Devine Scripture

Romans 10:21

What does Romans 10:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 10:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 10:21 means

Paul ends with a poignant citation about Israel: “All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.” God is pictured as patiently, persistently inviting, while Israel remains resistant and argumentative. The fault lies not with God’s willingness but with Israel’s refusal. The image of outstretched hands underscores divine compassion and endurance, even in the face of contradiction. This closing lament matches Paul’s heart in verse 1 and highlights the tragedy of unbelief. Yet it also hints at hope: the God who keeps His hands extended is not quick to abandon His people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But about Israel he says; All the day my hands have been stretched out to a people whose hearts were turned away, and who put themselves against my word.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and unto Israel He saith, `All the day I did stretch out My hands unto a people unbelieving and gainsaying.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But to Israel he saith: All the day long have I spread my hands to a people that believeth not and contradicteth me.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But unto Israel he says, All the day long I have stretched out my hands unto a people disobeying and opposing.

Context

This final verse concludes the chapter’s explanation of Israel’s present unbelief. After affirming the universality of salvation in Christ (vv. 4, 9–13) and the necessity of proclamation (vv. 14–17), Paul shows from Scripture that Israel’s resistance was foreseen and that God’s stance is one of patient appeal. The stage is thus set for the next discussion about Israel’s future, while within this chapter the point stands: righteousness is by faith for all, and Israel’s unbelief is neither due to God’s failure nor contrary to His ancient word.

v.20And 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.

v.21This passage

Cross references

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

  • Deuteronomy 31:27

    For I know thy rebellion, and thy stiff neck: behold, while I am yet alive with you this day, ye have been rebellious against Jehovah; and how much more after my death?

  • Proverbs 1:24

    Because I have called, and ye have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man hath regarded;

  • 1 Peter 2:8

    and, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence; for they stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

  • Matthew 23:34

    Therefore, behold, I send unto you prophets, and wise men, and scribes: some of them shall ye kill and crucify; and some of them shall ye scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city:

  • Nehemiah 9:26

    Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their back, and slew thy prophets that testified against them to turn them again unto thee, and they wrought great provocations.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:16

    forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

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