Romans 16:26 — Word Study
N1904
The Greek edition printed on this site — Nestle 1904 — does not carry Romans 16:26 at this point; it places these verses earlier in the letter. So there is no word-by-word study here. The English text above, and the commentators, cross-references and early-church readings below, all still stand.
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith — |
| KJV | But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: |
| ASV | but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith: |
| YLT | and now having been made manifest, also, through prophetic writings, according to a command of the age-during God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith — |
| BBE | But is now made clear; and by the writings of the prophets, by the order of the eternal God, the knowledge of it has been given to all the nations, so that they may come under the rule of the faith; |
| GNV | (But nowe is opened, and published among all nations by the Scriptures of the Prophetes, at the commandement of the euerlasting God for the obedience of faith) |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, focusing on the revelation of God's plan through the prophets.
The structure features one main clause with several subordinate phrases that elaborate on the means and purpose of the revelation.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Deep Study — Romans 16:26
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Conclusion of Paul's Letter to the Romansgenerated
Romans 16:26 emphasizes that the mystery of God's salvation plan has been disclosed through the prophetic writings. Paul highlights that this revelation is part of God's eternal purpose and is intended to guide all nations towards obedience that stems from faith. This verse serves as a culmination of the theological themes presented throughout the letter, reinforcing the universal scope of the gospel.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ephesians 1:9 | And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ |
| 2 | Colossians 1:26 | the mystery that was hidden for ages and generations but is now revealed to His saints. |
| 3 | 2 Timothy 1:10 | And now He has revealed this grace through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has abolished death and illuminated the way to life and immortality through the gospel, |
| 4 | Titus 1:2–3 | in the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before time began. |
| 5 | Romans 1:2 | the gospel He promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 32 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Wordgenerated
The word φανερωθέντος is a perfect passive participle of φαίνω, meaning 'to reveal' or 'to make manifest'. It indicates that something has been made known and is now fully visible.
The passive voice suggests that the revelation is initiated by God, highlighting His role in disclosing the mystery of salvation. This participle connects the act of revelation directly to the prophetic writings, emphasizing the continuity of God's message through history.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, the verse is examined in the Berean Standard Bible, which uses the phrase revealed and made known. This is echoed in the KJV and ASV, both of which use is made manifest and is made known respectively.
The translations agree on the essential meaning of the verse, focusing on the revelation of God's plan through the prophets.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main finite verb is φανερωθέντος, having been revealed, which governs the entire sentence. The structure includes several phrases that elaborate on how this revelation occurred and its purpose.
The sentence is complex, with multiple clauses detailing the means of revelation (through the writings of the prophets) and the intended outcome (leading all nations to obedience). This layered structure reflects the depth of Paul's theological argument.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The term φανερωθέντος does not have a direct equivalent in the Septuagint, but the concept of revelation is present throughout the prophetic writings. These writings often disclose God's plans and intentions.
Paul's reference to the writings of the prophets connects his message to the established Hebrew Scriptures, reinforcing the continuity of God's revelation from the Old Testament to the New.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Romans 16:26 tells us that God's plan for salvation has been revealed through the writings of the prophets. This revelation is part of God's eternal purpose and is meant to guide all nations to obey Him through faith.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It means that the writings of the prophets in the Old Testament contain messages about God's salvation plan, which have now been fully disclosed in Christ.
Obedience that comes from faith indicates that true faith in God naturally results in a life that follows His commands and teachings.
The 'nations' refer to all peoples, including Gentiles, who are invited to respond to the gospel message.
This verse encapsulates the message of Romans by emphasizing that salvation through faith is available to everyone, fulfilling God's promise to all nations.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I better understand the prophetic writings and their significance in revealing God's plan?
- In what ways can I demonstrate obedience that comes from my faith?
- What does it mean for me to share the message of the gospel with others as Paul did?
- How can I apply the concept of God's eternal purpose in my daily life?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early church Fathers provide insights on this verse, discussing the implications of the revelation of God's plan for all nations.
Although the message is made known to all nations, it is not made known to all people, because only a few chosen ones are able to understand the wisdom and knowledge of God, of whom it is said: “Many are called, but few are chosen.”Early Church Fathers on Romans 16 →
Those who advance in the knowledge of Christianity do not treat the things written in the law with disrespect. On the contrary, they bestow even greater honor upon them,Early Church Fathers on Romans 16 →
The mystery of the calling of all the Gentiles, which through Paul’s gospel, using the testimonies of the prophets, had now been plainly disclosed in Christ, had long been hidden in the law.Early Church Fathers on Romans 16 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Romans 16:26 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBut now is made manifest,.... In these last days, in which God has spoken by his Son, by whom the doctrines of grace are most clearly revealed, and fully dispensed; and by his apostles, who were
Read John Gill on Romans 16 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBut now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: But now is made manifest.
