Romans 10:17

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

So then faith [cometh] by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So trust comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through a word proclaimed about the Messiah.

Berean Standard Bible:

Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

American Standard Version:

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

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So then^{G686} faith^{G4102} cometh by^{G1537} hearing^{G189}, and^{G1161} hearing^{G189} by^{G1223} the word^{G4487} of God^{G2316}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17 is a verse that succinctly captures the Apostle Paul's teaching on the origin of faith. In the broader context of Romans 10, Paul is discussing the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles concerning salvation and the role of faith in Christ. This verse, "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God," emphasizes that faith is not innate but is sparked when individuals encounter the message of the Gospel.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the early expansion of Christianity. During this time, the early Christian community was grappling with questions of inclusion and the means of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles. Paul, in his letter to the Romans, addresses these issues by affirming that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ, which is accessible to all who hear and believe the message preached.

The themes of Romans 10:17 include the primacy of faith, the necessity of hearing the Gospel, and the power of God's word to produce faith in the hearts of listeners. Paul underscores that faith does not arise from human effort or achievement but is a response to the divine initiative presented in Scripture. This verse also highlights the importance of preaching and proclaiming God's word, as it is through this process that individuals are given the opportunity to exercise faith and enter into a relationship with God through Christ.

In summary, Romans 10:17 encapsulates the essence of Christian soteriology (the study of salvation) by asserting that faith is essential for salvation and that such faith is born out of an encounter with the word of God, which must be shared and heard for its life-giving power to be effective.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G686
   There are 51 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἄρα
   Transliteration: ára
   Pronunciation: ar'-ah
   Description: probably from αἴρω (through the idea of drawing a conclusion); a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows):--haply, (what) manner (of man), no doubt, perhaps, so be, then, therefore, truly, wherefore. Often used in connection with other particles, especially γέ or οὖν (after) or εἰ (before). Compare also ἆρα.
   
2. Strong's Number: G4102
   There are 228 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: πίστις
   Transliteration: pístis
   Pronunciation: pis'-tis
   Description: from πείθω; persuasion, i.e. credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of God or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon Christ for salvation; abstractly, constancy in such profession; by extension, the system of religious (Gospel) truth itself:--assurance, belief, believe, faith, fidelity.
   
3. Strong's Number: G1537
   There are 761 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἐκ
   Transliteration: ek
   Pronunciation: ex
   Description: a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause; literal or figurative; direct or remote):--after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.
   
4. Strong's Number: G189
   There are 83 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἀκοή
   Transliteration: akoḗ
   Pronunciation: ak-o-ay'
   Description: from ἀκούω; hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard):--audience, ear, fame, which ye heard, hearing, preached, report, rumor.
   
5. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
6. Strong's Number: G1223
   There are 580 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: διά
   Transliteration: diá
   Pronunciation: dee-ah'
   Description: a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional):--after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause) … fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through(-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general importance.
   
7. Strong's Number: G4487
   There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ῥῆμα
   Transliteration: rhēma
   Pronunciation: hray'-mah
   Description: from ῥέω; an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever:--+ evil, + nothing, saying, word.
   
8. Strong's Number: G2316
   There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θεός
   Transliteration: theós
   Pronunciation: theh'-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).