Romans 15:9

KJV

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for [his] mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} that the Gentiles {G1484} might glorify {G1392} God {G2316} for {G5228} his mercy {G1656}; as {G2531} it is written {G1125}, For {G1223} this {G5124} cause {G1223} I will confess {G1843} to thee {G4671} among {G1722} the Gentiles {G1484}, and {G2532} sing {G5567} unto thy {G4675} name {G3686}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and in order to show his mercy by causing the Gentiles to glorify God — as it is written in the Tanakh,

“Because of this I will acknowledge you among the Gentiles
and sing praise to your name.”

Berean Standard Bible

so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.”

American Standard Version

and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, Therefore will I give praise unto thee among the Gentiles, And sing unto thy name.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 15:9 is a pivotal declaration within Paul's letter, revealing God's expansive redemptive plan that embraces both Jewish and Gentile believers. It asserts that the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family is not an afterthought but a direct fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, enabling them to glorify God for His profound mercy. This verse underscores the universal scope of the Gospel and the unity it fosters among diverse peoples, all brought together by divine compassion to offer worship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 15:9 concludes a significant section (Romans 14:1–15:13) where Paul addresses the tensions and divisions between "the strong" and "the weak" in the Roman church, primarily concerning dietary laws and observance of special days. Paul's overarching argument is for mutual acceptance, forbearance, and unity in Christ. He grounds this appeal in the example of Christ himself, who "did not please himself" but served others ([Romans 15:3](/romans/15-3 "Romans 15:3 - Christ's Example of Selfless Service")). Specifically, [Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ's Ministry to the Jews") states that Christ became a "servant to the circumcised" (Jews) to confirm God's promises to the patriarchs. Verse 9 then immediately follows, completing this thought by demonstrating that Christ's ministry also ensures that the Gentiles would glorify God for His mercy, thereby extending God's saving work beyond Israel and unifying all believers under one Lord and for one purpose: the worship of God. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion of his apostolic mission to the Gentiles ([Romans 15:15-16](/romans/15-15-16 "Paul's Apostolic Mission")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church, particularly in Rome, was a melting pot of Jewish and Gentile converts, each bringing distinct cultural practices, theological understandings, and historical grievances. Jewish believers, rooted in centuries of covenant history and Mosaic Law, often struggled to fully accept Gentiles who lacked this heritage, viewing them as "unclean" or outside God's primary focus. Conversely, Gentile believers, having come from pagan backgrounds, sometimes disdained Jewish traditions. Paul's letter to the Romans, written around A.D. 57 from Corinth, directly addresses these ethnic and theological divisions. His emphasis on the inclusion of Gentiles, rooted in God's ancient plan, was revolutionary, challenging deeply ingrained prejudices and fostering a new, unified community where "there is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). The quotation from Psalm 18:49 was particularly potent, as it came from the Jewish Scriptures, validating the Gentile inclusion from within their own sacred texts.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Firstly, the **Inclusion of Gentiles** is a central theme, highlighting that God's redemptive plan was always global, not limited to one nation, and that the Gospel breaks down barriers between peoples ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Secondly, the theme of **God's Faithfulness to His Promises** is evident, as Paul uses Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate that Gentile inclusion was not an improvisation but part of God's sovereign, ancient design, confirming that "God's word has not failed" ([Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - God's Unfailing Word")). Thirdly, the **Unity of Believers** in Christ is paramount, as both Jews and Gentiles are brought together into one body, sharing a common salvation and purpose in glorifying God ([Ephesians 4:1-6](/ephesians/4-1-6 "Ephesians 4:1-6 - Unity of the Spirit")). Finally, the verse underscores the **Sovereignty of God's Mercy**, emphasizing that the driving force behind the Gentiles' inclusion is God's profound compassion and unmerited favor, extended to those who did not deserve it, drawing them into His family ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gentiles (Greek, _éthnos'_):** This term (G1484) refers to a race or tribe, specifically a foreign, non-Jewish people, often implying a pagan background. In the New Testament, it consistently designates those outside the covenant people of Israel. Paul's use here highlights the radical nature of God's plan: those who were once "aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise" ([Ephesians 2:12](/ephesians/2-12 "Ephesians 2:12 - Gentiles Without Hope")) are now brought near.
