a Greek-speaking person, especially a non-Jew. In Paul's context, "Greeks" represented the cultured, educated, and dominant segment of the Roman world, characterized by Hellenistic thought and language.
* **bárbaros (Greek, _bárbaros'_):** Translated "Barbarians," this word signifies a foreigner, specifically a non-Greek. It was used by the Greeks to describe anyone whose language sounded like "bar-bar" to them, implying they were uncivilized or uncultured. Paul's inclusion of "Barbarians" alongside "Greeks" highlights the comprehensive scope of his mission, embracing all peoples beyond the Hellenistic sphere.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am debtor":** Paul begins with a strong personal declaration, emphasizing his profound sense of obligation. This "debt" is not a financial one, but a spiritual and moral duty arising from his divine calling and the grace he received. He perceives himself as owing the gospel to the world because he has been entrusted with it.
* **"both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians;":** This clause divides humanity along cultural and linguistic lines. "Greeks" represent the cultured, Hellenized world, while "Barbarians" represent all non-Greek speaking peoples, often considered less civilized. By addressing both, Paul asserts that his obligation, and by extension the gospel itself, transcends all cultural and ethnic boundaries.
* **"both to the wise, and to the unwise.":** This second clause divides humanity along intellectual and educational lines. "The wise" refers to the educated, philosophers, and those esteemed for their intellect, while "the unwise" refers to the uneducated, the simple, or those lacking formal knowledge. This pairing further reinforces the gospel's universal reach, indicating that its message is not limited by human intellect or social standing, but is for all who will believe.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective **Literary Devices** in Romans 1:14 to convey his message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically a type of **Chiasm** or **Antithetical Parallelism**, where he pairs contrasting groups: "Greeks" with "Barbarians" and "wise" with "unwise." This structure emphasizes the comprehensive nature of his obligation. Furthermore, he utilizes **Merism**, a rhetorical device where two contrasting parts are used to represent a whole. "Greeks and Barbarians" together encompass all ethnic and cultural groups, while "wise and unwise" encompass all intellectual capacities. Combined, these two pairs signify the entirety of humanity, demonstrating that Paul's spiritual debt extends to everyone without exception. Paul's personal declaration, "I am debtor," also serves as a powerful expression of **Apostolic Ethos**, establishing his character and conviction, and appealing to the readers' sense of duty and shared mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's declaration of being a "debtor" in Romans 1:14 is profoundly theological, stemming from his understanding of divine grace and apostolic commission. He does not claim this obligation out of personal merit or a self-imposed burden, but as a direct consequence of being entrusted with the gospel by God for the sake of all nations. This sense of "debt" is a spiritual compulsion, a stewardship of the greatest treasure, which he feels bound to share with every segment of humanity. It underscores the gospel's inherent universality and God's impartial love for all people, challenging any notion of elitism or exclusivity in salvation. Paul's life became a living testament to this universal call, driven by the conviction that he had received an unmerited favor to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ to the Gentiles.

* [Romans 1:1](/romans/1-1 "Romans 1:1 - Paul, a Servant and Apostle")
* [Romans 1:15](/romans/1-15 "Romans 1:15 - Paul's Eagerness to Preach")
* [1 Corinthians 9:16](/1_corinthians/9-16 "1 Corinthians 9:16 - Woe is Me if I Do Not Preach")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in Romans 1:14 serves as a powerful and enduring challenge for believers today. His profound sense of being a "debtor" to all people for the sake of the gospel compels us to examine our own understanding of our spiritual responsibilities. It is not a financial debt, but a moral and spiritual obligation born out of gratitude for the grace we have received and the truth we possess. Just as Paul felt compelled to reach both the sophisticated and the simple, the educated and the uneducated, we are called to share the transformative message of Christ with all people in our spheres of influence, recognizing that the power of God is available to transform anyone who believes. This means intentionally crossing cultural, social, and intellectual barriers, valuing every individual as someone for whom Christ died, and actively seeking opportunities to make the gospel known, whether through direct proclamation, compassionate service, or living a life that exemplifies Christ's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways do I perceive myself as a "debtor" of the gospel, and how does this motivate my actions?**
* **How does Paul's inclusive approach to "Greeks and Barbarians," "wise and unwise," challenge any biases or comfort zones I might have in sharing the gospel?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to fulfill my "debt" to someone who is culturally, intellectually, or socially different from me?**

### FAQ
**What kind of "debt" is Paul referring to in Romans 1:14?**

Answer: Paul is not referring to a financial debt or a legal obligation in the conventional sense. Instead, the "debt" (Greek: _opheilétēs_) he speaks of is a profound spiritual and moral obligation. Having been called by God's grace to be an apostle to the Gentiles ([Romans 1:5](/romans/1-5 "Romans 1:5 - Paul's Apostolic Calling")), Paul views himself as a steward of the gospel, entrusted with a divine message that is meant for all humanity. His "debt" is his inescapable duty and compulsion to proclaim this good news, a responsibility that arises from his commission and the immense grace he himself received. It is a debt of love and obedience to God, flowing from his understanding that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")).

**Why does Paul distinguish between 'Greeks' and 'Barbarians,' and 'wise' and 'unwise'?**

Answer: Paul uses these distinctions to emphasize the absolute universality of the gospel message. In the Roman world, "Greeks" represented the dominant, Hellenized culture—those who spoke Greek, were educated, and lived within the sophisticated urban centers. "Barbarians" (from the Greek _bárbaros_) were those who did not speak Greek and were often considered uncultured or foreign, encompassing a vast array of peoples outside the Greco-Roman cultural sphere. Similarly, "the wise" referred to the intellectually astute, philosophers, and educated elites, while "the unwise" referred to the common, uneducated populace. By naming these contrasting groups, Paul creates a **merism**, a literary device where two opposing parts represent the whole. He is essentially saying that his obligation, and the gospel itself, extends to *all* people—regardless of their cultural background, linguistic ability, social standing, or intellectual capacity. This highlights that God's salvation is for everyone, without exception or prejudice, and that no one is beyond the reach or need of the gospel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 1:14, with Paul's declaration of being a "debtor" to all humanity, finds its ultimate fulfillment and meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul's universal obligation mirrors the universal scope of Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus did not come to save a select few, but to be the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), demonstrating God's love for [the entire world](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). The gospel message Paul is so compelled to preach *is* Christ Himself—[Christ crucified](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified"), who is the power and wisdom of God for both [Jews and Greeks](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, God's Power and Wisdom"). In Christ, the dividing wall of hostility between "Greeks" and "Barbarians" (or Jews and Gentiles) has been [broken down](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace"), creating one new humanity. Furthermore, the wisdom of the "wise" and the perceived foolishness of the "unwise" are both rendered irrelevant by the profound simplicity and power of the gospel, for God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and the weak things of the world to shame the strong ([1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Weak and Foolish")). Ultimately, Paul's "debt" is a reflection of the debt of sin that humanity owed, a debt that was fully paid by Christ on the cross, thereby freeing us to live not for ourselves, but for Him who died and was raised for us ([2 Corinthians 5:15](/2_corinthians/5-15 "2 Corinthians 5:15 - Living for Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 9:16

For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:23

And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with [you].

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Acts 9:15

But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

James 3:17

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, [and] easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

James 3:18

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Acts 26:17

Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,