Romans 15:33

KJV

Now the God of peace [be] with you all. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} the God {G2316} of peace {G1515} be with {G3326} you {G5216} all {G3956}. Amen {G281}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Now may the God of shalom be with you all. Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

The God of peace be with all of you. Amen.

American Standard Version

Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:33 concludes a pivotal section of Paul's letter with a profound benediction, invoking the very presence and character of God as the ultimate source of peace. This concise yet potent prayer serves as a hopeful declaration for the diverse community of believers in Rome, expressing Paul's deep desire for God's wholeness, harmony, and spiritual well-being to permeate their collective and individual lives as they strive for unity and mutual edification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse functions as a concluding benediction to Paul's extensive exhortation on Christian unity and mutual acceptance, which spans from [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Love") through [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - Hope and Joy"). Following this, Paul transitions to discussing his apostolic ministry, his missionary vision to Spain, and his immediate plans to visit Jerusalem with an offering for the saints, requesting the Roman believers' fervent prayers for his safety and successful ministry ([Romans 15:14-32](/romans/15-14-32 "Romans 15:14-32 - Paul's Ministry and Plans")). The benediction in [Romans 15:33](/romans/15-33 "Romans 15:33 - The God of Peace") thus serves as a fitting spiritual capstone, reinforcing his pastoral care and reliance on God to bring about the harmony and divine presence he desires for them amidst their internal differences and external challenges. It echoes earlier prayers and blessings within the letter, such as the one found in [Romans 15:5-6](/romans/15-5-6 "Romans 15:5-6 - God of Endurance and Encouragement").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman church was a complex tapestry of Jewish and Gentile believers, often grappling with tensions arising from differing cultural practices, dietary laws, and interpretations of Christian liberty, as highlighted in [Romans 14](/romans/14 "Romans 14 - Christian Liberty and Love"). Paul's emphasis on "peace" (Greek: *eirēnē*, mirroring the Hebrew *shalom*) was particularly relevant in this environment. In the Greco-Roman world, *eirēnē* often signified the absence of war or civil tranquility, but in a biblical context, *shalom* encompasses a much richer concept of holistic well-being, completeness, harmony, and right relationship with God and others. Paul's invocation of "the God of peace" was a powerful theological statement, asserting that true reconciliation and unity within the diverse Roman church could only come from God Himself, not merely through human effort or compromise. This cultural backdrop underscores the profound spiritual need for divine peace to bridge divides and foster genuine community.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 15:33](/romans/15-33 "Romans 15:33 - The God of Peace") powerfully encapsulates several major themes woven throughout Romans. Firstly, the **Sovereignty and Character of God** is paramount; He is not just a source of peace, but "the God of peace," indicating that peace is an intrinsic attribute of His being and His will for His creation. Secondly, the theme of **Divine Presence** is central, as the prayer "be with you all" emphasizes God's active, sustaining, and comforting presence among His people, which is essential for their flourishing. Thirdly, **Christian Unity and Harmony** is reinforced, building on Paul's extensive arguments in [Romans 14-15](/romans/14-15 "Romans 14-15 - Christian Liberty and Unity"), where the presence of the God of peace is presented as the foundational element for fostering and maintaining harmonious relationships within the diverse body of believers. Finally, the verse exemplifies **Apostolic Benediction and Pastoral Care**, demonstrating Paul's deep affection and spiritual concern for the Roman church, expressed through a prayer that relies entirely on God's power and faithfulness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This word refers to the supreme Divinity, emphasizing His unique and ultimate authority. In this context, it highlights that the peace Paul invokes is not a human construct or a temporary cessation of conflict, but a divine attribute and gift originating from the one true God, who is the ultimate source of all good, including peace.
* **peace (Greek, _eirḗnē'_):** Derived from a root meaning "to join," *eirḗnē* signifies more than just the absence of strife. It denotes a profound state of wholeness, harmony, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. It encapsulates the rich Hebrew concept of *shalom*, implying a right relationship with God, oneself, and others, leading to a state of comprehensive flourishing.
* **Amen (Hebrew, _amḗn'_):** Of Hebrew origin, *amḗn* means "firm" or "trustworthy," and functions as an adverb meaning "surely" or "truly." As an interjection, it expresses a strong affirmation, "so be it." Here, it serves as Paul's emphatic confirmation and heartfelt desire for the benediction to be fulfilled, underscoring his conviction in God's ability to grant this peace.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now the God of peace":** This opening phrase immediately identifies the divine source of the blessing. By calling Him "the God of peace," Paul emphasizes that peace is not merely something God gives, but an inherent characteristic of His very nature. He is the one who establishes, maintains, and embodies peace, making Him the ultimate wellspring of true *eirēnē* for humanity.
* **"[be] with you all":** This is the core of the benediction, a prayer for God's active and abiding presence. The implied verb "be" (from the KJV's bracketed addition) highlights the desire for God's personal and intimate fellowship with the Roman believers. The inclusion of "you all" underscores Paul's concern for the entire community, transcending divisions and emphasizing the corporate nature of God's presence and the peace He bestows. It is a prayer for unity in His presence.
* **"Amen.":** This concluding affirmation seals the benediction. It is a solemn and heartfelt "so be it," expressing Paul's earnest desire and conviction that this prayer will indeed be answered. It signifies his faith in God's faithfulness to grant the peace he has invoked for the Roman church.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 15:33 employs several potent literary devices. Primarily, it functions as an **Apostolic Benediction**, a common feature in Paul's epistles where he pronounces a blessing or prayer over the recipients, conveying his pastoral care and invoking divine favor. The phrase "the God of peace" is a powerful **Epithet**, a descriptive title that highlights a specific attribute of God, in this case, His inherent nature as the source and embodiment of peace. This epithet not only describes God but also serves as a theological statement about His character and His will for His people. The use of "Amen" at the conclusion is an **Affirmation** or **Exclamation**, a strong Hebrew-derived word that seals the prayer with solemnity and conviction, expressing the speaker's earnest desire for the prayer's fulfillment and his belief in its truth.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The declaration of God as "the God of peace" is a profound theological statement, asserting that true and lasting peace, in its fullest biblical sense of *shalom*—wholeness, harmony, and right relationship—originate solely from Him. This attribute is deeply intertwined with His covenant faithfulness, His redemptive plan, and His desire for humanity's reconciliation, both with Himself and with one another. It points to an eschatological hope where God's peace will ultimately reign supreme, overcoming all conflict and division. Paul's prayer for God to "be with you all" underscores the necessity of divine presence for the realization of this peace within the community, making it a lived reality rather than just an abstract concept.

