Romans 15:11

KJV

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} again {G3825}, Praise {G134} the Lord {G2962}, all {G3956} ye {G134} Gentiles {G1484}; and {G2532} laud {G1867} him {G846}, all ye {G3956} people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

And again,

“Praise Adonai, all Gentiles!
Let all peoples praise him!”

Berean Standard Bible

And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and extol Him, all you peoples.”

American Standard Version

And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; And let all the peoples praise him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:11, a direct quotation from Psalm 117:1, serves as a powerful declaration within Paul's letter, emphatically underscoring the universal scope of God's redemptive plan and the resounding call to worship that extends to all humanity. It encapsulates the profound truth that God's desire for praise transcends ethnic and national boundaries, inviting both Jew and Gentile into a unified chorus of adoration for the Lord, thereby affirming the comprehensive nature of the gospel message.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:11 is strategically placed within a crucial section of Paul's letter (Romans 14:1–15:13) where he addresses the contentious issues of unity and mutual acceptance between Jewish and Gentile believers in the Roman church. Following his exhortation for the strong to bear with the failings of the weak (Romans 15:1) and Christ's example of pleasing others (Romans 15:3), Paul introduces a series of Old Testament quotations in Romans 15:9-12. These citations serve to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan and their participation in worship were not novel concepts but divinely ordained prophecies. Specifically, Romans 15:11, quoting Psalm 117:1, is the third of four such prophecies, building upon the idea that Christ came to confirm God's promises to Israel and to enable the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy (Romans 15:8-9). This verse reinforces Paul's argument that the gospel breaks down dividing walls, creating a unified body of believers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian church in Rome was a diverse community, comprising both Jewish converts to Christianity and Gentile believers. Significant tensions existed between these two groups, particularly concerning adherence to Jewish dietary laws, Sabbath observance, and other cultural practices. Jewish believers, steeped in centuries of covenantal identity, often struggled to fully embrace Gentiles as co-heirs of God's promises without requiring them to adopt Jewish customs. Conversely, some Gentile believers may have looked down upon Jewish traditions. Paul's letter to the Romans, written around A.D. 57-58, directly confronts these divisions, emphasizing that salvation is by grace through faith for all, regardless of ethnic background. The inclusion of Gentiles in the call to "Praise the Lord" was revolutionary in a world where God's worship was often perceived as exclusive to Israel, highlighting the radical inclusivity of the new covenant.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 15:11 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's theology and the book of Romans. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **Universal Praise and Worship**, asserting that God's worthiness transcends all cultural and ethnic boundaries, demanding adoration from "all ye Gentiles" and "all ye people." This echoes the broader biblical narrative of God's ultimate desire for all creation to worship Him. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Inclusion of Gentiles** as a central tenet of the gospel, a theme Paul champions throughout Romans, particularly in chapters 9-11 and 15, where he argues that God's plan has always encompassed the nations. This inclusion is not an afterthought but a deliberate act of God's mercy, as seen in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Gentiles Glorify God's Mercy"). Thirdly, Paul's strategic use of this Old Testament quotation underscores the **Fulfillment of Prophecy**, demonstrating that the expansion of God's kingdom to the Gentiles was foretold in ancient scriptures, thereby validating the legitimacy of the Christian movement's global mission and the divine continuity of God's redemptive plan from Old Covenant to New. This aligns with Paul's consistent argument that the gospel is not a new invention but the culmination of God's promises, as articulated in [Romans 1:2](/romans/1-2 "Romans 1:2 - The Gospel Promised in the Scriptures").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Praise (Greek, _ainéō'_):** From G134, meaning "to praise (God)." This word denotes an act of expressing approval, commendation, or adoration, specifically directed towards God. It implies a heartfelt and vocal recognition of His character, works, and inherent worthiness. In this context, it is a command for the Gentiles to actively engage in glorifying the Lord.
