Romans 16:27

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 16:27 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.
Romans 16:27 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
27to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory for ever. Amen.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ, etc..] This may be understood of God the Father, who is the only wise God, originally, essentially, and infinitely; though not to the exclusion of the Son and Spirit; and whose infinite wisdom appears in the works of creation and providence, in redemption and salvation by Christ, and in the whole scheme of the Gospel so largely commended in the foregoing verses: and the glory of all is displayed in, and to be given to him through Christ as Mediator; as the glory of his power and wisdom, particularly mentioned, who is the wisdom of God and the power of God; and the glory of the Gospel, of which Christ is the sum and substance; and the glory of…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To God, &c.--"To the only wise God through Jesus Christ, be"--literally, "to whom be"; that is, "to Him, I say, be the glory for ever. Amen." At its outset, this is an ascription of glory to the power that could do all this; at its close it ascribes glory to the wisdom that planned and that presides over the gathering of a redeemed people out of all nations. The apostle adds his devout "Amen," which the reader--if he has followed him with the astonishment and delight of him who pens these words--will fervently echo. On this concluding section of the Epistle, Note, (1) In the minute and delicate manifestations of Christian feeling, and lively interest in the smallest movements of Christian…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To God only wise - The apostle here resumes the doxology which had been interrupted by the parenthesis. The attribute of “wisdom” is here brought into view, because it had been particularly displayed in this plan which was now revealed. It evinced, in an eminent degree, the “wisdom” of God. That wisdom was evinced in devising the plan; in adapting it to the renewing of the heart; the justification of the sinner; his preservation, guidance, and sanctification; and in the manner in which the divine attributes had all been seen to harmonize. All this the apostle had illustrated in the previous parts of the Epistle; and now, full of the convictions of this wisdom, he desires that all the praise…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“To the only wise God - Whose manifold wisdom is known in the church through the gospel, Eph 3:10. "To him who is able," and, to the wise God," are joined, as Co1 1:24, where Christ is styled "the wisdom of God," and "the power of God." To him be glory through Christ Jesus for ever - And let every believer say, Amen! Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 1”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“God: Rom 11:36; Gal 1:4, Gal 1:5; Eph 3:20, Eph 3:21; Phi 4:20; Ti1 1:17, Ti1 6:16; Ti2 4:18; Heb 13:15, Heb 13:21; Pe1 2:5, Pe1 5:10, Pe1 5:11; Pe2 3:18; Rev 1:5, Rev 1:6, Rev 4:9-11, Rev 5:9-14; Rev 7:10-12, Rev 19:1-6 only: Rom 11:33, Rom 11:34; Psa 147:5; Eph 1:7, Eph 1:8, Eph 3:10; Col 2:2, Col 2:3; Jde 1:25 Next: 1 Corinthians Chapter 1”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification