And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to read this verse as a simple call for everyone to praise God. But notice the deliberate repetition: first, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles," and then, "let all the peoples extol him." This isn't just a redundant command; it emphasizes that God’s praise is expanding outwards, from the Gentiles as a group to encompass all diverse nations, signifying a radical new unity in Christ.
And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul continues to build his case for unity by quoting the Old Testament, now calling on all Gentile peoples to praise God. This quote from Psalm 117 highlights that the salvation Christ brings is for all nations, not just ethnic Israel. It serves as powerful proof that the Gentiles' inclusion in God's family is divinely ordained and should be a source of shared rejoicing.
Why does Paul quote an Old Testament psalm in Romans 15? It’s not just random Old Testament trivia; it’s the heart of his argument for unity.
Paul is weaving together a powerful case that God's plan has always been for people from every nation to worship Him. He’s quoting Psalm 117:1, a short but impactful call for all the world to praise God.
A Universal Invitation
Think about it: the Old Testament, for many, might feel very focused on Israel. But here, Paul highlights that even in the Psalms, the invitation to praise God goes out to all Gentiles and all peoples. This wasn't a later addition; it was God's intention from the beginning.
Unity in Christ
For Jewish believers, this meant accepting that Gentiles were now included in God's family. For Gentile believers, it meant understanding their place within the covenant promises. Paul's point? Christ is the fulfillment that brings everyone together into one praise choir.
The verse calls Gentiles to 'praise' and 'extol' God. What does that look like, especially in the context of Jewish and Gentile believers learning to live together?
Paul uses two strong verbs here: 'praise' (ainéō) and 'extol' (epainéō). While very similar, they carry a weight of active, joyful acknowledgment.
A Response to God's Grace
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This isn't passive agreement; it's an enthusiastic declaration of who God is and what He has done. In Romans 15, Paul has been talking about receiving one another (v. 7). The 'praise' he calls for is a direct response to God's incredible grace in bringing Jews and Gentiles together into one family through Christ.
Living Out the Praise
So, when Paul quotes Psalm 117, he's not just looking for a recited truth. He's pointing to a lived reality. The Gentiles, now included, are to actively celebrate God's mercy and faithfulness. This celebration isn't just a private affair; it's meant to be shared, contributing to the overall glory of God among all peoples.
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.
Paul quotes Psalm 117 to emphasize that the Old Testament itself foretold a time when Gentiles would join with Israel in praising God, a reality he saw unfolding in the early church and a cornerstone of its unity.
c. 500 BC
Post-Exilic Period
Following the Babylonian exile, Jewish people were scattered throughout the Persian Empire, and interactions with Gentiles increased significantly.
c. 250 BC
Septuagint Translation
The Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek (the Septuagint), making them accessible to a wider Gentile audience and influencing early Christian understanding.
c. 2nd Century BC
Rise of Hellenistic Influence
Greek culture and language became widespread throughout the Mediterranean world, facilitating the spread of the Gospel to diverse peoples.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
The central events of Christian faith, which Paul interprets as fulfilling Old Testament promises for both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 40-50
Early Gentile Conversions
The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys lead to the conversion of many Gentiles, raising questions about their inclusion in the community of faith.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the Roman church, addressing the unity of Jewish and Gentile believers and the implications of the Gospel for all peoples.
c. AD 62-64
Persecution Under Nero
Christians in Rome faced increasing persecution, making the themes of unity and mutual acceptance in Paul's letter particularly relevant.
This is the direct source of the quote Paul uses, serving as a foundational Old Testament call for all nations to praise God.
Psalm 116:1This psalm also contains a similar call to praise the Lord, highlighting a consistent theme in the Psalter of universal worship.
Isaiah 11:10Paul likely alludes to this passage in his broader argument, where a shoot from Jesse will arise as a signal for the nations, and their rest shall be glorious, pointing to the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan.
Zechariah 8:20-23This passage foretells a future where people from many cities will go to seek the Lord in Jerusalem, with Gentiles holding onto Jewish people and saying, 'Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you,' illustrating the unity and shared worship between Jews and Gentiles.
ellicottRomans 15:11: "And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people."
(11) All ye Gentiles. —An invitation addressed to the Gentile peoples without restriction, at a time when the monotheistic conception of God as Lord of the whole earth was thoroughly established.
jfbRomans 15:11: "And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people."
- And again—(Ps 117:1).Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people—"peoples"—the various nations outside the pale of Judaism.
It’s easy to read this verse as a simple call for everyone to praise God. But notice the deliberate repetition: first, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles," and then, "let all the peoples extol him." This isn't just a redundant command; it emphasizes that God’s praise is expanding outwards, from the Gentiles as a group to encompass all diverse nations, signifying a radical new unity in Christ.
Paul continues to build his case for unity by quoting the Old Testament, now calling on all Gentile peoples to praise God. This quote from Psalm 117 highlights that the salvation Christ brings is for all nations, not just ethnic Israel. It serves as powerful proof that the Gentiles' inclusion in God's family is divinely ordained and should be a source of shared rejoicing.
Paul continues to build his case for unity by quoting the Old Testament, now calling on all Gentile peoples to praise God. This quote from Psalm 117 highlights that the salvation Christ brings is for all nations, not just ethnic Israel. It serves as powerful proof that the Gentiles' inclusion in God's family is divinely ordained and should be a source of shared rejoicing.
"And again,
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles,
and let all the peoples extol him.”" — It’s easy to read this verse as a simple call for everyone to praise God. But notice the deliberate repetition: first, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles," and then, "let all the peoples extol him."…
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Last reviewed October 2026