New International VersionFor such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people.
New Living TranslationSuch people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people.
English Standard VersionFor such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Berean Standard BibleFor such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Berean Literal BibleFor such do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
King James BibleFor they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
New King James VersionFor those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.
New American Standard BibleFor such people are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
NASB 1995For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
NASB 1977For such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own appetites; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
Legacy Standard BibleFor such men are slaves, not of our Lord Christ but of their own stomach, and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
Amplified BibleFor such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites and base desires. By smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting [the innocent and the naive].
Christian Standard Biblebecause such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.
Holman Christian Standard Biblefor such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites. They deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting with smooth talk and flattering words.
American Standard VersionFor they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.
Contemporary English VersionThey want to serve themselves and not Christ the Lord. Their flattery and fancy talk fool people who don't know any better.
English Revised VersionFor they that are such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and fair speech they beguile the hearts of the innocent.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationPeople like these are not serving Christ our Lord. They are serving their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive unsuspecting people.
Good News TranslationFor those who do such things are not serving Christ our Lord, but their own appetites. By their fine words and flattering speech they deceive innocent people.
International Standard Versionbecause such people are not serving the Messiah our Lord, but their own desires. By their smooth talk and flattering words they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting.
NET BibleFor these are the kind who do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of the naive.
New Heart English BibleFor those who are such do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
Weymouth New TestamentFor men of that stamp are not bondservants of Christ our Lord, but are slaves to their own appetites; and by their plausible words and their flattery they utterly deceive the minds of the simple. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleGreet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the saints with them.
World English BibleFor those who are such don’t serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless.
Berean Literal BibleFor such do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.
Young's Literal Translation for such our Lord Jesus Christ do not serve, but their own belly; and through the good word and fair speech they deceive the hearts of the harmless,
Smith's Literal TranslationFor such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by specious language and praise completely deceive the hearts of the innocent. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor they that are such, serve not Christ our Lord, but their own belly; and by pleasing speeches and good words, seduce the hearts of the innocent.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor ones such as these do not serve Christ our Lord, but their inner selves, and, through pleasing words and skillful speaking, they seduce the hearts of the innocent.
New American BibleFor such people do not serve our Lord Christ but their own appetites, and by fair and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
New Revised Standard VersionFor such people do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the simple-minded. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor those who are such do not serve our LORD Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by smooth words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple people.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishFor those who are such are not serving our Lord Yeshua The Messiah, but their own belly, and with sweet words and with blessings they deceive the hearts of the pure. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor such serve not our Lord Christ, but their own appetites; and, by good words and fair speeches, they deceive the hearts of the simple.
Godbey New TestamentFor such do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own stomach; and through fair speeches and eulogies deceive the hearts of the innocent.
Haweis New TestamentFor such are not servants to our Lord Jesus Christ, but to their own belly; and by smooth speeches and flattering commendations deceive the hearts of the guileless.
Mace New Testamentfor such as these serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own selfishness; and by flourish and flattery, deceive the open-hearted simple.
Weymouth New TestamentFor men of that stamp are not bondservants of Christ our Lord, but are slaves to their own appetites; and by their plausible words and their flattery they utterly deceive the minds of the simple.
Worrell New TestamentFor those who are such are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own belly; and, through their kind words and flattering speeches, they beguile the hearts of the simple.
Worsley New Testamentand avoid them; for such people serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by a soothing address and good words deceive the hearts of the innocent.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Avoid Divisions17Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who create divisions and obstacles that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Turn away from them. 18Forsuch peopleare notservingourLordChrist,buttheirownappetites.Bysmooth talkandflatterythey deceivetheheartsof thenaive.19Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil.…
Cross References Philippians 3:18-19For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. / Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and their glory is in their shame. Their minds are set on earthly things.
2 Peter 2:1-3Now there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. / Many will follow in their depravity, and because of them the way of truth will be defamed. / In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.
Matthew 7:15Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves.