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** From G1484, meaning "a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)." This term explicitly refers to all non-Jewish peoples or nations. Its inclusion here is pivotal, as it directly addresses those who were historically outside the covenant community of Israel, emphasizing their now-equal standing in the call to worship God.
* **laud (Greek, _epainéō'_):** From G1867, meaning "to applaud." This word is a compound of `epi` (upon) and `ainéō` (to praise), suggesting an intensified or emphatic form of praise. It conveys a strong sense of commending, applauding, or celebrating someone with enthusiasm and public acknowledgment. Its pairing with "praise" creates a powerful, comprehensive call to worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And again,"**: This introductory phrase, using the Greek word `pálin` (G3825), signifies that Paul is introducing another Old Testament quotation, continuing his series of prophetic proofs for the inclusion of the Gentiles. It acts as a direct signpost to the reader that he is drawing from the authoritative scriptures to support his theological argument.
* **"Praise the Lord,"**: This is a direct command, an imperative call for adoration. "Praise" (G134, _ainéō_) conveys an act of worship and extolling God's virtues. "The Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) refers to God, the supreme Master and sovereign ruler, indicating that the praise is directed to the one true God, Yahweh, as revealed in Jesus Christ.
* **"all ye Gentiles;"**: This specifies the recipients of the command to praise. "All" (G3956, _pâs_) emphasizes the comprehensive and universal nature of the call, leaving no group excluded. "Gentiles" (G1484, _éthnos_) explicitly identifies non-Jewish nations, highlighting the groundbreaking inclusion of those previously considered outside the covenant.
* **"and laud him,"**: This clause reiterates and intensifies the command to worship. "Laud" (G1867, _epainéō_) is a stronger form of praise, suggesting public commendation and applause. "Him" (G846, _autós_) refers back to "the Lord," reinforcing that the object of this fervent adoration is God Himself.
* **"all ye people."**: This phrase serves as a synonymous parallel to "all ye Gentiles," broadening and reinforcing the universal scope of the command. "People" (G2992, _laós_) in this context is used interchangeably with "Gentiles" or "nations," ensuring that the message of universal worship is unequivocally conveyed to every segment of humanity.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:11 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Paul directly quotes Psalm 117:1. This strategic use of Old Testament scripture lends immense authority and divine backing to his argument for Gentile inclusion, demonstrating that this was not a new or arbitrary development but a long-foretold aspect of God's redemptive plan. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the second clause ("and laud him, all ye people") echoes and reinforces the meaning of the first ("Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles"). This repetition of idea, using slightly different but complementary terms ("Praise" and "laud," "Gentiles" and "people"), serves to amplify the command and emphasize its universal application, ensuring that the message of inclusive worship resonates deeply. The **Repetition** of "all ye" further underscores the comprehensive nature of this divine invitation to praise, leaving no doubt that God's call extends to every nation and every individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:11 stands as a theological cornerstone, affirming God's universal sovereignty and His desire for all creation to acknowledge His glory. It dismantles any notion of ethnic or national exclusivity in worship, revealing that the praise of the Lord is not confined to one people group but is the rightful response of every nation, tribe, and tongue. This verse underscores the expansive nature of God's covenant promises, which, while initially given to Israel, were always intended to bless "all the families of the earth" through them. The inclusion of Gentiles in this call to praise is a direct fulfillment of God's ancient plan, signifying the breaking down of barriers and the formation of a new, unified people of God, where distinctions of race or background are superseded by a shared identity in Christ and a common purpose of glorifying God. This theological truth forms the bedrock for the church's global mission, reminding believers that the gospel is for everyone, and the ultimate aim is for all to join in a chorus of adoration for the Lord.

