Devine Scripture

Romans 10:20

What does Romans 10:20 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 10:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 10:20 means

Paul calls Isaiah “very bold” for declaring that God was found by those who did not seek Him and became manifest to those who did not ask for Him. This describes God’s surprising mercy to the Gentiles. Their coming to know God was not due to prior pursuit but to His self-revelation. Grace takes the initiative. The emphasis magnifies God’s sovereignty in salvation and exposes any presumption of entitlement. Those once far off are brought near, not by their merit but by God’s revealing Himself in the gospel of Christ, which confers knowledge and life where none was being sought.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And Isaiah says without fear, Those who were not searching for me made discovery of me; and I was seen by those whose hearts were turned away from me.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Isaiah is very bold, and saith, `I was found by those not seeking Me; I became manifest to those not inquiring after Me;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Isaias is bold, and saith: I was found by them that did not seek me. I appeared openly to them that asked not after me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Esaias is very bold, and says, I have been found by those not seeking me; I have become manifest to those not inquiring after me.

Context

Following Moses’ prediction (v. 19), Isaiah’s bold word confirms that God would be found by those outside Israel who were not seeking. This sets a contrast with verse 21, where Israel is depicted as disobedient despite God’s persistent outreach. Together, verses 19–21 show that Gentile inclusion and Israel’s resistance were both foretold. This does not end the story, but in this chapter it serves to explain the present unbelief without impugning God’s faithfulness or the universality of the gospel call.

v.19But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

v.20This passage

v.21But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 20:16

    So the last shall be first, and the first last.

  • Isaiah 55:4

    Behold, I have given him for a witness to the peoples, a leader and commander to the peoples.

  • 1 John 4:19

    We love, because he first loved us.

  • Isaiah 52:15

    so shall he sprinkle many nations; kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they understand.

  • Ephesians 6:19

    and on my behalf, that utterance may be given unto me in opening my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel,

  • Proverbs 28:1

    The wicked flee when no man pursueth; But the righteous are bold as a lion.

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