Romans 15:13

KJV

¶ Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the God {G2316} of hope {G1680} fill {G4137} you {G5209} with all {G3956} joy {G5479} and {G2532} peace {G1515} in {G1722} believing {G4100}, that {G1519} ye {G5209} may abound {G4052} in {G1722} hope {G1680}, through {G1722} the power {G1411} of the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151}.

Complete Jewish Bible

May God, the source of hope, fill you completely with joy and shalom as you continue trusting, so that by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh you may overflow with hope.

Berean Standard Bible

Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

American Standard Version

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:13 stands as a profound benediction and prayer from the Apostle Paul, encapsulating the wellspring of Christian experience: the "God of hope." It invokes divine empowerment for believers to be thoroughly filled with joy and peace, not through external circumstances, but through the act of believing. This spiritual abundance is purposed to enable them to overflow in hope, a dynamic reality made possible and sustained by the indwelling and active power of the Holy Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic benediction following Paul's extensive exhortation in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Living in Unity") and the beginning of [Romans 15](/romans/15 "Romans 15 - Paul's Ministry and Plans") concerning unity and mutual acceptance within the diverse Roman church. Paul has just urged stronger believers to bear with the weaker, emphasizing Christ's example of not pleasing Himself but living for the glory of God and the benefit of others ([Romans 15:1-3](/romans/15-1-3 "Romans 15:1-3 - Christ's Example of Selflessness")). The prayer for the "God of hope" to fill them with joy and peace in believing, leading to abounding hope through the Holy Spirit, is a natural culmination of his appeal for harmonious, faith-filled living, setting the stage for his subsequent discussion of his apostolic mission and plans to visit Rome. It underscores that the spiritual resources for such unity and perseverance come directly from God.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a complex tapestry of Jewish and Gentile believers, each bringing their own cultural norms, dietary laws, and theological perspectives. Tensions arose, particularly around issues of food sacrificed to idols, observance of special days, and general matters of conscience (as detailed in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Conscience and Christian Liberty")). Paul's letter aimed to address these divisions, establish doctrinal foundations, and prepare the way for his visit and potential mission to Spain. In this context, a prayer for "joy and peace in believing" was not merely a spiritual platitude but a deep longing for the practical manifestation of unity and spiritual well-being amidst internal strife and external pressures from a pagan society. The "God of hope" would have been a comforting and empowering concept for a community navigating such challenges, reminding them of God's faithfulness despite their present difficulties.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 15:13 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Romans. Firstly, it highlights **God's character as the ultimate source** of spiritual blessings, particularly hope, joy, and peace. This aligns with Paul's consistent emphasis on God's sovereignty and grace throughout the epistle. Secondly, it underscores the **centrality of faith (believing)** as the conduit through which these blessings are received, a foundational theme in Romans ([Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed")). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the **indispensable role of the Holy Spirit** in empowering the Christian life, enabling believers to experience and abound in hope, echoing the Spirit's work described in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit")). Finally, it speaks to the **dynamic nature of Christian hope**, not as wishful thinking, but as a confident expectation that overflows, providing strength and perseverance for the journey of faith, a hope that does not disappoint ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Disappoint")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hope (Greek, _elpís'_):** From a primary verb meaning "to anticipate, usually with pleasure," this term denotes expectation, whether abstractly or concretely, and confidence. In the New Testament, Christian hope is not a mere uncertain wish but a confident, certain expectation based on God's character and promises. It is a forward-looking assurance of future good, particularly the consummation of salvation and the return of Christ.
* **Fill (Greek, _plēróō'_):** Meaning "to make replete," "to cram," "to level up," or "to furnish/imbue," this word suggests a complete, abundant filling, not just a partial measure. It implies that God's desire is for believers to be thoroughly saturated with joy and peace, to the point of overflowing.
* **Power (Greek, _dýnamis'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to be able," this term refers to inherent force, ability, or strength. It often implies miraculous power, but more broadly, it signifies the divine energy and capacity of the Holy Spirit that enables believers to live the Christian life, to abound in hope, and to overcome spiritual challenges.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing":** Paul begins with a direct address to God, identifying Him as the ultimate "God of hope." This title emphasizes God's character as the source and sustainer of all true hope. The prayer is that this God would "fill" the Roman believers—and by extension, all believers—with "all joy and peace." The crucial qualifier "in believing" highlights that this profound spiritual filling is not automatic or circumstantial, but is directly contingent upon and experienced through active faith and trust in God. It implies that as believers exercise faith, they open themselves to receive and be saturated by these divine qualities.
* **"that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost":** This clause reveals the purpose and the means of the preceding request. The "filling" with joy and peace in believing is so that believers may "abound" or overflow in hope. This signifies a dynamic, ever-increasing, and superabundant experience of hope, not merely a static possession. The agency through which this abounding hope becomes a reality is explicitly stated: "through the power of the Holy Ghost." The Holy Spirit is the divine enabler, the one who energizes, empowers, and sustains this overflowing hope within the believer, making it a vibrant and practical reality in their lives.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:13 is a powerful example of a **Benediction**, a formal blessing or prayer for divine favor, characteristic of Paul's epistolary style. The verse employs **Personification** by referring to God as "the God of hope," attributing a quality (hope) to God as His very essence, implying He is not just a giver of hope but its ultimate source and embodiment. There is a clear **Cause and Effect** relationship: believing leads to being filled with joy and peace, which in turn leads to abounding hope, all empowered by the Holy Spirit. The repetition of "hope" ("God of hope" and "abound in hope") creates **Emphasis** on this central theme, highlighting its significance as both a divine attribute and a Christian experience. The structure also exhibits a form of **Climax**, moving from God's character, through the experience of joy and peace, to the ultimate overflowing of hope, all facilitated by the Spirit's power.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This profound benediction in Romans 15:13 beautifully synthesizes several core theological truths. It affirms God as the ultimate wellspring of all spiritual good, particularly the virtues of hope, joy, and peace. These are not humanly generated emotions but divine gifts, received through the active posture of faith. The verse also underscores the essential, active role of the Holy Spirit in the believer's life, not merely as a comforter but as the dynamic power that enables the Christian to experience and express these spiritual realities in abundance. This overflowing hope, rooted in God's character and empowered by the Spirit, is a vital component of Christian perseverance and witness, particularly in times of difficulty or division.

