Romans 1:16
Οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ· δύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν εἰς σωτηρίαν παντὶ τῷ πιστεύοντι, Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι.
The Sentence Feels Bold Yet Reasoned
u gar epeschínome to evangélio tu Christú; dýnamiς gar Theoú estin is sotirían pandí to pistevondi, Iudaío te próton ke Éllini
This verse sounds confident from the very beginning.
Paul does not hesitate.
But Greek also makes the confidence feel thoughtful rather than emotional or impulsive.
I am not ashamed
because it is God’s power
for everyone who believes
The sentence therefore feels like a declaration supported by deep conviction and explanation.
Literal Translation
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone believing, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
The repeated explanations make the statement feel grounded and deliberate.
Paul is not merely expressing emotion. He is giving reasons for confidence.
The Emotional Atmosphere
The emotional tone is courageous and expansive.
The verse begins personally:
“I am not ashamed.”
But it quickly widens outward toward:
- God’s power
- salvation
- everyone believing
- Jew and Greek alike
Greek therefore moves from individual conviction toward universal scope.
Grammar Focus — Repeated “γὰρ” Gives the Sentence Logical Strength
The key feature in this verse is the repeated word:
γὰρ
meaning:
“for” or “because.”
Greek uses it twice:
οὐ γὰρ ἐπαισχύνομαι
“For I am not ashamed”
δύναμις γὰρ Θεοῦ ἐστιν
“For it is the power of God”
The repeated γὰρ creates logical momentum.
Each statement explains the one before it.
Greek therefore makes the verse feel reasoned and confident at the same time.
The grammar sounds firm because every declaration is supported by explanation.
Vocabulary Builder — Words of Power and Salvation
| Greek Word | Meaning | Beginner Insight |
|---|---|---|
| ἐπαισχύνομαι | I am ashamed | Paul begins with a strong personal declaration of confidence. |
| εὐαγγέλιον | gospel/good news | The word carries the idea of joyful and powerful announcement. |
| δύναμις | power | This word gives the verse energy and strength. |
| σωτηρίαν | salvation | The goal of the gospel is rescue and deliverance. |
Syntax Insight — The Sentence Expands Outward Step by Step
The syntax steadily widens the scope of the statement.
I am not ashamed
↓
of the gospel
↓
because it is God’s power
↓
for salvation
↓
for everyone believing
Greek therefore keeps broadening the vision of the sentence.
The movement begins with Paul personally but ends with all believing people.
Even the final phrase:
Ἰουδαίῳ τε πρῶτον καὶ Ἕλληνι
extends the scope outward even further.
The syntax transforms personal conviction into universal proclamation.
Beginner Practice Activity — Finding the Word for “Power”
Which Greek word means “power”?
| Greek Word | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| δύναμις | A. power |
| σωτηρίαν | B. salvation |
| εὐαγγέλιον | C. gospel |
Click to Reveal the Answer
Answer: δύναμις = “power.”
This word gives the verse its strength and energy. Paul describes the gospel not merely as information, but as the powerful action of God bringing salvation.
How the Greek Turns Confidence into Proclamation
This verse begins with one man speaking boldly:
“I am not ashamed.”
But Greek steadily enlarges the sentence until it reaches:
- God’s power
- salvation
- everyone believing
- Jew and Greek alike
The grammar therefore transforms personal conviction into worldwide proclamation.
Even the repeated:
γὰρ
quietly strengthens the structure by giving reason after reason for confidence.
Greek here does not sound defensive.
It sounds deeply certain.
