Romans 15:21

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

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}.

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.”

Rather, as it is written: “Those who were not told about Him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.”

but, as it is written, They shall see, to whom no tidings of him came, And they who have not heard shall understand.

Commentary

Romans 15:21 presents a powerful theological foundation for the Apostle Paul's missionary strategy. Quoting from the Old Testament prophet Isaiah, Paul explains why he prioritizes preaching the Gospel in regions where Christ's message has not yet been heard.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's concluding remarks in his letter to the Romans, where he outlines his future travel plans and missionary aspirations. Paul states his ambition to preach the Gospel where Christ was not known, rather than building on another's foundation (Romans 15:20). To justify this approach, he quotes Isaiah 52:15. This passage in Isaiah speaks of the suffering Servant of the Lord (often understood as the Messiah) who will astonish many nations and kings who had not previously known Him. Paul sees his Gentile ministry as a direct fulfillment of this ancient prophecy, emphasizing God's universal plan for salvation.

Key Themes

The Universality of the Gospel: The verse highlights that God's redemptive plan extends beyond Israel to all peoples. Those who have never heard the message of Christ are specifically targeted for revelation and understanding. This underscores the inclusive nature of the Gospel and God's love for the entire world.
Divine Revelation to the Unreached: It speaks to God's active desire to reveal Himself to those who are spiritually ignorant. The phrase "they shall see" implies a spiritual awakening and clear perception of truth, while "they that have not heard shall understand" points to a profound comprehension of God's saving work.
Prophetic Fulfillment: Paul's use of Isaiah 52:15 demonstrates his conviction that his mission to the Gentiles is not merely a human endeavor but a divinely ordained fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. His missionary efforts are seen as part of God's unfolding plan revealed long ago.
Missionary Imperative: The verse provides a theological basis for proactive evangelism to new territories. It validates Paul's strategy of going to the "unreached" as a primary focus of his ministry, rather than simply ministering where the Gospel had already taken root.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "To whom he was not spoken of" accurately reflects the Hebrew of Isaiah 52:15, indicating that the message about the Servant (Messiah) had not been proclaimed to these groups. The terms "see" (Hebrew: yir'u) and "understand" (Hebrew: yitbonanu) denote more than mere physical sight or hearing; they signify a profound spiritual perception and intellectual comprehension of divine truth. It implies a transformation from ignorance to enlightened knowledge through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

Romans 15:21 remains a cornerstone for global missions today. It reminds believers of the ongoing need to carry the message of Christ to populations and people groups who have yet to hear it. It challenges the Church to prioritize reaching the unreached, just as Paul did. This verse offers encouragement, affirming that God Himself will open the eyes and hearts of those who have not heard, enabling them to see and understand the truth of the Gospel. It underscores the importance of every believer's role in fulfilling the Great Commission by sharing their faith, whether locally or across cultures, ensuring that "they that have not heard shall understand."

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Cross-References

Isaiah 52:15

So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for [that] which had not been told them shall they see; and [that] which they had not heard shall they consider.
Isaiah 65:1

¶ I am sought of [them that] asked not [for me]; I am found of [them that] sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [that] was not called by my name.