2 Corinthians 11:13-15For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
Galatians 1:6-7I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— / which is not even a gospel. Evidently some people are troubling you and trying to distort the gospel of Christ.
2 Timothy 3:1-5But understand this: In the last days terrible times will come. / For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, / unloving, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, without love of good, ...
Jude 1:4For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed—ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.
1 John 4:1Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. For many false prophets have gone out into the world.
Colossians 2:8See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, which are based on human tradition and the spiritual forces of the world rather than on Christ.
Titus 1:10-11For many are rebellious and full of empty talk and deception, especially those of the circumcision, / who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not.
1 Timothy 6:3-5If anyone teaches another doctrine and disagrees with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with godly teaching, / he is conceited and understands nothing. Instead, he has an unhealthy interest in controversies and disputes about words, out of which come envy, strife, abusive talk, evil suspicions, / and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
Jeremiah 23:16This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the prophets who prophesy to you. They are filling you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the LORD.
Ezekiel 13:10Because they have led My people astray, saying, ‘Peace,’ when there is no peace, and whitewashing any flimsy wall that is built,
Isaiah 30:10They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions.
Micah 3:5This is what the LORD says: “As for the prophets who lead My people astray, who proclaim peace while they chew with their teeth, but declare war against one who puts nothing in their mouths:
Treasury of Scripture For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. serve. Matthew 6:24 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. John 12:26 If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him willmy Father honour. Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. but. 1 Samuel 2:12-17,29 Now the sons of Eliwere sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD… Isaiah 56:10-12 His watchmenare blind: they are all ignorant, theyare all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber… Ezekiel 13:19 And will ye pollute me among my people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die, and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to my people that hearyour lies? by. 2 Chronicles 18:5,12-17 Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them, Shall we go to Ramothgilead to battle, or shall I forbear? And they said, Go up; for God will deliverit into the king's hand… Isaiah 30:10,11 Which say to the seers, See not; and to the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits: … Jeremiah 8:10,11 Therefore will I give their wives unto others,and their fields to them that shall inheritthem: for every one from the least even unto the greatest is given to covetousness, from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely… the simple. Romans 16:19 For your obedience is come abroad unto allmen. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORDis perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORDis sure, making wise the simple. Psalm 119:130 The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. Jump to Previous AppetitesBeguileBellyBondservantsChristDeceiveEvilFairFlatteringGoodHarmlessHeartsInnocentJesusPlausibleServantsServeServingSimpleSimple-MindedSlavesSmoothSpeechSpeechesStampStomachsTalkTrickedWordsJump to Next AppetitesBeguileBellyBondservantsChristDeceiveEvilFairFlatteringGoodHarmlessHeartsInnocentJesusPlausibleServantsServeServingSimpleSimple-MindedSlavesSmoothSpeechSpeechesStampStomachsTalkTrickedWordsRomans 16 1.Paul wills the brothers to greet many;17.and advises them to take heed of those which cause dissension and offenses;21.and after various salutations ends with praise and thanks to God.For such people are not serving our Lord ChristThis phrase addresses individuals within the church who are not genuinely committed to Christ's teachings. Historically, the early church faced challenges from false teachers and divisive individuals, as seen in other New Testament writings (e.g., 2 Peter 2:1, Jude 1:4). These people often sought personal gain rather than the advancement of the Gospel. The phrase underscores the importance of discernment within the Christian community, as Jesus warned about false prophets in Matthew 7:15. but their own appetites