Read Robert Jamieson on Romans 16 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleConcerning the revelation of this mystery, four things are further recorded: 1. The means whereby it was made known; viz. the Scriptures of the prophets; see 16:32 28:23. 2. The authority by which it was made known; the commandment of the everlasting God. 3. The persons to whom it was made known; the Gentiles, or the inhabitants of all nations. 4. The end for which it was made known; viz. for the obedience of faith; i.e. that it may be believed and obeyed: see 15:18.
Read Matthew Poole on Romans 16 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New Testaments26 But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith: Ver. 26. According to the commandment] The writings of the prophets concerning the mystery of Christ were not made known to the world by haphazard, but by a special command of God. For the obedience of faith] Though God purposed good to his people before all worlds, yet that is concealed till such time as they yield this obedience of faith like as water that runs underground, is hidden a long time till it break out suddenly, and then we discover that there was a stream ran underground; as Arethusa and other rivers do.
Read John Trapp on Romans 16 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(26) But now is made manifest.—The first clause of this verse goes with the last clause of the preceding “mystery,” which before was kept secret, but now has been “made manifest.” The rest of the verse all hangs together: “this mystery, through the help of the corroboration which it derives from the prophets of the Old Testament, has, by God’s command to us, the Apostles, been made known.” By the scriptures of the prophets.—Through the help of that appeal to prophecy which we are enabled to make. According to the commandment.—That which had taken place according to the command of God was the making known of the gospel to the Gentiles, as, e.g., when Paul and Barnabas were specially…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Romans 16 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 26. But now is made manifest] Now, under the New Testament dispensation, and by my preaching. By the scriptures of the prophets] Hints relative to this important work being scattered up and down through all their works, but no clear revelation that the Gentiles, who should be admitted into the Church, should be admitted without passing under the yoke of the Mosaic law. This was the point which was kept secret: as to the calling of the Gentiles, this was declared in general terms by the prophets, and the apostle quotes and makes a most important use of their predictions; but the other was a point on which the prophets gave no information, and it seems to have been peculiarly revealed…
Read AdamClarke on Romans 16 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges26. now] In the days of Messiah, and in Him as the Propitiation. Cp. Colossians 1:26.by the scriptures, &c.] Lit. by means of (the) prophetic scriptures. This Epistle, and e.g. Acts 13, are the best commentary on these words. The O. T., as the great prediction of Messiah and preparation for Him, was the text and the warrant of His Apostles wherever they went, and that for Gentiles as much as for Jews. When the Gentiles previously knew nothing of the O. T. the preaching would, of course, not take the O. T. as its starting-point; (see St Paul’s discourse at Athens;) but even in such cases it would bring forward the Prophecies as soon as possible, both as its credentials and its text.—We have…
Read Cambridge on Romans 16 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBut now is made manifest - Is revealed, or made known; that which was so long concealed is now divulged, that is, God’s plan of saving people is now made known to all nations.
Read Albert Barnes on Romans 16 →The verse in English, compared — 7 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith —
Tyndale line
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith:
but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:
(But nowe is opened, and published among all nations by the Scriptures of the Prophetes, at the commandement of the euerlasting God for the obedience of faith)
Simplified
But is now made clear; and by the writings of the prophets, by the order of the eternal God, the knowledge of it has been given to all the nations, so that they may come under the rule of the faith;
now made visible; Through the prophets' writings, and Following the command of the eternal God, The mystery of truth is made known to everyone everywhere so they can trust and obey him;
Strictly literal
and now having been made manifest, also, through prophetic writings, according to a command of the age-during God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith —
T4T (Translation for Translators) is not shown above. It restates the passage rather than the verse, so there is no line of English to set beside the others — which is a fact about that translation, not a fault in it.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the Nestle 1904 treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The earliest translations — Latin and Syriac
Every translation is an argument about meaning made by someone who had to commit to one. These two were made while the Greek was still a living language, and they are the oldest opinions we have about what this verse says.
(quod nunc patefactum est per Scripturas prophetarum secundum præceptum æterni Dei, ad obeditionem fidei), in cunctis gentibus cogniti,
Jerome revised the Old Latin against the Greek from AD 382; the Latin west read this text for a thousand years.
ܕܗܘܝܘ ܚܟܝܡܐ ܒܠܚܘܕܘܗܝ ܫܘܒܚܐ ܒܝܕ ܝܫܘܥ ܡܫܝܚܐ ܠܥܠܡܥܠܡܝܢ ܐܡܝܢ
The Bible of the Syriac-speaking church, in the language nearest to the Aramaic Jesus spoke.
Shown verse by verse rather than word by word: aligning a Greek word to its Latin or Syriac counterpart automatically would be guesswork, and a wrong alignment is worse than none.