* [Philippians 4:9](/philippians/4-9 "Philippians 4:9 - The God of Peace Will Be With You")
* [2 Thessalonians 3:16](/2_thessalonians/3-16 "2 Thessalonians 3:16 - The Lord of Peace Himself")
* [Hebrews 13:20](/hebrews/13-20 "Hebrews 13:20 - The God of Peace Who Brought Up Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:33 offers a timeless and deeply comforting truth: our ultimate source of peace is God Himself. In a world perpetually marked by division, anxiety, and unrest, this benediction calls believers to anchor their hope and well-being in the divine presence. It reminds us that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound, holistic state of spiritual and relational flourishing that flows from a right relationship with God. This compels us to actively cultivate unity within the body of Christ, recognizing that God's peace fosters harmonious relationships among diverse believers. Furthermore, it encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty and abiding presence, finding solace and strength in the assurance that the God who is peace is indeed "with us all," guiding and sustaining us through every challenge and uncertainty.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "the God of peace" reshape your perspective on personal anxiety or relational conflict?**
* **In what practical ways can you seek God's presence to bring His peace into your daily life and relationships?**
* **How does the corporate nature of "you all" in this benediction challenge you to pursue unity and harmony within your local church or community?**
* **What does it mean for you to truly rest in the assurance that the God of peace is "with you"?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for God to be "the God of peace"?**

Answer: When Paul refers to God as "the God of peace," he is emphasizing that peace is not just something God grants or creates, but it is an intrinsic aspect of His very nature and character. It signifies that God is the ultimate source, sustainer, and embodiment of true peace. This peace (Greek: *eirēnē*, akin to Hebrew *shalom*) is comprehensive, encompassing wholeness, well-being, harmony, and right relationship with God, oneself, and others. It implies that genuine peace, both internal and external, can only be found in and through Him. This title highlights God's desire for reconciliation and His power to bring order out of chaos, as seen throughout biblical history, from creation to redemption.

**Why does Paul include "Amen" at the end of this verse?**

Answer: The word "Amen" is of Hebrew origin and means "so be it," "truly," or "surely." In this context, it serves as Paul's solemn affirmation and heartfelt desire for the benediction to be fulfilled. It's not just a polite closing; it expresses his deep conviction and faith in God's power and faithfulness to grant the peace he has just invoked for the Roman believers. It acts as a sealing of the prayer, indicating that Paul genuinely believes and hopes that God's peace will indeed be with them all. It's a common practice in both Old Testament prayers and New Testament epistles to conclude with such an emphatic confirmation, reinforcing the truth and earnestness of the preceding statement, as also seen in [Romans 1:25](/romans/1-25 "Romans 1:25 - Amen").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:33, a beautiful benediction invoking "the God of peace," finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of God's peace, the one through whom this divine attribute is fully revealed and made accessible to humanity. Christ is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Is Our Peace"), who has broken down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile, through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). His death reconciled us to God, establishing a new covenant of peace ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Colossians 1:20 - Reconciled Through Christ's Blood")). Moreover, Jesus promised His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you" ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "John 14:27 - Jesus' Gift of Peace")), a peace that transcends worldly understanding and is sustained by the indwelling Holy Spirit. Thus, the prayer for the "God of peace" to "be with you all" is fundamentally a prayer for the abiding presence of Christ and His Spirit within the community, enabling believers to live out the unity and harmony that are hallmarks of His kingdom ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit")).

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 Corinthians 13:11

¶ Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 4:9

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

1 Thessalonians 5:23

¶ And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and [I pray God] your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 16:20

And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with you. Amen.

Hebrews 13:20

Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,

2 Thessalonians 3:16

¶ Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord [be] with you all.

2 Corinthians 13:14

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, [be] with you all. Amen.