* **Glorify (Greek, _doxázō'_):** This verb (G1392) means to render or esteem glorious, to magnify, or to give honor and praise. It signifies acknowledging and extolling God's inherent majesty, character, and actions. For the Gentiles to "glorify God" means they are now able to truly worship and acknowledge His worth, a privilege previously understood to be limited to Israel.
* **Mercy (Greek, _éleos'_):** This noun (G1656) denotes compassion, especially active, divine compassion. It signifies God's compassionate kindness and steadfast love, particularly as applied to His covenant faithfulness and willingness to deliver. It is not merely a feeling but an active disposition that leads to beneficial action, demonstrating God's unmerited favor and redemptive grace towards humanity, both Jew and Gentile.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy":** This clause presents the primary purpose or result of Christ's ministry to the Jews (as stated in the preceding verse, [Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ's Ministry to the Jews")). The inclusion of Gentiles is not an accident but a divine intention, enabling them to offer appropriate worship and praise to God. The reason for this glorification is explicitly stated: "for his mercy." This highlights that the Gentiles' salvation and subsequent ability to worship are entirely due to God's unmerited compassion and steadfast love, not their own merit or works.
* **"as it is written":** This phrase serves as Paul's authoritative appeal to the Old Testament Scriptures. It signals that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan, and their subsequent glorification of Him, is not a new or unforeseen development but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies. This reinforces the continuity of God's redemptive plan across both testaments.
* **"For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name":** This is a direct quotation from [Psalm 18:49](/psalm/18-49 "Psalm 18:49 - David's Song of Deliverance") (also found in [2 Samuel 22:50](/2_samuel/22-50 "2 Samuel 22:50 - David's Thanksgiving")). Originally, it was a declaration by King David, expressing his intent to praise God among the nations (Gentiles) for God's deliverance. Paul applies this messianically, interpreting David's words as a prophetic utterance pointing to Christ. In this context, "I will confess to thee among the Gentiles" (Greek, _exomologéō_ - G1843, to acknowledge or agree fully) and "sing unto thy name" (Greek, _psállō_ - G5567, to make melody, sing psalms) signify Christ's role in enabling and leading the worship of God by the Gentiles. It implies that Christ Himself, through His redemptive work, brings the Gentiles into a position where they can join in this confession and song of praise to God's name, which represents His character and authority.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Gentiles Glorify God"). The most prominent is **Quotation**, as Paul directly cites [Psalm 18:49](/psalm/18-49 "Psalm 18:49 - David's Song of Deliverance") (or [2 Samuel 22:50](/2_samuel/22-50 "2 Samuel 22:50 - David's Thanksgiving")). This serves to establish the **Biblical Authority** of his argument, demonstrating that the inclusion of Gentiles was not a novel idea but part of God's long-established prophetic plan. The phrase "as it is written" functions as a **Formulaic Introduction** to this prophetic fulfillment, lending weight and divine sanction to his theological point. Furthermore, the verse uses **Purpose Clauses** ("that the Gentiles might glorify God"), clearly articulating the divine intention behind God's mercy and Christ's work. There is also an implicit **Juxtaposition** between the Jewish focus of the preceding verse ([Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ's Ministry to the Jews")) and the Gentile focus of this verse, highlighting the comprehensive and inclusive nature of God's salvation that extends to all humanity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 15:9 profoundly articulates the universal scope of God's salvific plan, revealing that His mercy extends beyond the confines of Israel to embrace all nations. This demonstrates that the God of Abraham is also the God of the Gentiles, and His covenant faithfulness is ultimately expressed in the inclusion of all who believe, regardless of their ethnic background. The verse underscores that the purpose of this inclusion is not merely salvation from sin, but the ultimate glorification of God. When Gentiles, once alienated from God, are brought near by His mercy, their natural response is worship and praise, fulfilling the ancient prophetic vision of a multi-ethnic multitude worshipping the one true God. This highlights the transformative power of the Gospel, which reconciles not only individuals to God but also diverse peoples to each other, forming a unified body in Christ.

