Romans 15:10

KJV

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G3825} he saith {G3004}, Rejoice, ye {G2165} Gentiles {G1484}, with {G3326} his {G846} people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And again it says,

“Gentiles, rejoice with his people.”

Berean Standard Bible

Again, it says: “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

American Standard Version

And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:10, a powerful citation from Deuteronomy 32:43, serves as a cornerstone in the Apostle Paul's argument for the full and joyful inclusion of Gentiles into God's redemptive plan. This verse emphatically declares God's ancient intention for non-Jewish peoples to participate in the divine covenant, not as a separate or lesser entity, but in shared rejoicing and fellowship alongside His chosen people, Israel, underscoring the expansive and unifying nature of God's grace revealed in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:10 is embedded within a crucial section of Paul's letter, specifically [Romans 15:7-13](/romans/15-7-13 "Romans 15:7-13 - Paul's Exhortation for Unity and Acceptance"), where he passionately appeals for unity and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile believers in the Roman church. Having just exhorted them to "receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God" ([Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Receive One Another")), Paul immediately grounds this command in the theological reality of Christ's ministry. He explains that Christ came to serve the circumcised (Jews) to confirm God's promises to the patriarchs, and simultaneously, to enable the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy ([Romans 15:8-9](/romans/15-8-9 "Romans 15:8-9 - Christ's Ministry to Jews and Gentiles")). To solidify this revolutionary concept of Gentile inclusion, Paul strategically weaves together four Old Testament prophecies in [Romans 15:9-12](/romans/15-9-12 "Romans 15:9-12 - Old Testament Prophecies of Gentile Inclusion"), with the quote from Deuteronomy 32:43 in verse 10 being the second of these, demonstrating that Gentile participation was not an afterthought but a divinely ordained, long-foretold aspect of God's unfolding plan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church in Rome, like many nascent Christian communities, was a complex tapestry of Jewish and Gentile converts. Significant tensions often arose from differing cultural practices, interpretations of the Mosaic Law, and historical prejudices. Jewish believers, steeped in centuries of covenantal identity, sometimes struggled to fully accept Gentiles as co-heirs without requiring adherence to Jewish customs, while Gentiles might have harbored anti-Jewish sentiments or misunderstood the continuity of God's plan. Paul's letter to the Romans, particularly this section, directly addresses these divisions, advocating for a radical unity founded on the Gospel. By quoting from the Old Testament, Paul appeals to an authority recognized by both groups, demonstrating that the inclusion of Gentiles was not a novel deviation but the fulfillment of ancient prophecy, thereby legitimizing their place within the believing community and challenging any lingering ethnocentric biases.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's broader theology. Foremost is the theme of **Gentile Inclusion and Salvation**, highlighting God's expansive grace that transcends ethnic boundaries, bringing all who believe into one family in Christ. This is a central tenet of Paul's ministry, as seen throughout [his epistles](/ephesians/2 "Ephesians 2 - Unity in Christ"). Secondly, it underscores **Unity in Worship and Joy**, envisioning a future where believers from all backgrounds come together in shared celebration of God's goodness and mercy. The command to "rejoice... with his people" speaks to a profound spiritual solidarity, echoing the New Covenant reality where the "dividing wall of hostility" is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). Finally, the verse reinforces the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating that the inclusion of Gentiles was always part of God's sovereign plan, revealed through the prophets of Israel, thereby lending divine authority to Paul's argument and demonstrating the continuity between the Old and New Covenants, all centered on the person and work of Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **again (Greek, _pálin'_):** This adverb signifies repetition or recurrence, indicating that Paul is drawing another instance of Old Testament prophecy to support his argument. It emphasizes the consistent thread of Gentile inclusion woven throughout the Scriptures, not as an isolated thought but a recurring divine intention.
* **Rejoice (Greek, _euphraínō'_):** Derived from words meaning "well" and "mind," this verb means to be in a good frame of mind, to make merry, or to be glad. It denotes a deep, heartfelt joy and exuberant celebration, not merely a passive acceptance. The imperative "Rejoice!" is a command to actively participate in this profound happiness that stems from God's redemptive work.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term refers to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign, non-Jewish people, often implying pagan or non-covenantal status. Its use here is crucial, as it explicitly names those who were historically outside the covenant people of Israel, now being invited to share in their joy and blessings.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** This word refers to a people in general, distinct from a specific populace (like *dēmos*). In the context of the Old Testament, "his people" almost exclusively referred to Israel, God's chosen nation. The invitation for Gentiles to rejoice "with his people" signifies their integration into this very community, sharing in the spiritual heritage and blessings previously unique to Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again he saith,"**: This introductory phrase highlights Paul's method of substantiating his theological arguments by appealing to the authoritative voice of Scripture. The "he" refers to God, the ultimate author of the Old Testament prophecies, underscoring the divine origin and certainty of the message that follows. It signals a continuation of the scriptural evidence for Gentile inclusion, building upon the previous quote in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Gentiles Glorify God").
* **"Rejoice, ye Gentiles,"**: This is a direct, imperative command to the non-Jewish nations to experience and express profound joy. The call to "rejoice" is not merely an emotional suggestion but an invitation to participate in the celebration of God's mercy and salvation. The explicit address to "Gentiles" underscores their direct and intentional inclusion in God's redemptive plan, a radical departure from traditional Jewish exclusivity.
* **"with his people."**: This crucial phrase defines the nature of the Gentiles' rejoicing. It is not a separate, parallel joy, but a shared celebration "with" Israel, God's chosen "people." This signifies a profound unity and integration, where the dividing lines between Jew and Gentile are transcended, and both groups participate in the same covenant blessings and worship of God. It points to the formation of a single, unified body of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's use of **Quotation/Allusion** is the primary literary device, as he directly cites [Deuteronomy 32:43](/deuteronomy/32-43 "Deuteronomy 32:43 - Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His People") from the Old Testament. This serves to ground his New Covenant theology in the ancient prophecies, demonstrating continuity and divine authority. The **Imperative Mood** of "Rejoice!" functions as a direct command, calling for an active, joyful response from the Gentiles. Furthermore, the verse employs **Inclusion**, as it explicitly brings "Gentiles" into the sphere of "his people," highlighting the expansive nature of God's redemptive plan to encompass all humanity within a unified community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:10 profoundly illustrates the expansive nature of God's covenant faithfulness, demonstrating that His redemptive plan was never exclusively for one nation but always intended to embrace all peoples. By quoting Deuteronomy, Paul reveals that the inclusion of Gentiles was not a new development or a mere contingency plan, but a long-foretold aspect of God's sovereign design, fulfilling ancient promises and bringing diverse peoples into a unified worship of the one true God. This verse challenges any narrow understanding of God's grace, affirming that salvation, joy, and covenant participation are now extended to all who believe, regardless of ethnic origin, culminating in a single, reconciled community in Christ.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - A Light to the Gentiles"): "I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth."
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ"): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."
* [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints"): "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:10 serves as a timeless call to embrace the radical inclusivity of the Gospel and to celebrate the beautiful diversity within the body of Christ. It reminds us that God's heart has always been for all nations, and His plan culminates in a unified people, Jew and Gentile alike, sharing in the profound joy of His salvation. For believers today, this means actively dismantling any barriers of prejudice, cultural bias, or social division that might hinder genuine fellowship and shared worship. Our joy in Christ is not meant to be exclusive but expansive, drawing others into the same glorious celebration. We are called to live out this unity, demonstrating to the world the transformative power of the Gospel that reconciles not only individuals to God but also people groups to one another, fostering a community where every tongue and tribe can rejoice together in the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the historical tension between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church inform our understanding of divisions within the church today?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, create barriers that hinder others from fully "rejoicing with His people" in our local church or community?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and celebrate diversity within my own Christian community, reflecting the spirit of Romans 15:10?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul quote the Old Testament so frequently in Romans 15?**