The term "appetites" refers to selfish desires and personal ambitions. In a cultural context, the Greco-Roman world was characterized by a pursuit of personal honor and status, which could infiltrate the church. This phrase echoesPhilippians 3:19, where Paul speaks of those whose "god is their stomach," indicating a focus on earthly desires rather than spiritual truths. It serves as a warning against prioritizing personal gain over spiritual integrity. By smooth talk and flattery
This phrase highlights the methods used by deceptive individuals to manipulate others. In the ancient world, rhetoric and persuasive speech were highly valued skills, often used to sway public opinion. The Bible frequently warns against being misled by eloquent but deceitful speech, as seen inProverbs 26:28 andColossians 2:4. The emphasis here is on the seductive nature of such speech, which can lead believers away from sound doctrine. they deceive the hearts of the naive
The "naive" refers to those who are unsuspecting or lacking in discernment. In biblical terms, the heart is often seen as the center of one's being, encompassing mind, will, and emotions. Deception of the heart implies a deep level of manipulation, affecting one's core beliefs and values. This warning is consistent with other scriptural admonitions to guard one's heart (Proverbs 4:23) and to be vigilant against spiritual deception (Ephesians 5:6). The phrase serves as a call to maturity and wisdom in the faith. Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Romans, providing guidance and warnings to the early Christian church in Rome. 2. The Roman ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a diverse group of believers in Rome facing various challenges, including false teachings. 3. False TeachersIndividuals within the church who are misleading believers by serving their own desires rather than Christ. 4. The NaiveBelievers who are susceptible to deception due to a lack of discernment or maturity in their faith. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipBelievers must be vigilant and discerning about who they follow, ensuring that leaders are serving Christ and not their own interests. Guarding Against DeceptionChristians should be rooted in Scripture and sound doctrine to protect themselves from being misled by smooth talk and flattery. The Importance of Spiritual MaturityGrowing in faith and understanding is crucial to avoid being naive and easily deceived. The Role of CommunityEngaging in a strong, biblically grounded community can provide accountability and support in recognizing and resisting false teachings. Self-ExaminationBelievers should regularly examine their own motives and desires to ensure they align with serving Christ rather than personal appetites. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Romans 16:18?
2.How can we identify those who "serve their own appetites" in the church?
3.What practical steps guard against being deceived by "smooth talk and flattery"?
4.How does Romans 16:18 connect with warnings in Matthew 7:15-20?
5.Why is discernment crucial for maintaining unity within the Christian community?
6.How can we encourage others to "avoid" those causing divisions and obstacles?
7.How does Romans 16:18 warn against false teachers within the church?
8.What does Romans 16:18 reveal about human susceptibility to deception?
9.How can believers discern smooth talk and flattery mentioned in Romans 16:18?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 16?
11.What is the Bible's view on flattery?
12.What does the Bible say about sowing discord?
13.What does 'speak life' mean?
14.What does the Bible say about church conflict?What Does Romans 16:18 Mean For such peoplePaul has just identified those “who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way contrary to the teaching you have learned” (Romans 16:17). That crowd—like the “false prophets” Jesus warned about inMatthew 7:15 and the “savage wolves” foreseen inActs 20:29-30—are insiders who appear spiritual yet undermine gospel truth.
Are not serving our Lord ChristNo matter how religious they sound, Paul says their service is not to Jesus. True service means yielding to His Word and will (John 14:23;Colossians 3:24). As Jesus declared, “No one can serve two masters” (Matthew 6:24). Their allegiance is elsewhere.
But their own appetitesWhat actually drives them is “their own appetites.”Philippians 3:18-19 describes people “whose god is their belly,” whileTitus 1:11 notes some “teach things they should not, for the sake of dishonest gain.” Desire for money, power, or applause becomes the real deity they worship.
By smooth talk and flatterySelf-focused leaders rely on charm. “A flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:28), yet they peddle empty compliments and polished pitches. Paul refused such tactics (1 Thessalonians 2:5); these people embrace them, masking selfish motives behind pleasing words.
They deceive the heartsTheir rhetoric reaches the inner person, reshaping loyalties until error feels plausible. “The serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness” (2 Corinthians 11:3), and similar deceit “deludes with persuasive argument” (Colossians 2:4). The danger is deeply spiritual, not merely intellectual.
