Romans 10 1

Romans 10:1 kjv

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

Romans 10:1 nkjv

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:1 niv

Brothers and sisters, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:1 esv

Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.

Romans 10:1 nlt

Dear brothers and sisters, the longing of my heart and my prayer to God is for the people of Israel to be saved.

Romans 10 verses

Romans 10 1 Meaning

Romans 10:1 conveys the apostle Paul's deep affection and earnest desire for the spiritual salvation of his ethnic kinsmen, the people of Israel. Despite the discussions of God's sovereign choice in the preceding chapter, Paul expresses his heartfelt prayer to God that Israel might come to believe in Christ and thus experience salvation. It highlights a tension, not a contradiction, between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, demonstrating that fervent intercession for the lost is always a proper Christian response.

Romans 10 1 Context

Romans 10:1 stands as a bridge between two crucial sections in Paul's letter to the Romans concerning God's dealing with Israel. Chapter 9 primarily addresses God's sovereign choice and election, explaining that not all descendants of Abraham are part of the true Israel by God's choice (e.g., Isaac chosen over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau), thus addressing the objection that God's faithfulness to His covenant promises has failed because most of Israel has rejected Jesus. Chapter 10 then shifts focus to Israel's human responsibility and culpability in rejecting the Messiah, specifically their pursuit of righteousness through law instead of faith. Chapter 11 completes the theological arc by reiterating God's enduring covenant love for Israel, asserting that God has not permanently cast them away and will ultimately bring about their national restoration and salvation. Romans 10:1 introduces this shift to human responsibility, demonstrating that despite the sovereign election discussed in chapter 9, Paul maintains an earnest and compassionate desire for the individual and collective salvation of his people, indicating that their unbelief is not an irreversible decree. The historical context in Rome includes the presence of both Jewish and Gentile believers, leading to potential tensions and misunderstandings regarding God's purposes for Israel. Paul seeks to clarify God's unified plan of salvation through faith in Christ for all.

Romans 10 1 Word analysis

• Brethren (Greek: adelphoi):
  • Significance: This term universally addresses fellow believers in Christ, demonstrating Paul's immediate bond and shared faith with his Roman audience, composed of both Jews and Gentiles. It shows a familial address, setting a tone of intimacy and shared concern.
• My heart's desire (Greek: hē men eudokia tēs emēs kardias):
  • Word Analysis:
    • Eudokia: "Good pleasure," "good will," "earnest desire." It suggests a strong, settled benevolent inclination, often attributed to God's will (e.g., in Luke 2:14 concerning peace "among those with whom He is pleased"). When used by Paul, it signifies his deepest and most positive disposition.
    • Kardias: "Heart," the core of one's being, encompassing will, emotions, and intellect.
  • Significance: Paul's sentiment is not superficial but flows from his inner essence. It is a profound, God-aligned yearning for their good, similar to God's own benevolent pleasure towards humanity's salvation. It echoes the intense anguish expressed in Rom 9:1-3.
• and my prayer (Greek: kai hē deēsis mou):
  • Word Analysis:
    • Deēsis: "Petition," "earnest entreaty," specifically a request stemming from a perceived need or want. It indicates active supplication to God.
  • Significance: This phrase elevates Paul's desire from mere emotion to a spiritual act of intercession. It's not just a wish but a petition directed to God. This combines the human responsibility to pray with divine will and possibility. It also shows the importance of active prayer even when discussing divine sovereignty.
• to God for Israel (Greek: pros ton theon hyper tou Israēl):
  • Word Analysis:
    • Pros ton theon: "To God." Clear direction of the prayer.
    • Hyper tou Israēl: "On behalf of Israel."
    • Israēl: The ethnic nation descended from Jacob. In Romans, it frequently refers to physical Israel, distinct from a spiritual remnant or Gentile believers.
  • Significance: This precisely identifies the recipient of the prayer (God) and the object of the prayer (ethnic Israel). It confirms Paul's deep national identification and concern for his physical lineage. It also underscores that Israel's situation (their unbelief) is not outside the scope of God's concern or the power of prayer. This emphasis on "Israel" immediately reminds the reader of the ongoing discussion from Romans chapter 9.
• is that they may be saved (Greek: eis sōtērian):
  • Word Analysis:
    • Eis sōtērian: "For salvation," "unto salvation." The desired outcome.
    • Sōtēria: "Salvation," encompassing spiritual deliverance from sin, reconciliation with God, and entrance into eternal life through Christ. It is a comprehensive term for God's gracious deliverance.
  • Significance: This states the ultimate purpose of Paul's desire and prayer. It is spiritual salvation, available through faith in Jesus the Messiah. This desire for "salvation" implies that currently, "Israel" (the majority, as a nation) is not saved, at least in a spiritual sense Paul advocates. This highlights the practical need for their repentance and faith, despite any theological discussions of election or historical failure. It reinforces that while God chooses, individuals must respond to enter into this salvation.

Romans 10 1 Bonus section

This verse encapsulates a crucial tension within Pauline theology: the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility. While Romans 9 outlines God's sovereign choices in electing a remnant, Romans 10, beginning with this verse, emphasizes that unbelief is due to Israel's human will and lack of submitting to God's righteousness by faith. Paul’s earnest prayer for "salvation" for all Israel (as a whole people group) reinforces the biblical principle that human intercession is an effective means God uses to bring about His will and desired outcomes for people, including spiritual regeneration. This demonstrates that God's electing purpose does not remove human accountability or the believer's obligation to evangelize and pray for the lost. It stands as a testament to Paul's Christ-like compassion and provides an example for believers to possess a passionate, prayerful burden for the lost.

Romans 10 1 Commentary

Romans 10:1 beautifully expresses Paul's profound pastoral heart and unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of his kinsmen. Coming on the heels of chapter 9's intricate theological exploration of divine sovereignty and election, this verse re-centers the discussion on human responsibility and the indispensable role of prayer. Paul's "heart's desire and prayer to God" is not a mere platitude but a genuine, heartfelt, and earnest intercession (deēsis). This personal earnestness demonstrates that divine election (as discussed in chapter 9) does not negate or lessen the necessity and validity of prayer for those who are unsaved. It indicates that salvation is still attainable for all individuals within Israel through faith in Christ, aligning with God's desire for all people to come to saving knowledge (1 Tim 2:4). Paul’s own passion for their salvation serves as a model for all believers, urging constant intercession for those who have not yet believed, regardless of their background. It underscores the belief that even when people seem hardened in their unbelief, God hears and acts through persistent, fervent prayer, emphasizing that individual belief is a choice made within the context of God's overarching plan.