Romans 10:12

KJV

¶ For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} there is {G2076} no {G3756} difference {G1293} between {G5037} the Jew {G2453} and {G2532} the Greek {G1672}: for {G1063} the same {G846} Lord {G2962} over all {G3956} is rich {G4147} unto {G1519} all {G3956} that call upon {G1941} him {G846}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That means that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile — Adonai is the same for everyone, rich toward everyone who calls on him,

Berean Standard Bible

For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him,

American Standard Version

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:12 powerfully articulates the universal accessibility of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, dismantling all ethnic and social distinctions. Paul declares that there is no preferential treatment between Jew and Greek in God's eyes, because the same sovereign Lord extends His boundless grace and provision to all who sincerely call upon Him for salvation, demonstrating His impartial love and abundant generosity to humanity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 10:12 is situated within Paul's profound discourse in Romans 9-11, where he grapples with the theological tension between God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles in His redemptive plan. Chapters 9 and 10 contrast Israel's pursuit of righteousness through adherence to the Law with the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, which is now available to all. Paul expresses deep sorrow over Israel's spiritual blindness and their failure to embrace Christ as the culmination of the Law for righteousness ([Romans 9:30-32](/romans/9-30-32 "Romans 9:30-32 - Israel's Pursuit of Righteousness")). He then emphasizes that Christ is indeed the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). Verse 12 serves as a crucial theological bridge, explicitly stating the removal of ethnic barriers to salvation, flowing directly from the preceding verses that establish faith as the sole means of righteousness, regardless of one's background.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the first century Roman world, the distinction between Jew and Gentile (represented by "Greek") was profound, deeply rooted in religious, cultural, and historical identity. Jews saw themselves as God's chosen people, set apart by the Law, circumcision, and covenant. Gentiles, particularly Greeks, represented the broader pagan world. This verse directly confronts this deeply entrenched divide, which was a significant point of contention and misunderstanding within the early Christian communities, especially in a diverse city like Rome. Paul's declaration of "no difference" was revolutionary, challenging centuries of social and religious stratification and asserting a radical equality within the new community of believers in Christ. It underscored the fact that God's redemptive work was not confined to one ethnic group but was breaking down the very barriers that had defined human societies.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Foremost is the **Universality of Salvation**, asserting that God's saving grace is not exclusive to any single nation or people group but is freely offered to all humanity. This theme is foundational to the gospel message and is powerfully echoed in passages like [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Greek in Christ") and [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All"). Another key theme is **God's Impartiality** or lack of favoritism, demonstrated by His equal treatment of all who seek Him, regardless of their background. This aligns with Peter's realization in [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God Shows No Partiality"). The verse also highlights the **Sovereignty and Sufficiency of Christ's Lordship**, as "the same Lord over all" is the source of this universal provision. Finally, it reinforces the theme of **Salvation by Faith**, emphasizing that the condition for receiving God's riches is to "call upon him," a simple yet profound act of trust and reliance on God, further elaborated in [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Calling on the Name of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **difference (Greek, _diastolḗ'_):** From G1293, meaning a "variation," "distinction," or "separation." Paul's emphatic declaration that there is "no difference" (οὐ διαστολή, _ou diastolḗ_) underscores the absolute removal of any basis for discrimination or preferential treatment in God's plan of salvation based on ethnic or cultural identity. It signifies that the previous covenantal distinctions between Jew and Gentile, which defined their relationship to God, are now rendered irrelevant for access to salvation in Christ.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** From G2962, meaning "supreme in authority," "controller," or "Master." This term, when applied to Jesus, signifies His divine authority and sovereignty. The phrase "the same Lord over all" asserts Christ's universal dominion, not just over Israel but over all humanity. It implies His singular authority as the one and only means of salvation, and that His Lordship transcends all human divisions.
* **rich (Greek, _ploutéō'_):** From G4147, meaning "to be (or become) wealthy" (literally or figuratively). When applied to God, as here, it speaks of His boundless generosity, immense resources, and overflowing grace. God's "riches" are not merely material, but encompass spiritual blessings, forgiveness, righteousness, eternal life, and every good gift provided through Christ. The present tense "is rich" emphasizes God's continuous and inexhaustible supply.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek:"** This opening clause serves as a powerful declaration of equality in God's redemptive economy. "Jew" represents those who were historically God's chosen people, recipients of the Law and the covenants. "Greek" functions as a synecdoche for all Gentiles, representing the broader non-Jewish world. Paul asserts that in the matter of salvation, God makes no distinction based on ethnic origin, religious heritage, or cultural background. The access to God's grace is equally available to both groups, dismantling centuries of division and privilege.
* **"for the same Lord over all"**: This phrase provides the theological basis for the preceding statement of equality. The "same Lord" refers to Jesus Christ, whose authority and dominion extend universally, "over all" people, regardless of their nationality or status. His singular Lordship means there is one standard, one mediator, and one source of salvation for everyone. This reinforces the idea that God's impartiality stems from the singular nature of His divine authority and redemptive plan.
* **"is rich unto all that call upon him."**: This final clause specifies the boundless nature of God's provision and the simple condition for receiving it. The Lord's "riches" denote His abundant grace, mercy, forgiveness, and every spiritual blessing. This immeasurable generosity is extended "unto all" people, reinforcing the universality. The crucial condition is "that call upon him," signifying an act of faith, repentance, and humble reliance on God for salvation. This "calling" is not merely an utterance but an expression of genuine trust and dependence, making salvation accessible to anyone who sincerely seeks it.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:12 employs several potent literary devices to convey its transformative message. **Antithesis** is central, starkly contrasting "Jew" and "Greek" to highlight the radical equality established in Christ. This opposition underscores the revolutionary nature of God's universal grace, breaking down deeply ingrained social and religious barriers. The phrase "no difference" uses **emphatic negation** to leave no room for misunderstanding or lingering prejudice regarding God's impartial love. Furthermore, the description of the Lord as "rich unto all" utilizes **hyperbole** and **metaphor** to convey the immeasurable and overflowing nature of God's grace and provision. This imagery evokes a sense of divine abundance, emphasizing that God's resources for salvation are limitless and freely given to all who seek Him, far surpassing any human expectation or merit.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse is a cornerstone of Pauline theology, articulating the profound truth of God's impartial love and the universal scope of His salvific plan. It underscores that the new covenant in Christ transcends the ethnic and legal distinctions of the old covenant, establishing a new humanity united in Him. The emphasis on "calling upon" the Lord highlights the personal nature of faith and the direct access afforded to every individual, regardless of their background, through Christ's atoning work. This truth dismantles any notion of national or racial superiority in the eyes of God, asserting that the ground at the foot of the cross is level for all. It speaks to the very heart of the gospel: God's grace is freely given, and salvation is by faith alone, for all who believe.

* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Unity in Christ")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "God Shows No Partiality")
* [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Calling on the Name of the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:12 is a liberating and unifying truth that calls believers to profound reflection and practical application. It shatters any lingering prejudices or elitism, reminding us that God's love and offer of salvation extend to every single person on earth, irrespective of their ethnicity, social standing, or past. This truth should ignite a passionate desire within us to share the gospel indiscriminately, knowing that the "riches" of God's grace are available to "all that call upon him." It also serves as a powerful call to unity within the body of Christ, urging us to embrace and celebrate the diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences among fellow believers, recognizing that we are all equally valued and loved by the same Lord. Our shared identity in Christ transcends all earthly distinctions, fostering a community where love, acceptance, and mutual respect prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, consciously or unconsciously, harbor distinctions or preferences that contradict God's impartial love for all people?**
* **How does the truth that "there is no difference" between Jew and Greek impact my approach to evangelism and my interactions with people from different backgrounds?**
* **What does it truly mean for me to "call upon" the Lord, and how consistently do I rely on His "riches" in my daily life?**
* **How can my local church better embody the "no difference" principle, fostering genuine unity and inclusivity among its members?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul specifically mention "Jew and Greek" as the primary distinction being overcome?**

Answer: Paul's specific mention of "Jew and Greek" (G1672 _Héllēn_) is highly significant because this represented the most fundamental and deeply entrenched divide in the first-century world, particularly in the context of salvation history. Jews were God's chosen people, set apart by the Law and covenant, while "Greek" was a common term used to encompass the broader Gentile world, representing all non-Jews. For centuries, the Jewish people had a unique relationship with God, and the idea that Gentiles could be equally included in salvation without first becoming proselytes to Judaism was a revolutionary concept. Paul's declaration in [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Difference Between Jew and Greek") directly addresses this historical and theological barrier, emphasizing that in Christ, God's saving grace is extended impartially to all humanity, transcending these former distinctions. This was a core tenet of the gospel Paul preached, as seen throughout his letters, particularly in [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - Christ Our Peace").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:12 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the "same Lord over all" who, through His life, death, and resurrection, broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down the Dividing Wall")). Before Christ, the Law created a distinction; now, Christ is the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). His sacrifice on the cross was not for one nation but for the sins of the whole world ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - Christ, the Propitiation for Our Sins")). Therefore, the "riches" God bestows upon "all that call upon him" are the immeasurable spiritual blessings secured by Christ's finished work: righteousness, forgiveness, adoption, and eternal life. In Him, there is truly "no difference," for Christ is "all, and in all" ([Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - Christ is All and in All")), making the way to God accessible to anyone, anywhere, who believes in His name and calls upon Him as Lord ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Philippians 4:19

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

Revelation 17:14

¶ These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him [are] called, and chosen, and faithful.

Romans 3:22

Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Psalms 86:5

For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.

Colossians 3:11

Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all.

Psalms 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.