Of the naiveThose most vulnerable are the inexperienced or undiscerning.Proverbs 14:15 notes that “the simple believes every word,” whileHebrews 5:14 urges believers to mature so they can “distinguish good from evil.” Spiritual gullibility is cured by grounding in sound doctrine and practiced discernment.
summaryRomans 16:18 exposes teachers who look Christian but serve only themselves. Their smooth speech hides selfish motives, leading unsuspecting hearts astray. Staying anchored in clear doctrine and wholehearted devotion to Christ is the sure defense against their subtle, destructive influence. (18) Their own belly.--Compare the description in Philippians 3:18-19, where the Apostle is also denouncing certain persons who made "a god of their belly." It is not, however, quite clear that the class of persons intended is precisely the same. There the Apostle is condemning Antinomian extravagances which professed to be based on his own teaching; here he would seem to have in view some more radical divergence of doctrine, "contrary to" that which they had learned. Selfish indulgence is unfortunately a common goal, to which many diverse ways of error will be found to lead. By good words and fair speeches.--The difference, perhaps, is between "insinuating" or "specious" address, and "fine phrases" in a rhetorical sense. Simple.--Literally,guileless. Those who have no evil intentions themselves, and do not readily suspect others of them. Verses 18-20. - For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly (cf. Philippians 3:18, 19). Had St. Paul thought these people sincere though mistaken, he would doubtless have treated them with the tenderness he shows towards the weak brethren. But he regards them as self-interested, and of the flesh; and against such disturbers of the Church's peace he is, here as elsewhere, indignant (el. Galatians 1:7, 8; Galatians 2:4; Galatians 3:1; Galatians 5:11, 12). In speaking of them as serving, or being slaves to, their own belly, it cannot be concluded certainly that he attributed to them habits of sensuality. He may only mean that it is the gratification of the lower part of their nature that they have in view; and there may be allusion to the motive of such persons being the desire of eating and drinking at the cost of the Churches. In 'The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles' (alluded to under Romans 12:6, seq.) the desire to live without working at the cost of the Church is set down as one of the marks of a false apostle or a false prophet. And by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple (rather, innocent, or harmless. So the word ἄκακος is translated in Hebrews 7:26. It is different from ἀκέραιος in ver. 19, though the Authorized Version makes no difference). For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. This is apparently adduced as a reason for his exhorting them to beware of those seducers, with a confidence that they will not be seduced by them, ver. 19 being thus dependent on ver. 17. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, but simple ( ἀκεραίους) concerning evil. And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.such peopleτοιοῦτοι(toioutoi)Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5108:(including the other inflections); from toi and houtos; truly this, i.e. Of this sort (to denote character or individuality).{are} notοὐ(ou)Adverb
Strong's 3756:No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.servingδουλεύουσιν(douleuousin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1398:To be a slave, be subject to, obey, be devoted. From doulos; to be a slave to.ourἡμῶν(hēmōn)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.LordΚυρίῳ(Kyriō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962:Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.Christ,Χριστῷ(Christō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547:Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.butἀλλὰ(alla)Conjunction
Strong's 235:But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.theirἑαυτῶν(heautōn)Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.[own]τῇ(tē)Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.appetites.κοιλίᾳ(koilia)Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2836:From koilos; a cavity, i.e. the abdomen; by implication, the matrix; figuratively, the heart.Byδιὰ(dia)Preposition
Strong's 1223:A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.smooth talkχρηστολογίας(chrēstologias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5542:A kind address; in a bad sense: plausible speaking. From a compound of chrestos and lego; fair speech, i.e. Plausibility.andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.flatteryεὐλογίας(eulogias)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 2129:Adulation, praise, blessing, gift.they deceiveἐξαπατῶσιν(exapatōsin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1818:To deceive thoroughly. From ek and apatao; to seduce wholly.theτὰς(tas)Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.heartsκαρδίας(kardias)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 2588:Prolonged from a primary kar; the heart, i.e. the thoughts or feelings; also the middle.of theτῶν(tōn)Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.naive.ἀκάκων(akakōn)Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 172:Innocent, guileless, simple. Not bad, i.e. innocent or unsuspecting.
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NT Letters: Romans 16:18 For those who are such don't serve (Rom. Ro) |
