Romans 16:27

KJV

To God only wise, [be] glory through Jesus Christ for ever. Amen.

KJV (with Strong's)

To God {G2316} only {G3441} wise {G4680}, be glory {G1391} through {G1223} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} for {G1519} ever {G165}. Amen {G281}. Written {G1125} to {G4314} the Romans {G4514} from {G575} Corinthus {G2882}, and sent by {G1223} Phebe {G5402} servant {G1249} of the church {G1577} at {G1722} Cenchrea {G2747}.

Complete Jewish Bible

to the only wise God, through Yeshua the Messiah,
be the glory forever and ever!

Amen.

Berean Standard Bible

to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.

American Standard Version

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:27 concludes Paul's magnum opus with a profound doxology, attributing singular and eternal glory to God, who is uniquely wise, and emphasizing that this praise is rendered solely through the person and work of Jesus Christ. This verse serves as a fitting theological summation, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty and wisdom in orchestrating the grand plan of salvation, which was once a mystery but has now been revealed through the Gospel. It directs the believer's gaze heavenward, acknowledging God as the supreme object of all worship and honor, eternally mediated by Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16:27 forms the concluding verse of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, specifically as part of a final doxology (Romans 16:25-27). This doxology follows a lengthy section of personal greetings, commendations (like that of Phoebe in [Romans 16:1-2](/romans/16-1-2 "Romans 16:1-2 - Paul Commends Phoebe")), and a final warning against divisive teachers ([Romans 16:17-20](/romans/16-17-20 "Romans 16:17-20 - Warning Against Division")). The preceding verses ([Romans 16:25-26](/romans/16-25-26 "Romans 16:25-26 - The Revealed Mystery")) introduce the theme of God's power to establish believers according to Paul's Gospel, which unveils a mystery kept secret for ages but now revealed through prophetic writings. Thus, verse 27 acts as the climactic declaration of praise, grounding all the theological exposition and practical instruction of the letter in the ultimate glory of the "only wise God."
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle to the Romans was written by the Apostle Paul from Corinth, likely during his third missionary journey, around 57-58 AD. The letter was intended for the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers. Paul had not yet visited Rome, but he hoped to do so, using it as a base for further missionary work into Spain ([Romans 15:23-24](/romans/15-23-24 "Romans 15:23-24 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome")). The letter was carried by Phoebe, a deaconess from the church at Cenchrea, a port city near Corinth. This final doxology, while a common feature in ancient letters, takes on particular significance here as Paul encapsulates the profound theological arguments of the entire letter—justification by faith, the role of the Law, Israel's place in God's plan, and Christian living—into a singular statement of praise to the God who orchestrated it all.
* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Romans and Pauline theology. It highlights **God's singular wisdom** (a theme seen in [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33-36 "Romans 11:33-36 - Doxology to God's Incomprehensible Wisdom")), which is perfectly displayed in His redemptive plan for humanity, a plan that was once a mystery but is now revealed through the Gospel. The verse also underscores the **ultimate purpose of all things: the glory of God**. Throughout Romans, Paul consistently points to God's glory as the end goal of salvation ([Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned and Fall Short of God's Glory")) and Christian living. Crucially, it emphasizes **Jesus Christ as the indispensable mediator** through whom this glory is rendered, aligning with the letter's consistent Christ-centered focus on salvation and reconciliation. Finally, the phrase "for ever" points to the **eternal nature of God's attributes and His reign**, providing an enduring foundation for the believer's hope and worship, as seen in the eternal purposes of God in [Ephesians 1:3-14](/ephesians/1-3-14 "Ephesians 1:3-14 - Spiritual Blessings in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wise (Greek, _sophós'_):** (G4680) This word, meaning "wise (in a most general application)," emphasizes God's unique and unparalleled wisdom. It is not merely intellectual knowledge but a profound, perfect understanding and execution of His divine will, particularly evident in His intricate plan of salvation. This wisdom is supreme, incomparable, and the source of all true understanding.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** (G1391) Derived from a base meaning "to seem," this term refers to God's inherent majesty, splendor, renown, and honor. In this context, it signifies the ultimate praise, adoration, and recognition of His supreme excellence and worthiness. It is the visible manifestation of His divine attributes.
* **through (Greek, _diá'_):** (G1223) A primary preposition denoting the "channel of an act." Here, it signifies the means or agency. It is crucial for understanding that Jesus Christ is not merely the object of glory but the indispensable mediator and channel through whom all glory is rightly rendered to God. It underscores Christ's role in revealing God's wisdom and enabling humanity to offer appropriate worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To God only wise":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the unique nature of God's wisdom. He is not merely wise, but "only wise," signifying His singular, incomparable, and perfect understanding of all things, especially His redemptive plan. This wisdom is the foundation of His actions and purposes.
* **"be glory":** This is a declarative statement of praise, a doxology. It expresses the conviction that all honor, majesty, splendor, and adoration are due to God alone. It is the ultimate purpose and response to His divine character and His mighty works.
* **"through Jesus Christ":** This critical phrase specifies the means by which glory is given to God. Jesus Christ is the mediator, the channel, and the very embodiment of God's wisdom and redemptive power. It is through His life, death, resurrection, and ongoing work that God's character is most profoundly revealed, enabling and inspiring all true worship and praise.
* **"for ever":** This phrase emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God's wisdom and the perpetual duration of His glory. It signifies that God's attributes are timeless and His reign is everlasting, ensuring that His praise will continue without end.
* **"Amen.":** This Hebrew word (G281), meaning "firm" or "trustworthy," functions as an affirmation, signifying "so be it," "truly," or "let it be established." It serves as a solemn and conclusive endorsement of the preceding declaration, expressing full agreement and conviction.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:27 is a powerful example of a **Doxology**, a hymn or expression of praise to God. As the concluding statement of Paul's letter, it serves as a climactic declaration, summarizing the theological thrust of the entire epistle by directing all honor to God. The phrase "only wise" employs **Emphasis** and **Hyperbole** to underscore the unique and unparalleled nature of God's wisdom, setting Him apart from all creation. The use of "through Jesus Christ" highlights **Mediation** and **Agency**, clearly articulating Christ's indispensable role as the conduit for both God's revelation to humanity and humanity's worship back to God. The structure also exhibits a form of **Inclusio** with other Pauline doxologies, creating a sense of theological completeness and divine purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This concluding doxology in Romans 16:27 is a powerful theological statement, encapsulating the very heart of Christian worship and understanding of God. It affirms God's absolute sovereignty and His unique wisdom, which is perfectly displayed in His intricate plan of salvation through Christ. The verse grounds all Christian life and theology in the ultimate purpose of glorifying God, a glory that is eternally mediated and made possible by Jesus Christ. It connects the revealed mystery of the Gospel, previously hidden for ages, to the eternal praise due to the God who conceived and executed this plan.

