Romans 1:14 (GNV)

Passage

I am detter both to the Grecians, and to the Barbarians, both to the wise men and vnto the vnwise.

Nearby Context

Romans 1:12 That is, that I might be comforted together with you, through our mutuall faith, both yours and mine.

Romans 1:13 Now my brethren, I would that ye should not be ignorant, how that I haue oftentimes purposed to come vnto you (but haue bene let hitherto) that I might haue some fruite also among you, as I haue among the other Gentiles.

Romans 1:14 I am detter both to the Grecians, and to the Barbarians, both to the wise men and vnto the vnwise.

Romans 1:15 Therefore, as much as in me is, I am readie to preach ye Gospel to you also that are at Rome.

Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God vnto saluation to euery one that beleeueth, to the Iewe first, and also to the Grecian.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "detter", "both", "grecians", "barbarians", "wise", "vnto", and "vnwise". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "detter" and "both", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The nearby context moves from verse 13's "Now my brethren I would that ye..." into verse 15's "Therefore as much as in me is...", so "detter" and "both" belong inside that flow. In Romans context, the local focus is righteousness by faith, union with Christ, life in the Spirit, and God's covenant faithfulness.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "detter" and "both" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.