Romans 15:21

Translation
King James Version
But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.
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KJV (with Strong's)
But G235 as G2531 it is written G1125, To whom G3739 he G846 was G312 not G3756 spoken G312 of G4012, they shall see G3700: and G2532 they G3739 that have G191 not G3756 heard G191 shall understand G4920.
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Complete Jewish Bible
but rather, as the Tanakh puts it,

“Those who have not been told about him will see,
and those who have not heard will understand.”
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Berean Standard Bible
Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”
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American Standard Version
but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand.
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World English Bible Messianic
But, as it is written, “They will see, to whom no news of him came. They who haven’t heard will understand.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
But as it is written, To whome hee was not spoken of, they shall see him, and they that heard not, shall vnderstand him.
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Young's Literal Translation
but according as it hath been written, `To whom it was not told concerning him, they shall see; and they who have not heard, shall understand.'
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See also
Isaiah 52:15Isaiah 65:1
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In the KJVVerse 28,325 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Romans 15:21 serves as a profound theological justification for the Apostle Paul's strategic missionary endeavor to preach the Gospel in unreached territories. Quoting from the prophet Isaiah, Paul articulates his divine mandate to bring the message of Christ to those who have never heard it, asserting that God's sovereign plan includes revealing Himself to the spiritually ignorant, enabling them to perceive and comprehend the truth of salvation. This verse underscores the universal scope of God's redemptive purpose and the imperative for proactive evangelism to the ends of the earth.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Romans 15:21 is situated within Paul's concluding remarks in his letter to the Roman believers, where he shifts from theological exposition to personal plans and missionary strategy. Having meticulously laid out the doctrine of justification by faith and the unity of Jew and Gentile in Christ, Paul now explains his ambition to evangelize Spain, a region yet untouched by the Gospel. This verse directly follows Paul's declaration in Romans 15:20 that it was his "ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation." Paul's quotation of Isaiah 52:15 provides the prophetic bedrock for this specific missionary principle, linking his Gentile ministry directly to God's ancient promises.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: Paul's ministry was characterized by an unwavering commitment to reaching the Gentile world, often pioneering new mission fields. In the Greco-Roman world of the 1st century, the vast majority of the population had no prior knowledge of the God of Israel or the Messiah. Synagogues existed in many cities, but the message of Christ had not permeated the wider pagan society. Paul's strategy, as outlined here, was counter-cultural to some extent, as many early Christian efforts focused on Jewish communities or established Christian centers. By quoting Isaiah, Paul taps into a prophetic tradition that envisioned a global reach for God's salvation, particularly through the suffering Servant. This prophecy would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Gentile believers, affirming the divine legitimacy of Paul's mission to those outside the traditional Abrahamic covenant.
  • Key Themes: This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Paul's theology and the broader biblical narrative. It highlights the Universality of the Gospel, emphasizing that God's redemptive plan is not limited to a specific people group but extends to "all the ends of the earth," a theme woven throughout Isaiah's prophecies. The concept of Divine Revelation to the Unreached is paramount, as the verse speaks to God's active desire to open the eyes and minds of those who are spiritually ignorant, transforming their lack of knowledge into profound understanding. Paul's use of Isaiah 52:15 underscores the theme of Prophetic Fulfillment, presenting his Gentile mission not merely as a human endeavor but as a divinely ordained unfolding of God's ancient promises. Finally, the verse provides a robust Missionary Imperative, validating Paul's strategic focus on pioneering evangelism in new territories, rather than simply ministering where the Gospel had already taken root, aligning with the call to take the Gospel to every nation.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • written (Greek, gráphō', G1125): This primary verb means "to grave," especially "to write," and figuratively, "to describe." Its use here signifies that Paul's missionary strategy is not a novel human invention but is rooted in and authorized by divine revelation, specifically the Old Testament Scriptures. The passive voice "it is written" emphasizes the divine authorship and authority behind the prophecy.
  • see (Greek, optánomai', G3700): This verb denotes gazing with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable, implying a profound, often spiritual, perception beyond mere physical sight. It suggests an awakening or revelation that enables one to truly grasp and comprehend a reality previously unseen or unknown. In this context, it speaks to a spiritual transformation from blindness to clear, enlightened vision concerning Christ.
  • understand (Greek, syníēmi', G4920): Derived from "to put together," this verb means to comprehend mentally, to grasp the meaning of something, and by implication, to act piously. It signifies a deep, intellectual, and spiritual comprehension that results in a transformed life. It's not just hearing facts but internalizing truth in a way that leads to genuine knowledge and often, obedience.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But as it is written": This introductory phrase immediately establishes the prophetic foundation for Paul's subsequent statement. It signals that what follows is not Paul's personal opinion or innovative strategy, but a direct quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 52:15. This phrase confers divine authority and legitimacy upon Paul's missionary approach, framing it as the fulfillment of God's revealed will.
  • "To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see": This clause identifies the target audience: those who have had no prior proclamation or instruction concerning "him," referring to the Suffering Servant of Isaiah, whom Paul understands as Christ. The promise is that these previously ignorant people "shall see." This seeing is not merely physical sight but a profound spiritual discernment and perception of truth, a revelation that transforms their understanding of God and His Messiah. It implies a transition from spiritual darkness to light.
  • "and they that have not heard shall understand": This parallel clause reinforces and expands upon the previous one. It speaks of those who have been entirely unacquainted with the message of salvation ("have not heard"). The promise is that they "shall understand," signifying a deep, intellectual, and spiritual comprehension of the Gospel. This understanding moves beyond simple awareness to a profound grasp of the truth, leading to conviction and faith. Together, these clauses highlight God's sovereign initiative in revealing Himself to the unreached, enabling them to perceive and comprehend the saving work of Christ.

