Romans 1:13
New International Version
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

New Living Translation
I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, that I planned many times to visit you, but I was prevented until now. I want to work among you and see spiritual fruit, just as I have seen among other Gentiles.

English Standard Version
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Berean Standard Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that many times I purposed to come to you, and was hindered until the present, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.

King James Bible
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

New King James Version
Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

New American Standard Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also just as among the rest of the Gentiles.

NASB 1995
I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

NASB 1977
And I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented thus far) in order that I might obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Legacy Standard Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

Amplified Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that many times I have planned to come to you, (and have been prevented so far) so that I may have some fruit [of my labors] among you, even as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.

Christian Standard Bible
Now I don’t want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now ) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as I have had among the rest of the Gentiles.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Now I want you to know, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but was prevented until now) in order that I might have a fruitful ministry among you, just as among the rest of the Gentiles.

American Standard Version
And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, I want you to know that I have often planned to come for a visit. But something has always kept me from doing it. I want to win followers to Christ in Rome, as I have done in many other places.

English Revised Version
And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the Gentiles.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I often planned to visit you. However, until now I have been kept from doing so. What I want is to enjoy some of the results of working among you as I have also enjoyed the results of working among the rest of the nations.

Good News Translation
You must remember, my friends, that many times I have planned to visit you, but something has always kept me from doing so. I want to win converts among you also, as I have among other Gentiles.

International Standard Version
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now), so that I might reap a harvest among you, just as I have among the rest of the gentiles.

Majority Standard Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

NET Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters, that I often intended to come to you (and was prevented until now), so that I may have some fruit even among you, just as I already have among the rest of the Gentiles.

New Heart English Bible
Now I do not desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other non-Jewish people.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come to you (but have been hitherto hindered) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Weymouth New Testament
And I desire you to know, brethren, that I have many a time intended to come to you--though until now I have been disappointed--in order that among you also I might gather some fruit from my labours, as I have already done among the rest of the Gentile nations.

World English Bible
Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you (and was hindered so far), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I do not wish you to be ignorant, brothers, that many times I purposed to come to you—and was hindered until the present time—that some fruit I might have also among you, even as also among the other nations.

Berean Literal Bible
Now I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, that many times I purposed to come to you, and was hindered until the present, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.

Young's Literal Translation
And I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, that many times I did purpose to come unto you -- and was hindered till the present time -- that some fruit I might have also among you, even as also among the other nations.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I would not ye should be ignorant, brethren, that many times I proposed to come to you, (and I was hindered till this time,) that I might have some fruit also in you, and in the rest of the nations.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you, (and have been hindered hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you, (though I have been hindered even to the present time) so that I might obtain some fruit among you also, just as also among the other Gentiles.

New American Bible
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, though I was prevented until now, that I might harvest some fruit among you, too, as among the rest of the Gentiles.

New Revised Standard Version
I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as I have among the rest of the Gentiles.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now I want you to know, my brethren, that often I have wanted to come to you, but I have been prevented thus far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I want you to know, my brethren, that many times I have wanted to come to you and I was prohibited until now, that I also may have fruit in you like that in others of the Gentiles,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But, brethren, I do not wish you to be ignorant that I often purposed to come to you, though I have been hindered to the present time, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

Godbey New Testament
But I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, that frequently I purposed to come to you, and was hindered hitherto, in order that I may have some fruit among you, as well as also among other Gentiles.

Haweis New Testament
But I would not that ye should be unacquainted, brethren, that oftentimes I have been purposing to come to you (and have been prevented until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentile nations.

Mace New Testament
now I would not have you ignorant, my brethren, that I often purposed to come to you, tho' I have been hindered hitherto, that I might be useful among you as well as among other Gentiles.

Weymouth New Testament
And I desire you to know, brethren, that I have many a time intended to come to you--though until now I have been disappointed--in order that among you also I might gather some fruit from my labours, as I have already done among the rest of the Gentile nations.

Worrell New Testament
And I do not wish you to be ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit in you also, even as in the rest of the gentiles.

Worsley New Testament
And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I often purposed to come unto you, (but have been hindered hitherto) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the other Gentiles.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Desire to Visit Rome
12that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish.…

Cross References
Acts 16:6-7
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.

1 Thessalonians 2:18
For we wanted to come to you—indeed I, Paul, tried again and again—but Satan obstructed us.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

2 Corinthians 1:15-16
Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. / I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.

Acts 28:23-24
So they set a day to meet with Paul, and many people came to the place he was staying. He expounded to them from morning to evening, testifying about the kingdom of God and persuading them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. / Some of them were convinced by what he said, but others refused to believe.

1 Corinthians 16:5-7
After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. / Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. / For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.

Acts 23:11
The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”

Acts 21:13-14
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” / When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Acts 27:23-24
For just last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me / and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And look, God has granted you the lives of all who sail with you.’

Acts 20:22-23
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. / I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

Acts 18:21
But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

Acts 13:46-48
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. / For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” / When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.

Acts 14:27
When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them, and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you, (but was let till now,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

None.

Romans 11:25
For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

1 Corinthians 10:1
Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea;

1 Corinthians 12:1
Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

that oftentimes.

Romans 15:23-28
But now having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come unto you; …

Acts 19:21
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

2 Corinthians 1:15,16
And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit; …

but.

Romans 15:22
For which cause also I have been much hindered from coming to you.

Acts 16:6,7
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, …

1 Thessalonians 1:8
For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing.

that I.

Isaiah 27:6
He shall cause them that come of Jacob to take root: Israel shall blossom and bud, and fill the face of the world with fruit.

John 4:36
And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.

John 12:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.

among.

Romans 15:18-20
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, …

Acts 14:27
And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Acts 15:12
Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

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Already Desire Disappointed Far Fruit Gentile Gentiles Harvest Hindered Hitherto Ignorant Intended Labours Nations Often Oftentimes Order Planned Prevented Purposed Reap Rest Time Times Unaware Want
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Romans 1
1. Paul commends his calling to the Romans;
9. and his desire to come to them.
16. What his gospel is.
18. God is angry with sin.
21. What were the sins of mankind.














I do not want you to be unaware, brothers
The Apostle Paul begins this verse with a phrase that underscores his desire for transparency and communication with the Roman believers. The Greek word for "unaware" is "agnoeō," which implies a lack of knowledge or understanding. Paul uses this phrase to emphasize the importance of his message and to ensure that the Roman Christians are fully informed of his intentions. The term "brothers" (Greek: "adelphoi") is a term of endearment and solidarity, indicating the familial bond shared among believers in Christ. This reflects the early Christian understanding of the church as a family united by faith.

how often I planned to come to you
Paul's repeated planning to visit Rome highlights his deep commitment and desire to minister to the believers there. The Greek word for "planned" is "prothesis," which conveys a sense of intentionality and purpose. This reveals Paul's strategic approach to his missionary work, as he sought to spread the Gospel and strengthen the church. Historically, Rome was a significant center of power and influence, making it a crucial location for the spread of Christianity. Paul's intention to visit reflects his understanding of the importance of establishing a strong Christian presence in the heart of the Roman Empire.

(but have been prevented from visiting until now)
The parenthetical statement indicates that despite Paul's intentions, he faced obstacles that prevented his journey. The Greek word for "prevented" is "kolyō," which means to hinder or restrain. This suggests that Paul encountered external circumstances beyond his control, possibly including political, spiritual, or logistical challenges. This acknowledgment of divine providence and human limitation is a recurring theme in Paul's writings, reminding believers of the sovereignty of God in guiding the course of their lives and ministries.

in order that I might have a harvest among you
Paul uses the metaphor of a "harvest" to describe the spiritual fruit he hopes to reap among the Roman believers. The Greek word "karpos" refers to fruit or produce, symbolizing the results of evangelistic and pastoral efforts. This imagery is consistent with biblical themes of sowing and reaping, as seen in passages like Galatians 6:9. Paul's desire for a harvest reflects his hope for spiritual growth, conversion, and the strengthening of the church in Rome. It underscores the apostolic mission to bear fruit for the Kingdom of God.

just as I have had among the other Gentiles
Paul concludes by referencing his previous successes among the Gentiles, affirming his role as the apostle to the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). The term "Gentiles" (Greek: "ethnē") refers to non-Jewish peoples, highlighting the inclusive nature of the Gospel message. Paul's ministry among the Gentiles was marked by significant growth and the establishment of numerous churches, as documented in the Book of Acts. This statement serves to encourage the Roman believers by reminding them of the transformative power of the Gospel and the potential for similar outcomes in their own community. It also reinforces the universal scope of the Christian mission, transcending ethnic and cultural boundaries.

(13) In the previous verses the Apostle has been speaking of his desire; here he speaks of his purpose, which is one step nearer to the realisation. He had intended to add the Roman Church to the harvest that he was engaged in gathering in.