Answer: Paul's frequent Old Testament citations in [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Paul's Exhortation for Unity") are strategic and multifaceted. Primarily, they serve to establish the divine authority and continuity of God's plan. By quoting ancient prophecies like [Deuteronomy 32:43](/deuteronomy/32-43 "Deuteronomy 32:43 - Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His People"), Paul demonstrates that the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant people was not a novel idea or an afterthought, but a long-foretold aspect of God's sovereign design. This approach was crucial for convincing both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. For Jewish believers, it affirmed that the Gospel was consistent with their heritage and the promises made to their patriarchs. For Gentile believers, it legitimized their place within God's family, showing that their salvation was part of a grand, ancient divine purpose, not merely a secondary addition. It underscores that the New Covenant is a fulfillment, not an abolition, of God's promises.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:10 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophecy, calling for Gentiles to "rejoice... with his people," was a foreshadowing of the new reality inaugurated by Christ's redemptive mission. Through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, Jesus broke down the "dividing wall of hostility" between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new man" out of the two ([Ephesians 2:14-15](/ephesians/2-14-15 "Ephesians 2:14-15 - Christ Breaks Down the Wall")). He is the "root of Jesse" who "shall rise to reign over the Gentiles" and in whom "the Gentiles shall hope" ([Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Christ, the Hope of Gentiles")). Christ's life, death, and resurrection made it possible for all, regardless of ethnic background, to be reconciled to God and to one another, forming a unified body, the Church, where all can now share in the spiritual blessings and rejoice together as co-heirs in God's kingdom. This profound unity in Christ is the very essence of the Gospel, transforming ancient prophecy into present reality, as believers from every nation gather together, praising God for His boundless mercy ([Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - A Multitude from Every Nation")).

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

Psalms 67:3

Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee.

Psalms 67:4

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy: for thou shalt judge the people righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Selah.

Deuteronomy 32:43

Rejoice, O ye nations, [with] his people: for he will avenge the blood of his servants, and will render vengeance to his adversaries, and will be merciful unto his land, [and] to his people.

Isaiah 42:10

Sing unto the LORD a new song, [and] his praise from the end of the earth, ye that go down to the sea, and all that is therein; the isles, and the inhabitants thereof.

Isaiah 42:12

Let them give glory unto the LORD, and declare his praise in the islands.

Psalms 68:32

¶ Sing unto God, ye kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises unto the Lord; Selah:

Psalms 138:4

All the kings of the earth shall praise thee, O LORD, when they hear the words of thy mouth.