Literary Devices

Paul's use of Quotation is the most prominent literary device in Romans 15:21, directly citing Isaiah 52:15. This serves to ground his missionary strategy in the prophetic word of God, demonstrating continuity between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment. The verse also employs Parallelism through its two balanced clauses: "To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand." This structure emphasizes the dual aspects of revelation—spiritual sight and intellectual comprehension—and creates a rhythmic, reinforcing effect. Furthermore, the terms "see" and "understand" function as Metaphors for spiritual enlightenment and profound comprehension. They are not merely literal acts but symbolize a transformative encounter with divine truth, moving from ignorance to knowledge.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Romans 15:21 powerfully articulates God's global redemptive purpose, demonstrating that His plan of salvation extends far beyond the confines of Israel to encompass all nations. It underscores the divine initiative in revelation, asserting that God Himself will open the eyes and minds of those who have been spiritually blind and deaf to His truth. This verse highlights the profound theological truth that God desires to make Himself known to all humanity, especially those who have had no prior exposure to the Gospel. It provides a robust theological foundation for the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community, affirming that their spiritual enlightenment is a direct fulfillment of ancient prophecy, orchestrated by God for His glory.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Romans 15:21 stands as a timeless call to global missions, challenging believers today to embrace Paul's pioneering spirit in reaching the unreached. It compels us to consider where the Gospel has not been spoken or heard, urging us to prioritize those who remain spiritually ignorant of Christ. This verse reminds us that the ultimate responsibility for spiritual awakening rests with God, who sovereignly opens hearts and minds, yet He uses human instruments—us—to carry His message. Therefore, our role is to faithfully proclaim, trusting that God will grant the "seeing" and "understanding." This should ignite a passion within us for cross-cultural ministry, local evangelism, and supporting those who go to the frontiers of faith. It encourages us not to be content with ministering only where the Gospel is already known, but to actively seek out and serve those who have yet to encounter the transformative truth of Jesus Christ, recognizing that God's desire is for all to see and understand.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does Romans 15:21 challenge my current understanding of missions and evangelism?
  • In what ways can I personally contribute to reaching those "to whom he was not spoken of" in my own community or globally?
  • What does it mean for me to trust God to grant "seeing" and "understanding" as I share the Gospel?

FAQ

Why does Paul quote Isaiah 52:15 in this context?

Answer: Paul quotes Isaiah 52:15 to provide a strong Old Testament prophetic basis for his missionary strategy, particularly his ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ had not yet been named (Romans 15:20). Isaiah 52:15 speaks of the Suffering Servant (understood by Paul as the Messiah, Jesus) who will "sprinkle many nations," and kings will shut their mouths because "what they had not been told, they will see, and what they had not heard, they will understand." Paul sees his Gentile ministry—bringing the Gospel to those who previously knew nothing of Christ—as a direct fulfillment of this prophecy, thereby legitimizing his approach as divinely ordained and part of God's unfolding plan for universal salvation.

What is the spiritual significance of "they shall see" and "they that have not heard shall understand"?