Let.--This is, of course, an archaism for "hindered," "prevented." The Greek is literally, "and was prevented hitherto."

It is hardly worth while to speculate, as some commentators have done, on the causes that may have hindered the Apostle from going to Rome. In a life like his there may have been many.

Verse 13. - But I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you (and was hindered hitherto), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles. Some take the "but" at the beginning of this verse (οὐ θέλω δὲ) as the apodosis to πρῶτον μὲν in ver. 8, with the meaning, "I am aware, and am thankful, that your faith is already notorious; but still I wish you to know that I have long had a desire to visit you." But the μὲν and δὲ are too far separated to commend this view. It is more after St. Paul's style that there should be no apodosis to πρῶτον μὲν; his train of thought carries him on so that he forgets how he began his sentence; and ver. 13 comes naturally as the sequence of ver. 12, whether we render δὲ by "but," or (as in the Authorized Version) by "now," or (as in the Revised Version) by "and." The long-cherished intention here spoken of had been expressed by him when at Ephesus, before his departure to Macedonia (Acts 19:21). Feeling himself to be peculiarly the apostle to the Gentile world, and having already been the first agent in carrying the gospel into Europe (Acts 16:9, 10), and having established it there in important centres of population, he ever kept in view an eventual visit to the imperial city itself, in the hope of its thence permeating the whole western world. What had so far hindered him appears from Romans 15:22 to have been principally missionary work which had first to be accomplished elsewhere. At last Providence carried him there in a way not of his own choosing. Thus man proposes, God disposes. In this verse the Roman Church seems certainly to be regarded as a Gentile one. What classes of converts probably at that time composed it has been considered in the Introduction. Whatever its nucleus, St. Paul plainly feels that, in sending this Epistle to it, he is carrying out his especial mission of extending the gospel to the Gentile world, though at the same time he writes mainly from a Jewish standpoint, appealing frequently to the Jewish Scriptures, with which he presupposes an acquaintance on the part of his readers. But the latter fact is not inconsistent with the supposition of their being, either then or prospectively, mainly of Gentile race. The gospel was everywhere preached as the fulfilment of Judaism (see note on ver. 2); and for understanding both its purport and its evidences, all would have to be to some extent indoctrinated in the ancient Scriptures. It is to be observed, too, that in the next verse the apostle implies a sense of now addressing a peculiarly civilized and cultivated community; he seems to have before him the prospect of his address reaching the educated and intelligent classes of society in the imperial city. And the Epistle, as it goes on, is in accordance with such an aim. For its arguments are addressed, not merely to believers in the Old Testament, but also generally to philosophical thinkers. The state of the world is reviewed, human consciousness is analyzed, deep problems which had long exercised the minds of philosophers are touched on, and the gospel is, in fact, commended to the world as God's answer to man's needs.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I do not want
θέλω (thelō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

to be unaware,
ἀγνοεῖν (agnoein)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

brothers,
ἀδελφοί (adelphoi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

how
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

often
πολλάκις (pollakis)
Adverb
Strong's 4178: Many times, often, frequently. Multiplicative adverb from polus; many times, i.e. Frequently.

I planned
προεθέμην (proethemēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 4388: To purpose, design beforehand, determine. Middle voice from pro and tithemi; to place before, i.e. to exhibit; to propose.

to come
ἐλθεῖν (elthein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2064: To come, go.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

([but]
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

have been prevented [from visiting]
ἐκωλύθην (ekōlythēn)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2967: To prevent, debar, hinder; with infin: from doing so and so. From the base of kolazo; to estop, i.e. Prevent.

until
ἄχρι (achri)
Preposition
Strong's 891: As far as, up to, until, during. Or achris akh'-rece; akin to akron; until or up to.

now),
δεῦρο (deuro)
Adverb
Strong's 1204: Here; used also imperative hither!; and of time, hitherto.

in order that
ἵνα (hina)
Conjunction
Strong's 2443: In order that, so that. Probably from the same as the former part of heautou; in order that.

I might have
σχῶ (schō)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

a
τινὰ (tina)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

harvest
καρπὸν (karpon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2590: Probably from the base of harpazo; fruit, literally or figuratively.

among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

you,
ὑμῖν (hymin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

just
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

as
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

[I have had] among
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

the
τοῖς (tois)
Article - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

other
λοιποῖς (loipois)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3062: Left, left behind, the remainder, the rest, the others. Masculine plural of a derivative of leipo; remaining ones.

Gentiles.
ἔθνεσιν (ethnesin)
Noun - Dative Neuter Plural
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.


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