Romans 15:6

KJV

That ye may with one mind [and] one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

That {G2443} ye may {G1392} with one mind {G3661} and {G1722} one {G1520} mouth {G4750} glorify {G1392} God {G2316}, even {G2532} the Father {G3962} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that with one accord and with one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible

so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

American Standard Version

that with one accord ye may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:6 encapsulates the Apostle Paul's profound theological and pastoral vision for the Roman church, urging a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers to achieve spiritual unity. This verse serves as a powerful capstone to Paul's preceding exhortations on mutual acceptance and harmonious living, emphasizing that such unity is not an end in itself, but the essential means by which the collective body of believers can truly glorify God, specifically "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," with a singular mind and voice.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:6 is strategically positioned within Paul's extensive discussion on Christian liberties and responsibilities, spanning from [Romans 14:1 through 15:13](/romans/14-1-15-13 "Romans 14-15 - Living in Christian Liberty and Unity"). In this section, Paul addresses the tensions arising from differing convictions, particularly between "strong" believers (who understood their freedom in Christ regarding dietary laws and special days) and "weak" believers (who still felt bound by such regulations). Paul's primary exhortation is for the strong to bear with the infirmities of the weak, not to please themselves, but to build up their neighbor, following the selfless example of Christ Himself, who "pleased not himself" as detailed in [Romans 15:1-3](/romans/15-1-3 "Romans 15:1-3 - Bearing with the Weak and Christ's Example"). Therefore, the call for "one mind and one mouth" in verse 6 is the desired outcome of this Christ-like mutual acceptance and edification, leading to a unified expression of worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Rome was a complex tapestry of believers from both Jewish and Gentile backgrounds. This diversity, while a testament to the Gospel's reach, also presented unique challenges. Jewish Christians, accustomed to Mosaic Law, often struggled with Gentile converts' freedom from dietary restrictions and Sabbath observances. Conversely, Gentile Christians might have viewed their Jewish counterparts as legalistic or weak in faith. Paul's letter, written around A.D. 57-58 from Corinth, aimed to address these internal divisions, promote unity, and prepare the church for his anticipated visit and support for his mission to Spain. The cultural backdrop of a multi-ethnic, multi-religious Roman Empire made the concept of a unified community, transcending traditional social and religious barriers, a radical and powerful witness to the transformative power of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes central to Paul's theology in Romans and beyond. Foremost is **Christian Unity**, which Paul sees not as mere tolerance but as a deep spiritual harmony ("one mind") and collective expression ("one mouth") among believers. This unity is paramount for the church's health and witness. Secondly, the verse highlights **Corporate Worship and Glorification of God**. The ultimate purpose of unity is to collectively bring honor and praise to God, demonstrating His character through the harmonious fellowship of His people. This theme resonates throughout Paul's epistles, as seen in his instruction to do "all to the glory of God" in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glorifying God in All Things"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Centrality of God the Father and Jesus Christ**. By specifying "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ," Paul directs the focus of worship to the supreme Divinity, uniquely revealed and accessed through the person and work of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the Trinitarian nature of Christian worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **glorify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** From G1392, this verb means to render or esteem glorious, to magnify, or to cause to have glory. In this context, it signifies the act of giving honor, praise, and adoration to God, acknowledging His inherent majesty and worth. It's not about adding to God's glory, but recognizing and declaring it.
* **one mind (Greek, _homothymadón'_):** From G3661, this adverb means unanimously or with one accord/mind. It implies a deep unity of will, purpose, and affection, extending beyond mere intellectual agreement to a shared passion and spiritual alignment. This term is frequently used in the Book of Acts to describe the early church's unified spirit, such as when they were dedicated to prayer in [Acts 2:46](/acts/2-46 "Acts 2:46 - The Early Church's Unity").
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma'_):** From G4750, this noun refers to the mouth (as a physical organ) but by implication, language and its relations. In this verse, when combined with "one" (G1520, _heîs_), "one mouth" signifies a unified voice of praise, confession, and declaration, a collective expression of God's greatness and the church's shared faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That ye may with one mind":** This initial clause, introduced by the purpose conjunction "That" (G2443, _hína_), sets forth the ultimate goal of Paul's preceding exhortations for mutual acceptance and unity. The phrase "with one mind" (G3661, _homothymadón_) emphasizes a profound internal spiritual and volitional harmony among believers. It speaks to a shared disposition, a common purpose, and a collective agreement in spirit, rather than a forced uniformity of opinion. This internal unity is the foundation for external expression.
* **"and one mouth":** This phrase complements "one mind," indicating the outward manifestation of that internal unity. "One mouth" (G1520, _heîs_ G4750, _stóma_) signifies a unified voice, a collective declaration of praise, worship, and confession. It implies that when believers are truly united in spirit, their corporate worship and witness become a singular, powerful testimony, free from discord or division.
* **"glorify God":** This is the direct object and primary purpose of the unified mind and mouth. To "glorify God" (G1392, _doxázō_ G2316, _theós_) means to acknowledge, honor, and extol His majesty, power, and goodness. The unity among believers is not for their own sake, but for the sake of magnifying God's name, making His glory visible to the world.
* **"even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This final phrase specifies the object of their glorification, anchoring it firmly within the Trinitarian understanding of God. By identifying God as "the Father" (G3962, _patḗr_) "of our Lord" (G2962, _kýrios_) "Jesus" (G2424, _Iēsoûs_) "Christ" (G5547, _Christós_), Paul emphasizes the unique relationship between the Father and the Son, and the centrality of Jesus Christ in humanity's access to and worship of God. It underscores that true Christian worship is always mediated through Christ and directed towards the Father.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his message in Romans 15:6. The most prominent is **Metonymy**, where "one mouth" (G1520, _heîs_ G4750, _stóma_) stands for the unified speech, praise, and confession of the entire congregation. The physical mouth represents the collective vocal expression of the community. This is closely related to **Synecdoche**, where a part (the mouth) represents the whole (the unified body of believers speaking in unison). The repetition of "one" (G1520, _heîs_) in "one mind" and "one mouth" serves as a powerful device of **Emphasis**, underscoring the absolute necessity and profound impact of unity. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Purpose Clause**, introduced by "That" (G2443, _hína_), clearly stating the objective or result of the preceding exhortations: unity leads to corporate glorification. This grammatical structure highlights the teleological nature of Christian living and community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:6 powerfully articulates the profound theological truth that Christian unity is not merely a desirable social outcome, but a spiritual imperative directly linked to the glory of God. When believers, despite their diverse backgrounds and varying convictions on non-essential matters, come together in "one mind and one mouth," their collective worship becomes a more authentic and potent testament to God's character and the transformative power of the Gospel. This unity reflects the very nature of the Triune God, who is perfectly unified, and it serves as a compelling witness to a fragmented world, demonstrating that Christ can reconcile all things to Himself and bring disparate individuals into harmonious fellowship. Ultimately, the church's unity is a means by which God is exalted and His name is made great among the nations.

