Romans 10 12

Romans 10:12 kjv

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

Romans 10:12 nkjv

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Romans 10:12 niv

For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile?the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,

Romans 10:12 esv

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him.

Romans 10:12 nlt

Jew and Gentile are the same in this respect. They have the same Lord, who gives generously to all who call on him.

Romans 10 verses

Romans 10 12 Meaning

Romans 10:12 unequivocally declares that there is no distinction based on ethnicity, particularly between Jews and Gentiles (represented by 'Greek'), concerning access to God's salvation and blessings. This equality stems from the singular and universal Lordship of Jesus Christ over all people. His divine resources, characterized as "riches," are lavishly bestowed upon anyone, irrespective of their background, who genuinely acknowledges and appeals to Him in faith. It is a powerful statement affirming God's inclusive grace under the New Covenant.

Romans 10 12 Context

Romans chapter 10 is part of a larger section (chapters 9-11) where the Apostle Paul grapples with the status of Israel in God's redemptive plan. Paul expresses his deep sorrow and fervent prayer for Israel's salvation, highlighting their zeal for God but noting it's not "according to knowledge" (Rom 10:2). They sought righteousness through the law, rejecting God's righteousness which is based on faith in Christ (Rom 10:3-4).

This verse, Romans 10:12, serves as a crucial theological bedrock for Paul's argument. He has just affirmed that "righteousness based on faith says... 'the word is near you... the word of faith that we proclaim'" (Rom 10:6-8), leading to the confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in His resurrection for salvation (Rom 10:9-10). Having established the accessibility of faith-righteousness, Paul then proclaims who this salvation is for. The historical and cultural context is vital: many Jews in Paul's time held that their covenantal relationship with God gave them an exclusive or primary claim to salvation, often looking down on Gentiles. Paul directly refutes this Jewish particularism by declaring absolute equality. The "Greek" here functions as a representative term for all Gentiles, making the point that Christ's Lordship and the offer of salvation transcend all ethnic, social, or religious divides that separate humanity.

Romans 10 12 Word analysis

• For there is no distinction (οὐ γὰρ ἔστιν διαστολὴ - ou gar estin diastolē):
  • `οὐ (ou)`: A strong negation, "no, not."
  • `διαστολὴ (diastolē)`: Means "a distinction, difference, separation." Paul uses it to emphasize that the prior dividing lines are completely obliterated. This reinforces earlier points in Romans 3:22-23 about all being under sin and all being justified by the same faith.
• between Jew and Greek (Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος - Ioudaiou te kai Hellēnos):
  • `Ἰουδαίου (Ioudaiou)`: Represents the Jewish people, God's chosen covenant nation. They had the Law, the prophets, the promises.
  • `Ἕλληνος (Hellēnos)`: Literally "Greek," but used idiomatically in the New Testament to signify Gentiles, those who are not Jewish. Together, "Jew and Greek" comprehensively encompasses all humanity. This counters any notion of an exclusive or privileged path to God.
• for the same Lord (ὁ γὰρ αὐτὸς Κύριος - ho gar autos Kyrios):
  • `αὐτὸς (autos)`: "the very same, selfsame." It stresses the singleness and identical nature of this Lord.
  • `Κύριος (Kyrios)`: "Lord, Master, Sovereign." In this context, it unequivocally refers to Jesus Christ. This term draws on the Septuagint's use of Kyrios to translate the Hebrew divine name YHWH, bestowing divine authority upon Jesus and signifying His universal reign.
• is Lord of all (πάντων Κύριος - pantōn Kyrios):
  • `πάντων (pantōn)`: "all, everyone, everything." This term is absolutely comprehensive. It underlines Christ's universal sovereignty, not limited to any one group, nation, or ethnicity. He has absolute claim and authority over every individual.
• abounding in riches (πλουτῶν εἰς πάντας - ploutōn eis pantas):
  • `πλουτῶν (ploutōn)`: "to be rich, abound in wealth or resources." This is an active participle, meaning the Lord is continually abounding. These "riches" are primarily spiritual and salvific – forgiveness, grace, mercy, righteousness, justification, eternal life, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and every spiritual blessing in Christ (Eph 1:3). It signifies His boundless generosity and infinite resources for blessing.
• for all who call on Him (τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν - tous epikaloumenous auton):
  • `τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους (tous epikaloumenous)`: "the ones calling upon, invoking." This is a present participle, indicating a continual action of calling upon or relying on. It's an active expression of faith, dependence, and prayer for salvation and help, linking directly to the promise in Joel 2:32, which Paul quotes in the next verse (Rom 10:13). This "calling" is not merely verbal but stems from a heart of faith.
  • `αὐτόν (auton)`: "Him" (referring to the Lord Jesus Christ).

Words-group analysis:

• "no distinction between Jew and Greek": This phrase fundamentally challenges the prevailing worldview of both Jews and Romans. For Jews, it meant letting go of a privileged ethnic status for salvation. For Gentiles, it meant access without first becoming a proselyte to Judaism. It establishes an absolute spiritual egalitarianism at the foot of the cross.
• "the same Lord is Lord of all": This clause provides the theological rationale for the abolition of distinctions. Since there is only one universal sovereign Lord, His domain and mercy cannot be restricted to a particular group. The singularity of the Lord implies a singular path to Him and a singular offer for all.
• "abounding in riches for all who call on Him": This part emphasizes the nature of God's universal generosity. The "riches" are not just sufficient but abundant, reflecting God's glorious nature. The condition "for all who call on Him" highlights that while the offer is universal, it requires an individual, active response of faith and dependence.

Romans 10 12 Bonus section

• Septuagint Echoes: The term Κύριος (Kyrios) for Jesus in this verse resonates powerfully with its use in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) where it translates the sacred Hebrew name YHWH. Paul deliberately uses this to attribute divine status and authority to Jesus, strengthening the argument that He is the singular, supreme Lord over all.
• Abolition of Jewish Pride: This verse directly confronts Jewish religious pride that stemmed from their covenantal lineage, the Law, and circumcision. It insists that these former distinctions are superseded by a new identity in Christ, where spiritual lineage (faith) is paramount.
• Inclusive Gospel Mandate: If there is "no distinction" in access to the Lord and His "riches," then there can be no distinction in the proclamation of the Gospel. This verse serves as a robust theological basis for global missionary efforts, ensuring that the message is shared with every nation, tribe, people, and tongue.
• The Nature of "Riches": It is crucial to understand that the "riches" mentioned are not primarily material wealth. Paul consistently uses "riches" in his epistles (e.g., Eph 1:7, Eph 2:7, Phil 4:19) to denote the immense spiritual benefits and inexhaustible resources found in Christ—God's abundant grace, mercy, glory, and all spiritual blessings leading to salvation and sanctification.

Romans 10 12 Commentary

Romans 10:12 is a foundational statement of Christian universalism regarding access to salvation, dismantling human-made barriers and pointing to God's all-encompassing grace. Paul firmly asserts that ethnic or religious background holds no bearing on one's standing before God; Jew and Gentile stand on equal ground in their need for a Savior and their capacity to receive Him. This equality is rooted in the single identity and absolute sovereignty of Jesus Christ as "Lord of all." His Lordship is not limited to a select group but extends to all humanity. Consequently, His boundless "riches"—spiritual blessings like grace, mercy, forgiveness, and eternal life—are made freely available to everyone who demonstrates active faith by calling upon Him. The call to the Lord is an act of humble reliance, making a sincere appeal for rescue and recognizing His authority and provision. This verse motivates universal evangelism by assuring that the Gospel's message is for every person, and God's saving power is accessible to anyone who seeks Him with a believing heart.