Romans 15:8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,

◄ Romans 15:8 ►

New International Version
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed

New Living Translation
Remember that Christ came as a servant to the Jews to show that God is true to the promises he made to their ancestors.

English Standard Version
For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,

Berean Standard Bible
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,

Berean Literal Bible
For I declare Christ to have become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

King James Bible
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

New King James Version
Now I say that Jesus Christ has become a servant to the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

New American Standard Bible
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision in behalf of the truth of God, to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

NASB 1995
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

NASB 1977
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Legacy Standard Bible
For I say that Christ has become a servant to the circumcision on behalf of the truth of God to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Amplified Bible
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant and a minister to the circumcision (Jews) on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm and verify the promises made to the fathers,

Christian Standard Bible
For I say that Christ became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I say that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers,

American Standard Version
For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers,

Contemporary English Version
I tell you that Christ came as a servant of the Jews to show that God has kept the promises he made to their famous ancestors. Christ also came,

English Revised Version
For I say that Christ hath been made a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given unto the fathers,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Let me explain. Christ became a servant for the Jewish people to reveal God's truth. As a result, he fulfilled God's promise to the ancestors of the Jewish people.

Good News Translation
For I tell you that Christ's life of service was on behalf of the Jews, to show that God is faithful, to make his promises to their ancestors come true,

International Standard Version
For I tell you that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God's truth in order to confirm the promises given to our ancestors,

Majority Standard Bible
Now I tell you that Christ Jesus has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God?s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs,

NET Bible
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God's truth to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

New Heart English Bible
Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Webster's Bible Translation
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:

Weymouth New Testament
My meaning is that Christ has become a servant to the people of Israel in vindication of God's truthfulness-- in showing how sure are the promises made to our forefathers--

World English Bible
Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I say Jesus Christ to have become a servant of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers,

Berean Literal Bible
For I declare Christ to have become a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises given to the fathers,

Young's Literal Translation
And I say Jesus Christ to have become a ministrant of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I say Jesus Christ has become the servant of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
For I say that Christ Jesus was minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I declare that Christ Jesus was the minister of circumcision because of the truth of God, so as to confirm the promises to the fathers,

New American Bible
For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs,

New Revised Standard Version
For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of the truth of God in order that he might confirm the promises given to the patriarchs,

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision, for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I say that Yeshua The Messiah ministered to the circumcision for the sake of the truth of God, so as to confirm The Promise of the fathers.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
Now, I say, that Jesus Christ, as a minister, was of the circumcision for the sake of the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

Godbey New Testament
For I say that Christ has been made minister of circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises of the fathers,

Haweis New Testament
Now I say that Jesus Christ was the minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers:

Mace New Testament
for I tell you, that Jesus Christ was a minister to the Jews, to manifest the veracity of God in fulfilling the promises made to the fathers:

Weymouth New Testament
My meaning is that Christ has become a servant to the people of Israel in vindication of God's truthfulness-- in showing how sure are the promises made to our forefathers--

Worrell New Testament
For I say that Christ hath become a minister of the circumcision, in behalf of God's truth, that He might confirm the promises made to the fathers;

Worsley New Testament
Now Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the manifestation of the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Christ the Servant of Jews and Gentiles
7Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring glory to God. 8For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs, 9so that the Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: “Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to Your name.”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Matthew 15:24
He answered, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

Acts 3:25-26
And you are sons of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’ / When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Galatians 3:16
The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ.

Ephesians 2:12
remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.

John 1:11
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

Luke 1:54-55
He has helped His servant Israel, remembering to be merciful, / as He promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God are “Yes” in Christ. And so through Him, our “Amen” is spoken to the glory of God.

Matthew 10:6
Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel.

John 4:22
You worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.

Acts 13:32-33
And now we proclaim to you the good news: What God promised our fathers / He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’

Genesis 12:3
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you.”

Isaiah 11:10
On that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples. The nations will seek Him, and His place of rest will be glorious.

Genesis 17:7
I will establish My covenant as an everlasting covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.

Psalm 18:49
Therefore I will praise You, O LORD, among the nations; I will sing praises to Your name.

Isaiah 42:6
“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations,

Treasury of Scripture

Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers:

I say.

Romans 3:26
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:19,29
What say I then? that the idol is any thing, or that which is offered in sacrifice to idols is any thing? …

Jesus.

Romans 9:4,5
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; …

Matthew 15:24
But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

for the.

Romans 3:3
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Psalm 98:2,3
The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen…

Micah 7:20
Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob, and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.

truth.

Romans 15:16
That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost.

Romans 9:23,24
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory, …

Romans 11:22,30
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off…

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Romans 15

1. The strong must bear with the weak.
2. We must not please ourselves;
3. for Christ did not so;
7. but receive one another, as Christ did us all;
8. both Jews and Gentiles;
15. Paul excuses his writing;
28. and promises to see them;
30. and requests their prayers.

