And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43 from the Greek Septuagint translation, highlights a remarkable shift: the Gentiles are not just to observe, but to actively rejoice with God's people. This isn't simply an invitation to witness Israel's blessings, but a call to share in them, demonstrating a profound unity previously unseen between nations and the chosen people.
And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing how God's plan, as prophesied in the Old Testament, always intended for both groups to be included in His salvation. He's just quoted Scripture about Gentiles glorifying God and now adds another Old Testament passage to emphasize this point. The verses following this one will continue to weave together Old Testament promises and prophecies to reinforce the idea that Gentiles have a shared hope and inheritance with God's people.
Why does Paul quote the Old Testament to show Gentiles should rejoice?
Paul masterfully weaves together Old Testament promises to demonstrate that the inclusion of Gentiles was not an afterthought, but part of God's original plan.
A Future for All
He quotes Deuteronomy 32:43 to show that God's people, both Jew and Gentile, are called to share in His joy. This wasn't a new idea introduced by Jesus, but a fulfillment of ancient prophecies.
Beyond Contention
The inclusion of Gentiles, which could have been a source of division, is presented here as a fulfillment of God's faithfulness to His covenant people, now expanded to embrace all nations.
What does it mean for Gentiles to 'rejoice with His people'?
The phrase "rejoice... with his people" speaks to a shared experience of God's salvation and goodness. It’s not just about Gentiles being allowed to be saved, but about them joining in the celebration with Israel.
A Common Cause for Celebration
This shared joy stems from God's faithfulness, His covenant promises being fulfilled in Christ, and the reality of His kingdom embracing people from every nation. It signifies unity and a common identity in God.
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A Different Kind of Rejoicing
While the original Hebrew might have nuances, the Septuagint's rendering, which Paul uses, highlights a communal gladness. It’s an invitation for all of God’s people, old and new, to celebrate His saving work together.
Paul's use of this Old Testament verse, as translated by the Septuagint, powerfully underscores his argument that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's people is not a secondary afterthought but a prophesied reality, rooted in God's ancient promises and meant to bring about a shared rejoicing.
c. 1400 BC
Song of Moses
The Song of Moses, found in Deuteronomy 32, recounts God's faithfulness and Israel's rebellion. It contains the Old Testament passage (Deuteronomy 32:43) that Paul quotes, which is interpreted by the Septuagint (LXX) as an invitation for Gentiles to rejoice with God's people.
c. 250 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Greek translation of the Old Testament, known as the Septuagint (LXX), renders Deuteronomy 32:43 in a way that explicitly calls for Gentiles ('nations') to rejoice 'with His people' (Israel). This phrasing is crucial for Paul's argument.
c. 50-52 AD— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During his extensive ministry in Corinth, Paul wrote his letter to the Romans. This period saw significant interaction between Jewish and Gentile believers, highlighting the need for unity.
This is the primary Old Testament source Paul is quoting, showing the ancient promise that the Gentiles would rejoice with God's people, Israel.
Psalm 117:1This psalm directly calls on all nations to praise God, underscoring the theme of Gentile inclusion in God's worship, which Paul uses elsewhere in this chapter.
Psalm 18:49Paul also quotes this psalm to show that God's praise would be declared among the Gentiles, highlighting their future participation in God's redemptive plan.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy speaks of a root from Jesse who will arise as a banner for the nations, to whom the Gentiles will seek, illustrating their future hope and inclusion in the Messiah's reign.
meyerRomans 15:10: "And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people."
Romans 15:10 . Πάλιν ] Again , namely, in another passage containing the same thing. Comp. 1 Corinthians 3:20 ; Matthew 4:7 ; Matthew 5:33 . λέγει ] sc . ἡ γραφή , which is to be taken from γέγραπται , Romans 15:9 . The passage is Deuteronomy 32:43 , closely following the LXX., who, however, probably following another reading ( אֶת־עַמּוֹ in Kennicott), deviate from the Hebrew.[16] [16] The original, according to the pre…
cambridgeRomans 15:10: "And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people."
10 . he saith ] Or, better. it saith ; i.e. the Scripture. Rejoice , &c.] Deuteronomy 32:43 . Verbatim with LXX. The word “ with ” is not in the Hebrew Received Text; which may be rendered either “Praise His people, ye nations,” (i.e. congratulate them on His saving goodness;) or “Rejoice, ye nations”, who are His people.” In either case the prophecy indicates, (what is the Apostle’s meaning here,) that the “nations” sha…
This verse, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43 from the Greek Septuagint translation, highlights a remarkable shift: the Gentiles are not just to observe, but to actively rejoice with God's people. This isn't simply an invitation to witness Israel's blessings, but a call to share in them, demonstrating a profound unity previously unseen between nations and the chosen people.
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing how God's plan, as prophesied in the Old Testament, always intended for both groups to be included in His salvation. He's just quoted Scripture about Gentiles glorifying God and now adds another Old Testament passage to emphasize this point. The verses following this one will continue to weave together Old Testament promises and prophecies to reinforce the idea that Gentiles have a shared hope and inheritance with God's people.
Paul is building a case for unity between Jewish and Gentile believers by showing how God's plan, as prophesied in the Old Testament, always intended for both groups to be included in His salvation. He's just quoted Scripture about Gentiles glorifying God and now adds another Old Testament passage to emphasize this point. The verses following this one will continue to weave together Old Testament promises and prophecies to reinforce the idea that Gentiles have a shared hope and inheritance with God's people.
"And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.”" — This verse, quoting Deuteronomy 32:43 from the Greek Septuagint translation, highlights a remarkable shift: the Gentiles are not just to observe, but to actively *rejoice with* God's people. This isn…
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Last reviewed October 2026