* [Isaiah 49:6](/isaiah/49-6 "Light to the Gentiles"): "He says: 'It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have preserved; I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'"
* [Ephesians 2:11-13](/ephesians/2-11-13 "Gentiles Brought Near"): "Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called 'uncircumcised' by those who call themselves 'the circumcision' (which is done in the body by human hands)—remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
* [Revelation 7:9-10](/revelation/7-9-10 "Multitude from Every Nation"): "After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: 'Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.'"

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 15:9 calls believers today to a profound appreciation of God's boundless mercy and the radical inclusivity of the Gospel. It challenges any lingering ethnocentric biases within the church, reminding us that God's family is intentionally diverse, encompassing people from every nation, tribe, and tongue. This truth should inspire us to actively embrace and celebrate the cultural and ethnic diversity within our congregations, recognizing that our unity is found not in shared earthly heritage, but in our common identity in Christ and our shared experience of God's unmerited favor. Furthermore, this verse fuels our gratitude, compelling us to live lives of continuous worship and praise, knowing that our ability to glorify God is a direct result of His compassionate kindness extended to us. It also serves as a powerful missional imperative, reminding us of God's heart for all nations and motivating us to participate in sharing the Gospel so that more people from every background might come to know His mercy and join in the chorus of praise to His name. Our lives, individually and corporately, should reflect the universal scope of God's love and the unifying power of His Spirit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's ancient plan for Gentile inclusion impact your view of His faithfulness and sovereignty?**
* **In what ways can your local church better reflect the multi-ethnic unity that Romans 15:9 envisions?**
* **How does the realization that your salvation is solely "for His mercy" deepen your gratitude and inspire your worship?**
* **What practical steps can you take to participate in God's global mission, so that more people might glorify Him?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul quote from the Old Testament to support the inclusion of Gentiles?**

Answer: Paul's frequent use of Old Testament citations, as seen in [Romans 15:9](/romans/15-9 "Romans 15:9 - Gentiles Glorify God") and the surrounding verses ([Romans 15:10-12](/romans/15-10-12 "Romans 15:10-12 - More Old Testament Quotes")), serves several critical purposes. Firstly, it demonstrates that the inclusion of Gentiles into God's saving plan was not a new or unexpected development, but rather a fulfillment of long-standing divine prophecy. This provides a strong theological foundation for his argument, showing continuity between God's work in Israel and His work through Christ. Secondly, for Jewish believers who might have struggled with the idea of Gentiles being full heirs of God's promises, these prophecies from their own sacred texts offered irrefutable proof. It validated the Gospel's universal reach from within their own authoritative Scriptures, helping to bridge the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers in the early church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 15:9 finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's mercy and the means by which Gentiles are brought into a relationship with God. The Old Testament prophecy quoted in this verse, originally a song of praise by David, is prophetically reinterpreted by Paul to point to Christ. It is through Christ's redemptive work—His life, death, and resurrection—that the barrier between Jew and Gentile is broken down ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")). He became a "minister of the circumcision" ([Romans 15:8](/romans/15-8 "Romans 15:8 - Christ's Ministry to the Jews")) to confirm God's promises to Israel, and simultaneously, by His atoning sacrifice, He opened the way for the Gentiles to receive God's mercy and glorify Him. As the "root of Jesse" and the one "who will arise to rule over the Gentiles" ([Romans 15:12](/romans/15-12 "Romans 15:12 - Christ, the Root of Jesse")), Christ is the central figure through whom the nations find hope and are enabled to join in the universal chorus of praise to God's name. His finished work on the cross is the singular act of divine mercy that empowers Gentiles to confess and sing praises, transforming them from outsiders to beloved children who participate fully in the worship of the living God.

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 Samuel 22:50

Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and I will sing praises unto thy name.

Psalms 18:49

Therefore will I give thanks unto thee, O LORD, among the heathen, and sing praises unto thy name.

Romans 3:29

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Matthew 9:8

But when the multitudes saw [it], they marvelled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men.