Answer: These phrases denote much more than mere physical sight or hearing; they signify a profound spiritual transformation. "They shall see" refers to a spiritual awakening, a revelation that enables individuals to perceive and grasp divine truth that was previously hidden from them. It implies moving from spiritual blindness to enlightened understanding of who Christ is and what He has accomplished. "They that have not heard shall understand" speaks to a deep, intellectual, and spiritual comprehension of the Gospel message. It's not just an awareness of facts but a profound internalization that leads to conviction, faith, and a transformed life. Both phrases highlight God's sovereign work in opening hearts and minds, granting spiritual perception and comprehension to those who were formerly ignorant of Him. This is often accomplished through the proclamation of the Gospel by human messengers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, as seen in 1 Corinthians 2:14.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Romans 15:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the Suffering Servant prophesied by Isaiah. The "he" who "was not spoken of" but whom nations "shall see" and "understand" is precisely Jesus, the Messiah. Before His coming, the vast majority of the world's population had not heard the specific, saving message of God's redemptive plan centered on Him. Christ's incarnation, atoning death, and glorious resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's character and purpose, making visible the invisible God (Colossians 1:15). Through His perfect life and sacrificial death, Jesus became the light of the world, enabling those in spiritual darkness to "see" the truth of God's love and grace (John 8:12). The Holy Spirit, sent by Christ, illuminates hearts and minds, granting the "understanding" that leads to salvation, a mystery now revealed to all nations through the Gospel (Ephesians 3:4-6). Thus, Paul's mission, rooted in this prophecy, is a direct extension of Christ's own mission to gather a people for Himself from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, ensuring that the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ shines into the hearts of those who have never heard (2 Corinthians 4:6).

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Commentary on Romans 15 verses 17–21

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points

The apostle here gives some account of himself and of his own affairs. Having mentioned his ministry and apostleship, he goes on further to magnify his office in the efficacy of it, and to mention to the glory of God the great success of his ministry and the wonderful things that God had done by him, for encouragement to the Christian church at Rome, that they were not alone in the profession of Christianity, but though, compared with the multitude of their idolatrous neighbours, they were but a little flock, yet, up and down the country, there were many that were their companions in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ. It was likewise a great confirmation of the truth of the Christian doctrine that it had such strange success, and was so far propagated by such weak and unlikely means, such multitudes captivated to the obedience of Christ by the foolishness of preaching. Therefore Paul gives them this account, which he makes the matter of his glorying; not vain glory, but holy gracious glorying, which appears by the limitations; it is through Jesus Christ. Thus does he centre all his glorying in Christ; he teaches us so to do, Co1 1:31. Not unto us, Psa 115:1. And it is in those things which pertain to God. The conversion of souls is one of those things that pertain to God, and therefore is the matter of Paul's glorying; not the things of the flesh. Whereof I may glory, echō oun kauchēsin en Christō lēsou ta pros Theon. I would rather read it thus: Therefore I have a rejoicing in Christ Jesus (it is the same word that is used, Co2 1:12, and Phi 3:3, where it is the character of the circumcision that they rejoice - kauchōmenoi, in Christ Jesus) concerning the things of God; or those things that are offered to God - the living sacrifices of the Gentiles, Rom 15:16. Paul would have them to rejoice with him in the extent and efficacy of his ministry, of which he speaks not only with the greatest deference possible to the power of Christ, and the effectual working of the Spirit as all in all; but with a protestation of the truth of what he said (Rom 15:18): I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me. He would not boast of things without his line, nor take the praise of another man's work, as he might have done when he was writing to distant strangers, who perhaps could not contradict him; but (says he) I dare not do it: a faithful man dares not lie, however he be tempted, dares be true, however he be terrified. now, in this account of himself, we may observe,

I. His unwearied diligence and industry in his work. He was one that laboured more abundantly than they all.

1.He preached in many places: From Jerusalem, whence the law went forth as a lamp that shineth, and round about unto Illyricum, many hundred miles distant from Jerusalem. We have in the book of the Acts an account of Paul's travels. There we find him, after he was sent forth to preach to the Gentiles (Acts 13), labouring in that blessed work in Seleucia, Cyprus, Pamphylia, Pisidia, and Lycaonia (Acts 13 and 14), afterwards travelling through Syria and Cilicia, Phrygia, Galatia, Mysia, Troas, and thence called over to Macedonia, and so into Europe, Acts 15 and 16. Then we find him very busy at Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, Corinth, Ephesus, and the parts adjacent. Those that know the extent and distance of these countries will conclude Paul an active man, rejoicing as a strong man to run a race. Illyricum is the country now called Sclavonia, bordering upon Hungary. Some take it for the same with Bulgaria; others for the lower Pannonia: however, it was a great way from Jerusalem. Now it might be suspected that if Paul undertook so much work, surely he did it by the halves. "No," says he, "I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ - have given them a full account of the truth and terms of the gospel, have not shunned to declare the whole counsel of God (Act 20:27), have kept back nothing that was necessary for them to know." Filled the gospel, so the word is; peplērōkenai to euangelion, filled it as the net is filled with fishes in a large draught; or filled the gospel, that is, filled them with the gospel. Such a change does the gospel make that, when it comes in power to any place, it fills the place. Other knowledge is airy, and leaves souls empty, but he knowledge of the gospel is filling.

