Romans 15:10-12
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This verse, quoting Deuteronomy, highlights a beautiful inclusivity: Gentiles are invited to "rejoice with his people." The word "with" is key, showing that their joy isn't separate from, but alongside and in connection with, God's chosen people, Israel. This emphasizes a shared, communal celebration of God's goodness, bridging ancient divisions.
And again it says, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul continues to build his case for unity between Jewish believers and Gentiles by citing Old Testament passages. He first uses Scripture to show the Gentiles will glorify God for His mercy, directly following the promise made to Abraham, and now he quotes Deuteronomy to highlight that the Gentiles are invited to rejoice with God's people, Israel. This is part of his broader argument, supported by Psalms and Isaiah, that the Messiah's coming fulfilled God's promises to both Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together into one family.
Why does Paul quote Scripture to tell Gentiles to 'rejoice'?
Paul is weaving together Old Testament promises to show how God's plan always included the Gentiles.
From Exclusion to Inclusion
He quotes Deuteronomy 32:43 (using the Greek translation called the Septuagint) which says, 'Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.' This isn't just a casual invitation; it's a fulfillment of ancient prophecy.
The Root of the Joy
This shared joy stems from God's faithfulness. The Gentiles, who were once considered outsiders, are now invited to celebrate with God's chosen people, Israel. This unity in Christ is a profound testament to God's inclusive heart.
Did God always intend for Gentiles to be part of His family?
Paul's use of Old Testament quotes isn't random; he's demonstrating a consistent theme throughout Scripture.
Echoes of Inclusion
Scholars note that while the original Hebrew of Deuteronomy 32:43 can be interpreted in slightly different ways, the Septuagint version Paul uses emphasizes the Gentiles' participation with Israel. This points to a planned inclusion.
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More Than Just an Invitation
This isn't just a 'nice to have'; it's a core part of God's redemptive plan. The Old Testament, often seen as solely for the Jewish people, contains prophecies that look forward to a day when nations beyond Israel would be brought into relationship with God.
Understand the original words
aineete · Greek Verb
To express admiration, honor, or glory to God; a response to God’s nature and works. In Scripture, it is a primary duty of believers and all creation.
ethne · Greek Noun
Nations or peoples other than the Jewish people; the non-Jewish world. In the New Testament, it signifies the inclusion of all nations in the salvation plan of God.
rhiza Iessai · Hebrew/Greek Noun phrase
A metaphorical title referring to the Messiah (Jesus Christ), highlighting His descent from the lineage of Jesse, the father of King David, thereby fulfilling messianic prophecy.
elpizō · Greek Verb
A confident expectation or trust in God’s future promises. It is not mere wishful thinking but a firm reliance on God’s faithfulness.
Paul quotes Old Testament passages, particularly from Deuteronomy and Psalms as preserved in the Septuagint (Greek translation), to show that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's people wasn't an afterthought but a long-foretold reality.
~1400 BC
The Song of Moses
The "Song of Moses" is recorded in Deuteronomy 32, reflecting on Israel's history and God's faithfulness. It contains a passage that Paul quotes (or a similar version from the Septuagint) concerning the nations and God's people.
c. 1000 BC
Psalm 67
Psalm 67 is a prayer for God's blessing and for His ways to be known among all nations, anticipating a time when Gentiles would rejoice with Israel.
c. 700 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy
The prophet Isaiah speaks of a shoot from Jesse who will rise to rule over the Gentiles, and in him the nations will hope, a key prophecy about the Messiah's outreach.
c. 250 BC
The Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Bible is translated into Greek (the Septuagint or LXX), which influences how later Jewish and early Christian writers, like Paul, quoted and understood Old Testament passages.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth. He is addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers and is concerned with unity and mutual acceptance.
This is the primary Old Testament passage Paul is quoting, showing God's ancient promise for Gentiles to rejoice alongside His people.
Psalm 117:1This Psalm calls all nations to praise God, echoing the sentiment of Gentiles being brought into relationship with Him.
Psalm 18:49Paul also quotes this Psalm, which speaks of God's praise being declared among the Gentiles, highlighting their future participation in God's glory.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy about the root of Jesse rising to reign emphasizes that the Gentiles will hope in Him, directly linking their rejoicing to the Messiah.
Luke 15:10While not a direct quote, Jesus' parable about the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents mirrors the theme of rejoicing when those outside the covenant are brought in.
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, highlights a beautiful inclusivity: Gentiles are invited to "rejoice with his people." The word "with" is key, showing that their joy isn't separate from, but alongside and in connection with, God's chosen people, Israel. This emphasizes a shared, communal celebration of God's goodness, bridging ancient divisions.
Paul continues to build his case for unity between Jewish believers and Gentiles by citing Old Testament passages. He first uses Scripture to show the Gentiles will glorify God for His mercy, directly following the promise made to Abraham, and now he quotes Deuteronomy to highlight that the Gentiles are invited to rejoice with God's people, Israel. This is part of his broader argument, supported by Psalms and Isaiah, that the Messiah's coming fulfilled God's promises to both Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together into one family.
Paul continues to build his case for unity between Jewish believers and Gentiles by citing Old Testament passages. He first uses Scripture to show the Gentiles will glorify God for His mercy, directly following the promise made to Abraham, and now he quotes Deuteronomy to highlight that the Gentiles are invited to rejoice with God's people, Israel. This is part of his broader argument, supported by Psalms and Isaiah, that the Messiah's coming fulfilled God's promises to both Jews and Gentiles, bringing them together into one family.
"And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who a…" — This verse, quoting Deuteronomy, highlights a beautiful inclusivity: Gentiles are invited to "rejoice *with* his people." The word "with" is key, showing that their joy isn't separate from, but along…
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Last reviewed October 2026