* [Jude 1:25](/jude/1-25 "Jude 1:25 - Doxology to the Only Wise God")
* [1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")
* [Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confesses Jesus Christ as Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:27 serves as a profound call to worship and a foundational truth for the believer's life. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose is to bring glory to God, acknowledging His unparalleled wisdom and His sovereign plan, which unfolds perfectly even when we cannot fully grasp it. This verse encourages a posture of humility and trust, knowing that the "only wise God" is at work in all circumstances, orchestrating everything for His eternal purposes and our ultimate good. It calls us to live lives that reflect His glory, understanding that our ability to truly worship and serve Him is entirely "through Jesus Christ." This means that our prayers, our service, our suffering, and our joys are all to be offered in and through Christ, making our entire existence an act of worship. Embracing the "for ever" aspect provides enduring hope and stability, knowing that God's truth and His kingdom are eternal, giving meaning and purpose to our transient lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God as "only wise" impact your trust in His plan for your life, especially during difficult or confusing times?**
* **In what practical ways can you consciously direct "glory through Jesus Christ" to God in your daily life?**
* **How does the "for ever" aspect of this doxology shape your perspective on earthly challenges and eternal hope?**

### FAQ

**Why does Paul emphasize God as "only wise" in this concluding doxology?**

Answer: Paul emphasizes God as "only wise" (Greek: *monō sophō*) to highlight His unique, incomparable, and perfect wisdom, especially as revealed in His intricate and previously hidden plan of salvation. Throughout Romans, Paul unpacks the profound mystery of how God, in His sovereign wisdom, has brought salvation to both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Christ ([Romans 11:25-36](/romans/11-25-36 "Romans 11:25-36 - The Mystery of Israel's Salvation")). This wisdom is not merely intellectual knowledge but also His perfect understanding and execution of His divine will, which human minds cannot fully comprehend but can only adore. By concluding with this phrase, Paul attributes the entire grand theological narrative of Romans—from justification to sanctification to Israel's future—to the singular, unsearchable wisdom of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:27, while a doxology to God, is profoundly Christ-centered in its declaration that glory is rendered "through Jesus Christ." This highlights Christ's indispensable role as the mediator of all divine revelation and all human worship. In the New Testament, Jesus is consistently presented as the ultimate manifestation of God's wisdom and glory. He is "the power of God and the wisdom of God" ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), through whom "all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible" ([Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator")). It is through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection that humanity is reconciled to God, enabling us to approach the Father with confidence ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God Through Christ")). Therefore, all praise and honor given to God are made possible and acceptable only through the person and work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly revealed the Father's character and accomplished His redemptive plan. As Philippians 2:11 declares, "every tongue [will] confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:11](/philippians/2-11 "Philippians 2:11 - Every Tongue Confesses Jesus Christ as Lord")), underscoring that Christ is the eternal channel through whom God's glory is both manifested and returned.

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

1 Timothy 1:17

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, [be] honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 11:36

For of him, and through him, and to him, [are] all things: to whom [be] glory for ever. Amen.

Revelation 7:10

And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:12

Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

Romans 11:33

¶ O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable [are] his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

Romans 11:34

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?

Revelation 19:1

¶ And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God: