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Romans 16:18

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For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

For {G1063} they that are such {G5108} serve {G1398} not {G3756} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, but {G235} their own {G1438} belly {G2836}; and {G2532} by {G1223} good words {G5542} and {G2532} fair speeches {G2129} deceive {G1818} the hearts {G2588} of the simple {G172}.

For men like these are not serving our Lord the Messiah but their own belly; by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the innocent.

For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.

For they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.

Commentary

Context

Romans 16:18 is part of Paul's concluding remarks in his letter to the church in Rome. Coming immediately after a strong warning in Romans 16:17 against those who "cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine," this verse explains the true nature and deceptive methods of such individuals. Paul's concern here is for the unity and doctrinal purity of the nascent Christian community, urging believers to be vigilant against internal threats.

Meaning and Key Themes

  • Self-Serving Motives: The core accusation is that these individuals "serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly." The phrase "their own belly" is a strong metaphor for carnal appetites, self-interest, personal gain, or worldly desires. Their ultimate loyalty is to themselves, not to Christ or His kingdom. This stands in stark contrast to the selfless service expected of true believers. This theme is echoed in Philippians 3:19, which describes those "whose God is their belly."
  • Deceptive Tactics: Paul exposes their method: "by good words and fair speeches." These are not overtly hostile or aggressive tactics, but rather persuasive, flattering, or seemingly harmless language. They use smooth talk, appealing rhetoric, or even a semblance of piety to mask their true, self-centered intentions.
  • Vulnerability of the "Simple": They "deceive the hearts of the simple." The Greek word for "simple" (akakōn) refers to those who are innocent, guileless, unsuspecting, or naive. These are not necessarily unintelligent people, but rather those who lack spiritual discernment or shrewdness concerning evil, making them particularly susceptible to manipulation.
  • Importance of Sound Doctrine: Implicitly, the verse underscores the necessity of holding fast to sound Christian doctrine, as these deceivers operate "contrary to the doctrine" (v. 17). A firm grounding in biblical truth provides a defense against such spiritual trickery.

Linguistic Insight

The term "belly" (Greek: koilia) is used metaphorically here to represent base desires, self-gratification, or carnal appetites, rather than merely the physical stomach. The phrase "good words and fair speeches" translates the Greek chrēstologias kai eulogias. Chrēstologia refers to smooth, plausible speech, while eulogia often means "blessing" or "praise," but here it implies flattery or deceptive commendation. The "simple" (Greek: akakōn) denotes those who are innocent, harmless, or unsophisticated in matters of evil, highlighting their unsuspecting nature.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless warning for believers:

  1. Cultivate Discernment: Do not be swayed merely by persuasive words or charming personalities. Instead, examine the motives behind the message and the character of the messenger. As Paul advises in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, "Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
  2. Prioritize Christ, Not Self: Continuously evaluate your own motivations and those of others. True Christian service is driven by love for Christ and others, not by personal gain or carnal desires.
  3. Guard Against Deception: Understand that spiritual deception often comes disguised in appealing forms. It is not always overt evil but can be presented with "good words" designed to mislead.
  4. Ground Yourself in Sound Doctrine: A thorough understanding of biblical truth is your best defense against those who would lead you astray. Being rooted in sound doctrine helps you identify what is "contrary to the doctrine."
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 2:4 (13 votes)

    ¶ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

  • Philippians 3:19 (10 votes)

    Whose end [is] destruction, whose God [is their] belly, and [whose] glory [is] in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

  • Matthew 7:15 (10 votes)

    Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

  • 1 Timothy 6:5 (9 votes)

    Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.

  • Micah 3:5 (9 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.

  • 2 Peter 2:3 (8 votes)

    ¶ And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

  • 2 Timothy 3:2 (7 votes)

    For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,