What Does Romans 15:18 Mean in the King James?
For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
“Wrought” and “deed” share the Greek ergon word-family, linking Christ’s work through the speaker with the action people can see.
THE MEANING
The work Christ accomplishes through you reaches others through both what you say and what you do. Its aim is a responsive hearing among the nations. The verse locates the source of this fruit in Christ working through a person.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
It dissolves the belief that visible spiritual fruit makes the speaker its source; the speaker acts, while Christ is named as the one working through him.
THE ROOT
κατειργάσατο
katergasato
GROWS FROM
ἔργον
ergon
work, deed, activity
The verb translated “wrought” and the word translated “deed” belong to the same Greek work-family. The verse joins what Christ accomplishes through the speaker with the action that gives that work visible form.
ALSO GROWS
ergō: by work, by deed
ἔργῳ
This is the word translated “deed” in the verse, tying the visible action directly to the work attributed to Christ.
ergazomai: to work, accomplish
ἐργάζομαι
This related verb keeps the focus on work being carried out, not merely claimed.
ὑπακοήν
hypakoēn
GROWS FROM
ἀκούω
akouō
to hear, listen
The word translated “obedient,” ὑπακοή (hypakoē, obedience), is formed from ὑπό (hypo, under) and ἀκούω (akouō, hear or listen). It presents the nations’ response as connected to hearing and heeding.
ALSO GROWS
hypakouō: to heed, obey
ὑπακούω
This related verb makes clear that the hearing in view becomes a response.
akoē: hearing, report
ἀκοή
This branch keeps hearing in view as the point from which a response can follow.
THE PATTERN
Human action bears fruit through a divine work that reaches beyond the human agent.
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.THE THREAD
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.Matthew uses ἔργα (erga, works), from the same Greek word-family as “wrought” and “deed” here. Romans names Christ as working through a person; Matthew shows visible works directing attention to the Father.
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