Berean Study Bible

For I tell you
This phrase introduces a statement of importance and authority. The Greek word for "tell" is "λέγω" (legō), which implies a declaration or proclamation. Paul, as an apostle, speaks with the authority given to him by Christ. This introduction signals to the reader that what follows is a significant theological truth, underscoring the importance of Christ's mission and its implications for both Jews and Gentiles.

that Christ has become
The phrase indicates a completed action with ongoing significance. The Greek word "γέγονεν" (gegonen) is in the perfect tense, suggesting that Christ's role as a servant is a fulfilled reality with lasting effects. This emphasizes the permanence and enduring impact of Christ's incarnation and ministry.

a servant
The Greek word "διάκονος" (diakonos) is used here, which is often translated as "minister" or "servant." This term reflects Christ's humility and His willingness to serve humanity, particularly the Jewish people, in accordance with God's redemptive plan. It highlights the servant leadership model that Christ exemplified, which is central to Christian discipleship.

of the circumcised
This phrase refers to the Jewish people, who were identified by the covenant of circumcision given to Abraham. The term "περιτομή" (peritomē) signifies those who are part of the Abrahamic covenant. Christ's ministry was initially directed towards the Jews, fulfilling the promises and prophecies of the Old Testament.

on behalf of God’s truth
The Greek word for "truth" is "ἀλήθεια" (alētheia), which denotes reality, certainty, and faithfulness. Christ's service to the Jews was to demonstrate God's faithfulness to His word and promises. This underscores the reliability and trustworthiness of God's character and His covenantal commitments.

to confirm
The Greek word "βεβαιῶσαι" (bebaiōsai) means to establish or make firm. Christ's mission was to validate and uphold the promises made by God. This action assures believers of the certainty and unchangeable nature of God's promises.

the promises made
The term "ἐπαγγελίαι" (epangeliai) refers to the divine promises given throughout the Old Testament. These promises include the coming of the Messiah, the blessing of all nations through Abraham, and the establishment of God's kingdom. Christ's coming is the fulfillment of these divine assurances.

to the patriarchs
The patriarchs, namely Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, are the forefathers of the Jewish nation. The Greek word "πατριάρχαις" (patriarchais) connects Christ's mission to the historical and covenantal roots of Israel. This highlights the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament, affirming that God's promises to the patriarchs find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(8) Now I say. . . .--Rather, For I say. My doctrine is that Christ came with a two-fold purpose: on the one hand, with a mission to the Jews, the chosen circumcised race, to vindicate to them the truthfulness of God in respect to His promises, by Himself confirming and fulfilling those promises; and, on the other hand, with the object to exhibit the mercy of God in rescuing the Gentiles from their state of condemnation, and giving them cause to glorify God's name.

Was. . . .--This is the reading of the Vatican MS. and Paris rescript; the Sinaitic and Alexandrine have, "hath been made."

For the truth of God--i.e., to make good the truthfulness of God in keeping His promises.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 8, 9. - For (the reading γὰρ is much better supported than δὲ. The essential meaning, however, of λέγω γὰρ is the same as of λέγω δὲ) I say (i.e. what I mean to say is this; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:12; Galatians 4:1: 5:16) that Jesus Christ was (rather, has been made, γεγενῆσθαι being the more probable reading than γενέσθαι) a minister of the circumcision (i.e. of the Jews) for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers (literally, the promises of the fathers): and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. Observe the expressions, ὑπὲρ ἀληθείας Θεοῦ, etc., and ὑπὲρ ἐλέους, with reference respectively to the Jews and Gentiles. Christ's primary ministry was to "the house of Israel" (cf. Matthew 15:24), in vindication of God's truth, or faithfulness to his promises made through the patriarchs to the chosen race: his taking in of the Gentiles was an extension of the Divine mercy, to his greater glory. The infinitive δοξάσαι, in ver. 9, seems best taken in the same construction with βεβαιῶσαι in ver. 8, both being dependent on εἰς τὸ. As it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy Name. This quotation from Psalm 18:49 or 2 Samuel 22:50, with those that follow, are for scriptural confirmation of God's purpose, which has just been spoken of, to include the Gentiles in his covenanted mercies to Israel, so that they too might glorify him. St. Paul, after a manner usual with him; follows cut a thought suggested in the course of his argument, so as to interrupt the latter for a while, but to return to it in ver. 13. All, in fact, from the beginning of ver. 8 to the end of ver. 12, is parenthetical, suggested by "even as Christ received you,." at the end of ver. 7. All this, it may be observed, is confirmatory of Pauline authorship. The first quotation introduces David, the theocratic king, confessing and praising God, not apart from the Gentiles, but among them. The second, from Deuteronomy 32:43, calls on the Gentiles themselves to join in Israel's rejoicing; the third, from Psalm 117:1, does the same; the last, from Isaiah 11:10, foretells definitely the reign of the Messiah over Gentiles as well as Jews, and the hope also of the Gentiles in him.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

I tell [you that]
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

Christ
Χριστὸν (Christon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

has become
γεγενῆσθαι (gegenēsthai)
Verb - Perfect Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

a servant
διάκονον (diakonon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1249: Probably from an obsolete diako; an attendant, i.e. a waiter; specially, a Christian teacher and pastor.

of [the] Jews
περιτομῆς (peritomēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4061: Circumcision. From peritemno; circumcision.

on behalf of
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

truth,
ἀληθείας (alētheias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 225: From alethes; truth.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

confirm
βεβαιῶσαι (bebaiōsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 950: To confirm, ratify, secure, establish; pass: I guarantee. From bebaios; to stabilitate.

the
τὰς (tas)
Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

promises made
ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement.

to the
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

patriarchs,
πατέρων (paterōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

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NT Letters: Romans 15:8 Now I say that Christ has been (Rom. Ro)