Devine Scripture

Romans 10:16

What does Romans 10:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 10:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 10:16 means

Despite the beauty and necessity of the message, Paul affirms a hard truth: “They did not all hearken to the glad tidings.” Isaiah’s question, “Lord, who hath believed our report?” recognizes that unbelief meets even faithful proclamation. This reminder guards against naive expectations and blame-shifting. The problem is not the gospel’s weakness nor the messenger’s feet, but hardened hearts. Israel’s story illustrates this pattern, yet it does not nullify the promise to those who believe. Paul’s realism keeps us from despair: rejection was anticipated in Scripture, and God’s purposes continue through both belief and unbelief.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But they have not all given ear to the good news. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has had faith in our word?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But they were not all obedient to the good tidings, for Isaiah saith, `Lord, who did give credence to our report?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But all do not obey the gospel. For Isaias saith: Lord, who hath believed our report?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But they have not all obeyed the glad tidings. For Esaias says, Lord, who has believed our report?

Context

After praising gospel messengers (v. 15), verse 16 acknowledges that the message is not universally accepted, aligning with Isaiah’s experience. Verse 17 will state the principle that faith originates through hearing Christ’s word, maintaining confidence in God’s means even when results vary. Verses 18–21 will then probe whether Israel heard and knew, concluding that they did hear and were warned, yet remained disobedient. Thus, verse 16 tempers triumph with truth, preparing for sober reflection on Israel’s response.

v.15and how shall they preach, except they be sent? even as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad tidings of good things!

v.16This passage

v.17So belief cometh of hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 2:8

    but unto them that are factious, and obey not the truth, but obey unrighteousness, shall be wrath and indignation,

  • Romans 11:17

    But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;

  • Romans 3:3

    For what if some were without faith? shall their want of faith make of none effect the faithfulness of God?

  • Romans 16:26

    but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

  • Hebrews 4:2

    For indeed we have had good tidings preached unto us, even as also they: but the word of hearing did not profit them, because it was not united by faith with them that heard.

  • Hebrews 11:8

    By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed to go out unto a place which he was to receive for an inheritance; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

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