Romans 1:14

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Romans 1:14 (KJV): "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise."

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening remarks in his letter to the Roman church. Having introduced himself and his apostolic calling in the preceding verses, Paul expresses his strong desire to visit Rome and preach the gospel there (see Romans 1:11). Verse 14 explains the motivation behind this desire: a profound sense of obligation to share the good news with everyone, regardless of their background or intellectual standing. It sets the stage for his declaration of the gospel's power in the verses that follow.

Key Themes

  • Paul's Sense of Obligation: Paul felt a deep, non-financial "debt" or duty to share the gospel. This wasn't a burden but a compelling call stemming from his commission by Christ.
  • Universality of the Gospel: The gospel is for everyone. Paul explicitly names the "Greeks" (representing the cultured, Hellenistic world) and the "Barbarians" (those considered less civilized or non-Greek). He also contrasts the "wise" and the "unwise," showing that salvation is not limited by intellect or education.
  • The Call to Share: Paul's example highlights the responsibility believers have to share the message of salvation with all people.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "debtor" is opheiletēs (ὀφειλέτης), which signifies someone under obligation or bound by duty. Paul uses it here not in a financial sense, but in a moral and spiritual one, reflecting his calling as an apostle to the Gentiles (see Romans 11:13). The term "Barbarians" (βάρβαρος - barbaros) was used by the Greeks to describe anyone who did not speak Greek, often implying they were uncultured or foreign.

Related Scriptures

Reflection

Paul's declaration in Romans 1:14 serves as a powerful reminder that the gospel is intended for everyone. His sense of being a "debtor" challenges believers today to consider their own obligation to share the hope they have received. Just as Paul felt compelled to reach both the sophisticated and the simple, the educated and the uneducated, we are called to share the message of Christ with all people in our spheres of influence, recognizing that the power of God is available to transform anyone who believes.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

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,
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