Romans 10 8

Romans 10:8 kjv

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Romans 10:8 nkjv

But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith which we preach):

Romans 10:8 niv

But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim:

Romans 10:8 esv

But what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart" (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim);

Romans 10:8 nlt

In fact, it says, "The message is very close at hand;
it is on your lips and in your heart."
And that message is the very message about faith that we preach:

Romans 10 verses

Romans 10 8 Meaning

Romans 10:8 asserts that the path to righteousness, revealed through God's word, is not distant or obscure, but readily accessible to humanity. It cites Deuteronomy 30:14 to highlight that the "word" — which Paul identifies as "the word of faith" or the gospel message concerning Christ — is "near you," both in your belief ("in your heart") and in your confession ("in your mouth"). This means that salvation by faith in Jesus Christ is a clear, openly proclaimed truth available for all to embrace, requiring inward conviction and outward acknowledgment rather than arduous physical feats or intellectual quests.

Romans 10 8 Context

Romans chapter 10 is nestled within Paul's broader discussion of God's saving plan, particularly concerning Israel's present unbelief (chapters 9-11). In chapter 9, Paul addresses God's sovereign choice, but in chapter 10, he pivots to human responsibility. He expresses his heart's desire for Israel's salvation (v. 1), acknowledging their zeal for God but noting that it lacked true knowledge, leading them to pursue a self-made righteousness through the Law instead of embracing God's righteousness by faith in Christ (vv. 2-3).

Paul establishes that Christ is "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" (v. 4). He then contrasts two ways of seeking righteousness: that which is "from the Law" and that which is "from faith." Romans 10:8 is Paul's inspired re-interpretation and application of an Old Testament text (Dt 30:14) to clarify the nature of righteousness by faith. It directly counters any notion that achieving a right standing with God requires extraordinary human effort—like ascending to heaven to bring Christ down, or descending to the abyss to raise Him from the dead (vv. 6-7). Instead, it sets the stage for the climactic declaration in verses 9-10 that salvation comes through internal belief and outward confession of Jesus as Lord.

Romans 10 8 Word analysis

• But what does it say? (Ἀλλὰ τί λέγει; - Alla ti legei?)
  • This is a rhetorical question, characteristic of Paul's style, used to introduce a biblical citation or a truth already established in scripture. It invites the reader to consider the explicit declaration of God's word, setting the stage for the powerful reinterpretation that follows.
• "The word" (τὸ ῥῆμα - to rhema)
  • Here, rhema signifies a spoken word, a specific utterance or declaration, contrasting with logos, which often refers to a broader concept, reason, or an entire message. In this context, it refers to the living, active message or declaration from God concerning salvation.
• "is near you" (ἐγγύς σου ἐστίν - engys sou estin)
  • This phrase emphasizes the accessibility and readiness of the "word." It contrasts directly with the arduous, humanly impossible feats of ascending to heaven or descending to the abyss mentioned in the preceding verses. It conveys that the truth needed for salvation is not remote, hidden, or difficult to obtain but is within grasp.
• "in your mouth" (ἐν τῷ στόματί σου - en tō stomati sou)
  • Signifies outward expression, declaration, or confession. It indicates that belief is not merely a private, internal matter but is intended to be voiced. This is crucial for the public affirmation of faith and its witness to the world.
• "and in your heart" (καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου - kai en tē kardia sou)
  • Refers to inward conviction, genuine belief, and deep understanding. In biblical thought, the "heart" is the seat of intellect, will, emotion, and moral discernment. This phrase denotes sincere, profound assent and trust, distinguishing true faith from mere intellectual acknowledgment or ritualistic observance.
• "that is, the word of faith" (τοῦτ᾽ ἔστιν τὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως - tout' estin to rhema tēs pisteōs)
  • This is Paul's interpretive gloss, clarifying what rhema (word) he is referring to in the Old Testament quote. He identifies the "word" from Deuteronomy 30:14 not simply as the Mosaic Law, but specifically as the gospel message which centers on and evokes faith in Jesus Christ. This "word of faith" is the proclamation of how salvation is granted through belief. It means the message about faith.
• "which we are proclaiming" (ὃ κηρύσσομεν - ho kēryssomen)
  • Emphasizes the active and public declaration of this "word of faith." Kēryssomen (proclaiming) relates to a herald or messenger making a public announcement. It highlights the role of evangelism and apostolic ministry in making this accessible message known to the world, making the once-distant truth "near" to hearers.

Romans 10 8 Bonus section

Paul's use of Deuteronomy 30:14 in Romans 10:8 is a brilliant example of Christological hermeneutics. He does not misuse the Old Testament passage, but rather extracts its underlying principle—that God's saving way is accessible—and applies it to the new covenant reality in Christ. For Paul, the ultimate fulfillment of the accessibility of God's will is found in the "word of faith" in Christ, which truly makes righteousness "near" to all people, bypassing the impossible demands of the Law pursued for self-righteousness. This illustrates the continuity and progression within God's single, unfolding plan of salvation, from the Law pointing to a more accessible way, to Christ providing it. The "word of faith" itself signifies not a type of magical incantation or self-generated power of faith, but refers to the content of the gospel message which requires faith for reception.

Romans 10 8 Commentary

Romans 10:8 stands as a profound declaration of the simplicity and accessibility of salvation through faith. Paul masterfully reinterprets Deuteronomy 30:14, shifting its immediate context from the accessibility of God's Law to the even greater accessibility of salvation through the gospel. He challenges the notion that obtaining righteousness requires human exertion, merit, or some secret, mystical knowledge. Instead, he asserts that the "word of faith" – the good news about Jesus Christ and His saving work – is not a hidden mystery to be painstakingly sought out, nor a lofty achievement to be ascended to.

It is "near you," universally available to anyone who hears it proclaimed. This nearness is manifested in two crucial aspects: it's in your "mouth" (confession) and in your "heart" (belief). These two elements are intrinsically linked, demonstrating that true faith involves both internal conviction and outward expression. The belief in the heart must manifest in the confession of the mouth (as explicitly stated in Rom 10:9-10). The message of the gospel is simple enough to be declared and received by all who are willing. This verse undercuts legalistic self-righteousness by emphasizing grace through faith and rebukes despair over the perceived distance of God by asserting His saving presence through His word.

Practical application:

• This verse reassures believers that salvation is not a complex formula or an elite spiritual path but a direct response to a clear message.
• It highlights the importance of gospel proclamation; the "word of faith" must be actively "proclaimed" so that it can be "near" people.
• It reinforces the integrity of faith, emphasizing that it involves both sincere internal belief and open verbal commitment.