* [Philippians 2:2](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Being Like-Minded in Christ")
* [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glorifying God in All Things")
* [Romans 15:7](/romans/15-7 "Romans 15:7 - Christ's Acceptance as a Model for Believers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:6 serves as a timeless challenge and encouragement for believers in every generation. In a world increasingly marked by division and polarization, the call to "one mind and one mouth" for the purpose of glorifying God is more urgent than ever. This verse compels us to examine our own attitudes and actions within the body of Christ. Are we actively pursuing harmony, bearing with one another's weaknesses, and prioritizing the edification of others over our own preferences? Disunity, whether stemming from theological disagreements on non-essentials, cultural differences, or personal biases, directly hinders the church's ability to offer a unified and powerful witness to God's glory. When we allow minor differences to fracture our fellowship, we diminish the collective voice of praise that God desires. This verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, patience, and Christ-like love, recognizing that our ultimate purpose as a community is to collectively magnify the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ, presenting a compelling picture of His reconciling power to a watching world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific ways might disunity or internal discord within a church or Christian community hinder its ability to "glorify God with one mind and one mouth"?**
* **What practical steps can I take in my own relationships within the church to foster greater "one mind" and contribute to a unified voice of praise?**
* **How does understanding Christ's example of self-sacrifice (as highlighted in Romans 15:3) inform my personal pursuit of unity and acceptance of fellow believers?**
* **Beyond corporate worship, how can the principle of "one mind and one mouth" be applied to the church's collective witness and mission in the world?**