* [Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")
* [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")
* [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:13 offers a profound blueprint for the Christian life, revealing that true joy, lasting peace, and abounding hope are not found in perfect circumstances or human effort, but are divine endowments accessed through faith. It challenges believers to cultivate a deep, active trust in God, recognizing Him as the "God of hope" who desires to fill them completely. This filling is not a one-time event but an ongoing process, leading to an overflowing, dynamic hope that empowers us to face life's challenges, bear with others, and live in unity. To experience this fullness, we must consciously lean into our faith, allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us, transforming our inner landscape and enabling us to reflect God's character in a world desperate for genuine hope, joy, and peace. It serves as a powerful model for our own prayers, encouraging us to seek these spiritual realities from their divine source.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "the God of hope" impact your daily perspective and trust in Him?**
* **In what ways do you actively cultivate "believing" to receive God's joy and peace, especially when circumstances are challenging?**
* **How have you experienced the "power of the Holy Ghost" enabling you to "abound in hope" in your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to allow God to "fill you with all joy and peace" more fully?**

### FAQ

**What does it mean for God to be "the God of hope"?**

Answer: To call God "the God of hope" means that hope originates entirely from Him; He is its ultimate source, sustainer, and object. It's not merely that God gives hope, but that hope is an intrinsic part of His character and nature. Our hope is therefore not based on uncertain wishes or human optimism, but on the unchangeable character and faithful promises of a sovereign God. This divine attribute provides a firm foundation for believers to confidently anticipate future good, even in the midst of present difficulties, knowing that God is actively working all things for their good and His glory ([Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works for Our Good")).

**How are joy and peace connected to "believing" in this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "in believing" is crucial, indicating that joy and peace are not external, circumstantial feelings, but internal realities that flow directly from an active, ongoing trust in God. It means that as we exercise faith—as we commit ourselves to God, His promises, and His truth—we open ourselves to receive and be filled with His joy and peace. This connection highlights that Christian joy and peace are spiritual fruits, cultivated through a relationship of faith with God, rather than being dependent on the absence of problems or the presence of favorable conditions ([Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Philippians 4:6-7 - The Peace of God Guards Our Hearts")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:13, though a prayer to the "God of hope," finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's hope, the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). The joy and peace that believers receive "in believing" are fundamentally rooted in their faith in Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection, which conquered sin and death, offering the ultimate basis for hope ([1 Peter 1:3](/1_peter/1-3 "1 Peter 1:3 - A Living Hope Through Resurrection")). It is through Christ that we have access by one Spirit to the Father ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")). The "power of the Holy Ghost" that enables us to abound in hope is the very Spirit of Christ, poured out upon believers to empower them for life and witness, connecting them intimately to the resurrected Lord ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness") and [Romans 8:11](/romans/8-11 "Romans 8:11 - The Spirit Who Raised Christ")). Thus, Christ is the object of our faith, the source of our joy and peace, and the means by which the Spirit empowers us to live a life overflowing with confident hope in God's redemptive plan.

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

2 Thessalonians 2:16

¶ Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given [us] everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

2 Thessalonians 2:17

Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.

Romans 12:12

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

2 Corinthians 9:8

And God [is] able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all [things], may abound to every good work:

Romans 14:17

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

Galatians 5:22

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

Romans 15:5

¶ Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: