Romans 15:9-11
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The verse highlights that for the Gentiles, salvation is fundamentally an act of God's "mercy." Unlike the Jews, who had promises and a covenant to point to, the Gentiles enter into God's blessings purely through His unmerited kindness, a truth beautifully underscored by quoting scripture where the Psalmist declares he will praise God among the Gentiles. This points to a profound inclusivity where all, regardless of background, find their way to God through His grace and respond with praise.
and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” 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.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building his argument that Jewish believers and Gentile believers must welcome each other fully in Christ. He's already shown how Christ himself unified them, and now he's providing Old Testament proof that God always intended to include the Gentiles in his plan of salvation. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as the first piece of evidence, highlighting that God's praise would eventually be sung among all nations, not just Israel.
Why does Paul emphasize 'mercy' specifically for the Gentiles? What does this highlight about their prior status and God's grace?
Paul connects the Gentiles glorifying God to His 'mercy.' Unlike the Jews, who had a history of covenant promises pointing to God's faithfulness, the Gentiles came to God based purely on His gracious, undeserved kindness. Their inclusion wasn't a matter of inherited right but a demonstration of God's boundless compassion. This wasn't an afterthought; it was part of God's eternal plan, revealed in Scripture.
Paul quotes Psalm 18 to show the Gentiles' place in God's plan. What's significant about David's words applying to non-Jews?
The Old Testament text from Psalm 18:49, 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name,' is powerfully re-contextualized by Paul. While David originally spoke these words about praising God among foreign nations, Paul sees in them a prophecy fulfilled in Christ. Christ, in His own person and through His redeemed people, actively praises God among the Gentiles. This means the praise and worship of God are no longer confined to one group but are meant to resound from all nations, demonstrating the unity of believers in Christ.
Understand the original words
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ethnos · Greek Noun
Refers to all nations and peoples other than the Jewish people; in the New Testament, it signifies those who were formerly outside the covenant of Israel but have been brought into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
eleos · Greek Noun
The compassion, kindness, or goodwill shown by God to those who are in misery or in need of salvation, despite their lack of merit. It is a central attribute of God that moves Him to act for the deliverance of His people.
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.
This verse highlights the fulfillment of ancient prophecies. God's plan, rooted in promises to Israel, always included mercy for the Gentiles, a truth Paul emphasizes by quoting King David's psalm, showing the long-held vision of inclusive praise.
c. 1000 BC
David's Reign and Psalm 18
King David, after facing numerous enemies and being delivered by God, composes Psalm 18. In this psalm, he expresses his praise to God and his intention to confess God's name even among the Gentile nations.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile
Many Israelites are deported to Babylon. This period marks a significant turning point, highlighting God's judgment but also setting the stage for future hope and restoration, including promises for the Gentiles.
c. 500 BC - 1st Century BC
Intertestamental Period
During the centuries between the Old and New Testaments, Jewish thought grappled with the prophecies concerning the Gentiles' inclusion in God's plan. This period saw varying interpretations and expectations.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Resurrection
Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, fulfills Old Testament prophecies, ministering to both Jews and Gentiles. His death and resurrection offer salvation to all who believe.
c. AD 40-60— this verse
Apostolic Ministry of Paul
The Apostle Paul actively preaches the Gospel to the Gentiles, facing opposition from some Jewish believers who question their inclusion. His ministry is key to establishing Gentile churches and articulating their place in God's plan.
This psalm is a direct call for all nations to praise God, echoing the sentiment that God's mercy extends beyond Israel and that Gentiles should join in glorifying Him.
Isaiah 11:10This prophecy foretells that the Messiah will arise as a banner for the nations, and in Him the Gentiles will find hope and seek Him, directly supporting the idea of Gentile glorification of God.
Deuteronomy 32:43This passage is a song that calls for the nations (Gentiles) to rejoice with God's people, highlighting God's justice and His plan to include Gentiles in His praise.
Psalm 18:49This is the very verse Paul quotes, showing David's intention to praise God among the Gentiles, which Paul reinterprets as Christ's future praise among and through the Gentiles.
ellicottRomans 15:9: "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
(9) For his mercy. —On account of His mercy. The Jews had their covenant to appeal to, and the attributes of God most clearly brought home to them in Christianity was His veracity in fulfilling the promises contained in this covenant. The Gentiles had no such covenant, and their admission to the blessings of Christianity was an…
jfbRomans 15:9: "And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name."
- that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy—A number of quotations from the Old Testament here follow, to show that God's plan of mercy embraced, from the first, the Gentiles along with the Jews.as it is written—(Ps 18:49).I will confess to—that is, glorifythee among the Gentiles.
The verse highlights that for the Gentiles, salvation is fundamentally an act of God's "mercy." Unlike the Jews, who had promises and a covenant to point to, the Gentiles enter into God's blessings purely through His unmerited kindness, a truth beautifully underscored by quoting scripture where the Psalmist declares he will praise God among the Gentiles. This points to a profound inclusivity where all, regardless of background, find their way to God through His grace and respond with praise.
Paul is building his argument that Jewish believers and Gentile believers must welcome each other fully in Christ. He's already shown how Christ himself unified them, and now he's providing Old Testament proof that God always intended to include the Gentiles in his plan of salvation. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as the first piece of evidence, highlighting that God's praise would eventually be sung among all nations, not just Israel.
Paul is building his argument that Jewish believers and Gentile believers must welcome each other fully in Christ. He's already shown how Christ himself unified them, and now he's providing Old Testament proof that God always intended to include the Gentiles in his plan of salvation. This verse, quoting Psalm 18, serves as the first piece of evidence, highlighting that God's praise would eventually be sung among all nations, not just Israel.
"and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles,
and sing to your name.” And again it says,
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And aga…" — The verse highlights that for the Gentiles, salvation is fundamentally an act of God's "mercy." Unlike the Jews, who had promises and a covenant to point to, the Gentiles enter into God's blessings p…
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Last reviewed October 2026