### FAQ
**What does "one mind and one mouth" truly mean in the context of Romans 15:6?**

Answer: "One mind" (Greek: _homothymadón_) signifies a deep, internal spiritual unity, a shared purpose, and a common affection among believers. It's not about intellectual uniformity or agreeing on every minor theological point, but rather a unity of spirit and will, especially concerning the core truths of the Gospel and the mission of the church. "One mouth" (Greek: _heîs stóma_) is the outward expression of this internal unity, representing a collective, harmonious voice in praise, worship, and confession of God. Together, they describe a community so aligned in spirit that their corporate expression of worship is singular and powerful, free from discord.

**Is uniformity required for Christian unity, or is there room for diversity?**

Answer: Romans 15:6, especially when read in its broader context of [Romans 14:1-15:13](/romans/14-1-15-13 "Romans 14-15 - Living in Christian Liberty and Unity"), clearly indicates that uniformity is not required, nor is it the goal. Paul is addressing a church with significant diversity in practice and conviction (e.g., dietary laws, observance of days). True Christian unity, as described here, allows for diversity in non-essential matters while maintaining a shared commitment to Christ, mutual love, and a common purpose to glorify God. It's about unity in essential beliefs and a spirit of acceptance in non-essentials, rather than a demand for everyone to think and act identically in every detail.

**Why is glorifying God the ultimate goal of Christian unity?**

Answer: Glorifying God is the ultimate goal because it shifts the focus from human preferences and divisions to God's supreme worth and character. When believers are united, their collective worship and witness become a more authentic and powerful reflection of God's reconciling power and His nature. Disunity, conversely, can obscure God's glory and hinder the church's mission. Paul consistently emphasizes that all of life, including Christian community, should be directed towards God's praise, as seen in [1 Corinthians 10:31](/1_corinthians/10-31 "1 Corinthians 10:31 - Glorifying God in All Things"). Unity, therefore, is not for the church's own benefit, but for God's honor, demonstrating His ability to bring diverse people into harmonious fellowship through Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:6 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment not only in the example Christ sets for unity but also in His very person and redemptive work. Paul explicitly grounds the call for unity in Christ's own self-sacrificial love, reminding believers in [Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ Did Not Please Himself") that "even Christ pleased not himself." His willingness to bear the reproaches of those who reviled God serves as the ultimate model for believers to bear with one another's weaknesses and differences. Furthermore, Christ is the one who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" in Himself, as powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace"). Through His atoning sacrifice, He has reconciled both groups to God in one body, thus enabling the "one mind and one mouth" that glorifies the Father. It is "through Him" that both Jew and Gentile "have access by one Spirit unto the Father" ([Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ")), making corporate glorification possible. Our unity in Christ reflects the perfect unity within the Godhead, and it is the answer to Jesus' own prayer for His disciples in [John 17](/john/17 "John 17 - Jesus' High Priestly Prayer"), that they "may be one... that the world may believe." Thus, the glorification of "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" through unified worship is a direct result of Christ's finished work and His ongoing role as the Head of the Church, gathering all His people into one harmonious chorus of praise.

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

John 10:29

My Father, which gave [them] me, is greater than all; and no [man] is able to pluck [them] out of my Father's hand.

John 10:30

I and [my] Father are one.

Revelation 1:6

And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him [be] glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Acts 4:24

And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou [art] God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:

2 Corinthians 11:31

The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is blessed for evermore, knoweth that I lie not.

1 Peter 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,