Devine Scripture

Romans 10:1

What does Romans 10:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 10:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 10:1 means

Paul begins with a pastoral heartbeat, revealing that his deepest longing and ongoing prayer to God is for Israel’s salvation. He is not detached or bitter toward his people; he intercedes for them. This shows that right doctrine does not cool love but fuels earnest prayer. Salvation, as he frames it, is a gift God must give, so he asks God to grant it. By starting here, Paul reminds readers that the subject is not an abstract argument but the eternal rescue of real people, and that even when others resist the gospel, believers should persist in praying for their good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Brethren, my heart’s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Brethren, the pleasure indeed of my heart, and my supplication that <FI>is<Fi> to God for Israel, is--for salvation;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Brethren, the will of my heart, indeed and my prayer to God is for them unto salvation.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Brethren, the delight of my own heart and my supplication which [I address] toGod for them is for salvation.

Context

This opening sets the tone for the chapter. After presenting God’s purposes and Israel’s situation, Paul speaks personally and tenderly. Verses 2–3 will explain why Israel remains unsaved—zeal without true knowledge, and a refusal to submit to God’s righteousness. Verse 4 will then declare Christ as the goal and culmination of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. Thus verse 1 frames the whole discussion: Paul’s theology comes wrapped in love and prayer, aiming at Israel’s genuine salvation.

v.1This passage

v.2For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 13:34

    O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her own brood under her wings, and ye would not!

  • 1 Samuel 15:11

    It repenteth me that I have set up Saul to be king; for he is turned back from following me, and hath not performed my commandments. And Samuel was wroth; and he cried unto Jehovah all night.

  • Exodus 32:10

    now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation.

  • Jeremiah 17:16

    As for me, I have not hastened from being a shepherd after thee; neither have I desired the woeful day; thou knowest: that which came out of my lips was before thy face.

  • Romans 9:1

    I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

  • 1 Samuel 12:23

    Moreover as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against Jehovah in ceasing to pray for you: but I will instruct you in the good and the right way.

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