2.He preached in places that had not heard the gospel before, Rom 15:20, Rom 15:21. He broke up the fallow ground, laid the first stone in many places, and introduced Christianity where nothing had reigned for many ages but idolatry and witchcraft, and all sorts of diabolism. Paul broke the ice, and therefore must needs meet with the more difficulties and discouragements in his work. Those who preached in Judea had upon this account a much easier task than Paul, who was the apostle of the Gentiles; for they entered into the labours of others, Joh 4:38. Paul, being a hardy man, was called out to the hardest work; there were many instructors, but Paul was the great father - many that watered, but Paul was the great planter. Well, he was a bold man that made the first attack upon the palace of the strong man armed in the Gentile world, that first assaulted Satan's interest there, and Paul was that man who ventured the first onset in many places, and suffered greatly for it. He mentions this as a proof of his apostleship; for the office of the apostles was especially to bring in those that were without, and to lay the foundations of the new Jerusalem; see Rev 21:14. Not but that Paul preached in many places where others had been at work before him; but he principally and mainly laid himself out for the good of those that sat in darkness. He was in care not to build upon another man's foundation, lest he should thereby disprove his apostleship, and give occasion to those who sought occasion to reflect upon him. He quotes a scripture for this out of Isa 52:15, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see. That which had not been told them, shall they see; so the prophet has it, much to the same purport. This made the success of Paul's preaching the more remarkable. The transition from darkness to light is more sensible than the after-growth and increase of that light. And commonly the greatest success of the gospel is at its first coming to a place; afterwards people become sermon-proof.

II. The great and wonderful success that he had in his work: It was effectual to make the Gentiles obedient. The design of the gospel is to bring people to be obedient; it is not only a truth to be believed, but a law to be obeyed. This Paul aimed at in all his travels; not his own wealth and honour (if he had, he had sadly missed his aim), but the conversion and salvation of souls: this his heart was upon, and for this he travailed in birth again. Now how was this great work wrought? 1. Christ was the principal agent. He does not say, "which I worked," but "which Christ wrought by me," Rom 15:18. Whatever good we do, it is not we, but Christ by us, that does it; the work is his, the strength his; he is all in all, he works all our works, Phi 2:13; Isa 26:12. Paul takes all occasions to own this, that the whole praise might be transmitted to Christ. 2. Paul was a very active instrument: By word and deed, that is, by his preaching, and by the miracles he wrought to confirm his doctrine; or his preaching and his living. Those ministers are likely to win souls that preach both by word and deed, by their conversation showing forth the power of the truths they preach. This is according to Christ's example, who began both to do and teach, Act 1:1. - Through mighty signs and wonders: en dunamei sēmeiōn - by the power, or in the strength, of signs and wonders. These made the preaching of the word so effectual, being the appointed means of conviction, and the divine seal affixed to the gospel-charter, Mar 16:17, Mar 16:18. 3. The power of the Spirit of God made this effectual, and crowned all with the desired success, Rom 15:19. (1.) The power of the Spirit in Paul, as in the other apostles, for the working of those miracles. Miracles were wrought by the power of the Holy Ghost (Act 1:8), therefore reproaching the miracles is called the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost. Or, (2.) The power of the Spirit in the hearts of those to whom the word was preached, and who saw the miracles, making these means effectual to some and not to others. It is the Spirit's operation that makes the difference. Paul himself, as great a preacher as he was, with all his might signs and wonders, could not make one soul obedient further than the power of the Spirit of God accompanied his labours. It was the Spirit of the Lord of hosts that made those great mountains plain before this Zerubbabel. This is an encouragement to faithful ministers, who labour under the sense of great weakness and infirmity, that it is all one to the blessed Spirit to work by many, or by those that have on power. The same almighty Spirit that wrought with Paul often perfects strength in weakness, and ordains praise out of the mouths of babes and sucklings. This success which he had in preaching is that which he here rejoices in; for the converted nations were his joy and crown of rejoicing: and he tells them of it, not only that they might rejoice with him, but that they might be the more ready to receive the truths which he had written to them, and to own him whom Christ had thus signally owned.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 17–21. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul says that he was always quick to fill the Gentiles with the truth of the gospel, so that their understanding of the true Son of God might be correct and unshakable.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on Romans 29
Then he shows that a prophecy was fulfilled also saying, "As it is written, To whom He was not spoken of, they shall see, and they that have not heard shall understand."

You see he runs to where the labor is more, the toil greater.
PelagiusAD 418
PELAGIUS’S COMMENTARY ON ROMANS
Paul shows that his work was foretold. Christ was made manifest in the apostles through the miracles which they performed in his name.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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