New Testament
Romans 15:13
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Romans 15:13, Paul expresses a prayerful wish for the believers in Rome.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.
Plain Meaning
Paul prays that God — whom he calls 'the God of hope' — would fill his readers with joy and peace as they trust in Him. The goal of that filling is that their hope would overflow, not through their own effort, but through the Holy Spirit's power. Hope, joy, and peace here are not things believers work up on their own; they come from God and are sustained by the Spirit.
Read It in Context
This verse closes a section where Paul has quoted several Old Testament passages showing that both Jews and Gentiles are included in God's promises. The verse serves as a blessing-prayer wrapping up that argument before Paul moves on to personal matters.
The full Clear view adds what to notice, common misreadings, and the passage that best explains this one — for Romans 15:13 and any verse in the Bible.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 15:13, Paul expresses a prayerful wish for the believers in Rome. He refers to God as the 'God of hope,' emphasizing that true hope comes from Him. The verse highlights that God can fill believers with joy and peace as they trust in Him. This joy and peace are not just for personal comfort; they are meant to overflow into hope, which is empowered by the Holy Spirit. The idea is that as believers grow in their faith and trust in God, they will experience a deep sense of joy and peace that leads to an abundance of hope. This hope is not just a feeling but a powerful force that can influence their lives and the lives of those around them. The verse encourages believers to rely on the Holy Spirit to cultivate this hope, joy, and peace in their lives, reinforcing the importance of faith in God as the source of all good things.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Romans 15:13 to your life
To apply this verse, focus on building your faith through prayer and scripture. Seek to experience God's joy and peace in your life, and let that overflow into hope for yourself and others. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide you in this process.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary · Romans 15:13 Meaning
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 15:13 mean?
Romans 15:13 expresses a prayer for believers to be filled with joy and peace through their faith in God. It emphasizes that true hope comes from God and is empowered by the Holy Spirit, encouraging believers to trust in Him.
What is the meaning of 'God of hope' in Romans 15:13?
'God of hope' refers to God as the ultimate source of hope. This phrase highlights that genuine hope is found in a relationship with God, who provides joy and peace to those who believe in Him.
How can I apply Romans 15:13 in my life?
You can apply Romans 15:13 by focusing on building your faith through prayer and reading scripture. Seek to experience God's joy and peace, allowing that to overflow into hope for yourself and those around you.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in Romans 15:13?
The Holy Spirit is described as the source of power that enables believers to overflow with hope. Trusting in the Holy Spirit helps cultivate joy and peace in your life, reinforcing your faith in God.
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