17Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching you have learned, and keep away from them. [16:18] For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting. [16:19] Your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, they rejoice over you, but they want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. [16:20] The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
ROM 16:17-20
Avoid Divisions
In the world it was spoken into
In the Roman world, (divisions) was a serious threat to communal stability, often leading to factionalism that could dismantle social cohesion. For the early Christian communities in Rome, maintaining unity was critical, as they were a minority group navigating complex social and religious tensions. The mention of (stumbling blocks) would evoke the Jewish concept of causing others to sin, a grave offense in Second-Temple Judaism. The warning against those who serve their own belly reflects a common critique in Greco-Roman moral philosophy, where self-serving behavior was condemned. The use of (smooth talk) highlights the danger of deceptive rhetoric, a tactic familiar in Roman political and philosophical discourse. The call to be wise to the good but innocent to evil aligns with Stoic ideals of discernment while maintaining moral integrity. The promise that the God of peace will crush Satan underfoot resonates with Jewish apocalyptic expectations of divine victory over evil.
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How other translations render this
ROM 16:17
- KJV
- Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
- BSB
- Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them.
- Koinōnos
- Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to the teaching you have learned, and keep away from them.
ROM 16:18
- KJV
- 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.
- BSB
- 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.
- Koinōnos
- For such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
ROM 16:19
- KJV
- For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.
- BSB
- Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
- Koinōnos
- Your obedience has become known to all. Therefore, they rejoice over you, but they want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.
ROM 16:20
- KJV
- And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
- BSB
- The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
- Koinōnos
- The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
ROM 16:17
- divisions:The word translated 'divisions' refers to a standing apart or dissension, often leading to sedition or rebellion. It implies a deep-seated disagreement that causes people to separate into opposing factions.
- obstacles:The word translated 'obstacles' originally referred to a trap or snare, often laid for animals or enemies. It suggests something designed to cause one to stumble, fall, or be caught, rather than just a simple impediment.
ROM 16:18
- <the>:The word translated as 'the' (referring to 'smooth talk') specifically denotes 'fair speaking' used in a deceptive or manipulative way. It's not just pleasant speech, but speech intended to mislead or exploit.
- of the:The word translated as 'of the' (referring to 'innocent') describes someone who is guileless, simple, or unknowing of evil. It can imply a lack of sophistication or worldly wisdom, making them easily influenced.