Romans 10 16

Romans 10:16 kjv

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

Romans 10:16 nkjv

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "LORD, who has believed our report?"

Romans 10:16 niv

But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"

Romans 10:16 esv

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?"

Romans 10:16 nlt

But not everyone welcomes the Good News, for Isaiah the prophet said, "LORD, who has believed our message?"

Romans 10 verses

Romans 10 16 Meaning

The verse states that not all Israel has obeyed the Gospel. Despite this disobedience, the people who have obeyed are contrasted with those who haven't. The core message is about the varied responses to the Gospel message within the nation of Israel.

Romans 10 16 Context

This verse appears within Paul's extensive discussion in Romans chapters 9-11 regarding God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles in salvation. Paul is addressing the apparent paradox of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel while many Israelites rejected Jesus Christ, the Messiah. He affirms that not every physical descendant of Abraham is part of God's true Israel. He highlights that a remnant within Israel always believed, while the majority, like in past instances, hardened their hearts. This leads into his explanation of how Gentiles could be brought into God's favor through faith, while many Jews were excluded due to unbelief. The chapter also discusses Israel's zeal and their stumbling over Christ, setting up this verse to differentiate between those who obeyed and those who did not.

Romans 10 16 Word Analysis

• "Ōs" (ὣς):

  • "As" or "so." This is an adverb of manner, indicating a similarity or comparison.
  • Significance: It highlights that Israel's situation with the Gospel is analogous to their past experiences with disobedience and its consequences.

• "GAR" (γάρ):

  • "For." A conjunction that introduces a reason or explanation.
  • Significance: It explains why the following statement is true, connecting it to a preceding idea or truth.

• "Ouk" (οὐκ):

  • "Not." A strong negation.
  • Significance: It unequivocally denies that all members of ethnic Israel have submitted to the Gospel.

• "PANTES" (πάντες):

  • "All." An indefinite pronoun referring to the entirety of a group.
  • Significance: Emphasizes the totality of the group (Israel) being discussed. The denial applies to every single person within that group.

• "ISRAËL" (Ἰσραήλ):

  • "Israel." Refers to the nation descended from Jacob (also named Israel).
  • Significance: Here, it primarily refers to the ethnic, national entity of Israel. Paul distinguishes this from a spiritual Israel of faith.

• "TĒS" (τῆς):

  • "The." The definite article.
  • Significance: Specifies which Israel is being referred to—the well-known nation.

• "HYPAKOË" (ὑπακοῆς):

  • "Obedience." Derived from "hypo" (under) and "akoē" (hearing). Literally, "to hear under" or to listen attentively, submitting to what is heard.
  • Significance: This is obedience that comes from faith and submission to God's word, specifically the Gospel message. It's not mere outward conformity but an internal yielding.

• "TOU" (τοῦ):

  • "The." The definite article.

• "EUAGGELIOU" (εὐαγγελίου):

  • "Gospel." Literally, "good message" or "good news."
  • Significance: The message of salvation through Jesus Christ. The "obedience of the Gospel" means believing and submitting to this message.

• Word Group Analysis:

  • "Ouk Pantes Israël" (οὐκ πάντες Ἰσραήλ): "Not all Israel." This group highlights a crucial distinction Paul makes throughout Romans 9-11. It's not a rejection of national Israel in its entirety but an acknowledgement that belonging to the physical lineage does not automatically guarantee inclusion in God's redemptive plan. This is echoed in OT prophecies speaking of a remnant.
  • "Hypakoë tou euaggeliou" (ὑπακοῆς τοῦ εὐαγγελίου): "Obedience of the Gospel." This phrase is key. Obedience here is the fruit of faith, not a prerequisite for salvation. It's the response of submission to the truth of the Gospel message—believing, repenting, and following Christ. This links salvation to a hearing and heeding the divine message.

Romans 10 16 Bonus Section

The concept of "obedience of the Gospel" can sometimes be misunderstood as works-based salvation. However, in Pauline theology, especially here and in Romans 1:5, it signifies the obedience that stems from faith itself. It's a life surrendered to the truth received through the Gospel. This concept is a continuation of the Old Testament theme of heeding God's commands, but now focused on the core command to believe in Jesus. The context shows this verse as a foundational point leading to the discussion of Gentile inclusion and Israel's future restoration. Paul’s argument builds upon the established pattern of God's dealings with Israel where disobedience led to judgment and faithfulness to a remnant.

Romans 10 16 Commentary

The verse articulates a clear reality within the nation of Israel concerning their reception of the Gospel. Paul states that not all who were ethnically Israelite believed in Jesus Christ as their Messiah. This lack of universal belief among the chosen people underscores the principle that divine election is not solely based on physical descent, but on faith and obedience to God's revealed will, which is the Gospel. True Israel, in God's eyes, is the people of faith, encompassing both believing Jews and Gentiles. Israel as a whole nation did not obey the Gospel of Jesus, leading to their temporary hardening and the inclusion of Gentiles. Yet, within Israel, there were those who did believe and obey, forming the spiritual remnant. This truth is essential for understanding God's relationship with humanity, where individual response to the Gospel determines one's inclusion in God's salvific plan. It confirms that mere affiliation with God's people does not guarantee salvation; personal submission to the Gospel message is paramount.