* [Psalm 117:1](/psalms/117-1 "Psalm 117:1 - Original Call to Praise")
* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Isaiah 49:6 - Light to the Gentiles")
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Revelation 7:9-10 - Multitude from Every Nation Worshiping")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:11 is far more than an ancient prophecy; it is a living mandate for the contemporary church, calling us to embody the radical inclusivity of the gospel. This verse challenges us to dismantle any remaining walls of division—whether ethnic, socio-economic, or cultural—within our communities, recognizing that God delights in the diverse symphony of praise offered by people from every background. It compels us to actively pursue unity, welcoming one another as Christ has welcomed us, and fostering environments where all feel genuinely invited and empowered to worship God authentically. Furthermore, this verse fuels our passion for global missions, reminding us that God's heart beats for the unreached, desiring that "all ye Gentiles" come to know Him and laud His name. Our worship, therefore, should not be insular but outward-focused, reflecting the universal scope of God's redemptive love and inspiring us to participate in His grand design of gathering worshippers from every corner of the earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my personal biases or cultural preferences subtly hinder the full inclusion of "all ye Gentiles" in my church or community?**
* **How can my local church more intentionally reflect the universal call to praise found in Romans 15:11, both in its composition and its outreach?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and mutual acceptance among diverse believers, recognizing that our differences can enrich our collective worship?**
* **How does the universal call to praise in this verse inform my understanding of and participation in global missions?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul quote Psalm 117:1 in Romans 15:11?**

Answer: Paul quotes Psalm 117:1 in [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Gentiles Praise the Lord") as part of a strategic rhetorical device to demonstrate the divine intention for Gentile inclusion in God's redemptive plan. In [Romans 15:9-12](/romans/15-9-12 "Romans 15:9-12 - Old Testament Prophecies of Gentile Inclusion"), Paul strings together several Old Testament prophecies (from Psalms, Deuteronomy, and Isaiah) that foretold the Gentiles' participation in praising God and finding hope in the Messiah. By doing so, he provides irrefutable biblical evidence that the gospel's outreach to non-Jews was not a new or unexpected development but a long-established aspect of God's covenant promises, thereby validating the legitimacy of his Gentile ministry and encouraging unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in the Roman church.

**What is the significance of the terms "Gentiles" and "people" in this verse?**

Answer: The terms "Gentiles" (Greek, _éthnos_) and "people" (Greek, _laós_) are used synonymously in [Romans 15:11](/romans/15-11 "Romans 15:11 - Gentiles Praise the Lord") to emphasize the universal scope of God's call to worship. "Gentiles" explicitly refers to all non-Jewish nations, highlighting the groundbreaking inclusion of those previously considered outside the covenant. "People" functions as a broader, more inclusive term, ensuring that the command to praise encompasses every segment of humanity. Together, these terms underscore that God's desire for praise is not limited to any single ethnic group but extends to all races and nations, breaking down the historical barriers between Jew and Gentile and forming a unified body of worshippers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:11, a prophetic echo from Psalm 117:1, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Before Christ, the call for Gentiles to praise the Lord was a future hope, a whisper in the prophecies. With the advent of Jesus, this hope became a glorious reality. Christ, through His life, death, and resurrection, broke down the dividing wall of hostility that separated Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" out of the two (as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). It is through His atoning sacrifice that Gentiles, who were once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world," have been brought near by the blood of Christ ([Ephesians 2:12-13](/ephesians/2-12-13 "Ephesians 2:12-13 - Formerly Far Off, Now Near")). Jesus, the promised Messiah, became the "root of Jesse" who would rise "to rule over the Gentiles" and in whom "the Gentiles will hope" ([Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Hope for the Gentiles")). Therefore, the universal praise commanded in Romans 15:11 is not merely an abstract ideal but a direct consequence of Christ's redemptive work, enabling all nations to approach God, not through adherence to the Law, but through faith in Him. He is the one who gathers "all ye Gentiles" and "all ye people" into a unified chorus of praise, fulfilling the ancient promise that "in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "Genesis 22:18 - Blessing to All Nations")).

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 117:1

¶ O praise the LORD, all ye nations: praise him, all ye people.