Romans 10:13

KJV

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G3956}{G1063} whosoever {G3739}{G302} shall call upon {G1941} the name {G3686} of the Lord {G2962} shall be saved {G4982}.

Complete Jewish Bible

since everyone who calls on the name of Adonai will be delivered.

Berean Standard Bible

for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

American Standard Version

for, Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:13 encapsulates the universal accessibility of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, declaring that anyone, regardless of background or ethnicity, who sincerely invokes the name of the Lord will experience God's saving power. This verse serves as a climactic summary of Paul's argument for righteousness by faith, emphasizing divine grace and the simplicity of the gospel message, while simultaneously affirming the divine identity of Jesus as the Lord to whom all must turn for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 10:13 is strategically placed within Paul's profound theological discourse on Israel's relationship to God's plan of salvation, particularly in chapters 9-11. Having established in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereignty and Israel") God's sovereign choice and the hardening of some Israelites, Paul shifts in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness by Faith") to articulate the path to righteousness available to all—both Jew and Gentile—through faith in Christ. This verse immediately follows Paul's declaration of the necessity of confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in one's heart for salvation ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief")). It also builds upon the preceding verses that highlight the equality of Jew and Gentile before God, as "there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him" ([Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Greek")). Verse 13, a direct quotation from [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - The Day of the Lord and Salvation"), serves as a powerful Old Testament confirmation of this universal principle, grounding Paul's New Testament theology in ancient prophecy.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. A significant tension existed regarding the place of the Mosaic Law and Jewish identity in the new covenant. Many Jewish Christians struggled to reconcile their heritage with the radical inclusivity of the gospel, while Gentile Christians sometimes misunderstood or disparaged Israel's historical role. Paul's argument in [Romans](/romans "The Book of Romans") seeks to bridge this divide by demonstrating that God's righteousness is revealed through faith in Christ, a path equally open to all. The concept of "calling upon the name of the Lord" would have resonated with both Jewish and Hellenistic audiences. In Jewish tradition, invoking God's name (YHWH) signified worship, dependence, and covenant relationship. In the broader Greco-Roman world, calling upon a deity was a common practice for seeking aid or protection. Paul masterfully recontextualizes this familiar concept, applying it to Jesus Christ and emphasizing its universal, salvific implications, thereby challenging exclusive ethnic claims to God's favor.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 10:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Romans and Paul's broader theology. Foremost is the **Universality of Salvation**, underscored by the term "whosoever," which breaks down all ethnic and social barriers to God's grace, aligning with Paul's consistent message that the gospel is for "everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Another crucial theme is **Righteousness by Faith**, contrasting with righteousness by works of the law, as Paul argues that salvation is not earned but received as a gift through belief and invocation of Christ's name ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The verse also powerfully asserts the **Divinity and Lordship of Jesus Christ**, as Paul applies an Old Testament prophecy about YHWH to Jesus, thereby identifying Jesus as the "Lord" (Greek: _Kyrios_) who holds ultimate authority and offers salvation. This theological move is central to Pauline Christology, establishing Jesus' co-equality with God the Father. Finally, the theme of **Accessibility of the Gospel** is prominent, highlighting that salvation is not complex or exclusive, but readily available to all who genuinely call upon the Lord.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Whosoever (Greek, _pâs'_ / _hós'_ / _án'_):** The KJV's "whosoever" translates a combination of Greek words (G3956 _pâs'_ "all, every, the whole"; G3739 _hós'_ "who, which, what, that"; G302 _án'_ "denoting a supposition, wish, possibility or uncertainty, often unexpressed except by the subjunctive"). Together, these particles powerfully convey absolute universality and indefiniteness. _Pâs'_ emphasizes "all" or "every" person without exception, while _hós'_ and _án'_ combine to form a relative pronoun with an indefinite force, meaning "whoever it may be." This combination unequivocally extends the promise of salvation to every single individual, regardless of their background, status, or previous actions, highlighting God's boundless grace and the non-discriminatory nature of the gospel.
* **Call upon (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This verb (G1941, middle voice from _epi_ and _kaléō_) means "to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)." It signifies more than a mere utterance; it implies an earnest, personal appeal, an invocation, or a turning to someone for help, protection, or recognition. In a religious context, it denotes an act of worship, an appeal to divine authority, and a humble reliance on the one being called upon. It suggests a public acknowledgment and a heartfelt turning to the Lord in faith, signifying a personal relationship and dependence.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** Derived from a root signifying "supremacy," _kýrios'_ (G2962) means "supreme in authority, i.e. (as noun) controller; by implication, Master (as a respectful title)." In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), _Kyrios_ is consistently used to translate the Hebrew divine name YHWH. By applying this title to Jesus in the context of a prophecy originally referring to YHWH ([Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - The Day of the Lord and Salvation")), Paul makes a profound theological statement about Jesus' divine identity and authority. For Paul, Jesus is the divine Lord, the one who possesses ultimate authority and to whom all must turn for salvation.
* **Saved (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This verb (G4982) means "to save, i.e. deliver or protect (literally or figuratively); heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole." In the context of the New Testament, _sṓzō'_ primarily refers to spiritual salvation—deliverance from sin, its penalty, and its power, leading to eternal life and reconciliation with God. It encompasses not only justification (being declared righteous) but also sanctification (being made holy) and ultimately glorification (final deliverance into God's presence). This comprehensive term signifies complete spiritual rescue and restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord":** This initial clause sets the universal scope and the required action for salvation. The introductory "For" (G1063 _gár_) indicates that this statement provides the reason or explanation for the preceding declaration about the Lordship of Christ and the equality of Jew and Gentile. "Whosoever" (G3956 _pâs_ G3739 _hós_ G302 _án_) emphatically asserts that the offer of salvation is open to every single person without exception, transcending all human distinctions. The phrase "shall call upon" (G1941 _epikaléomai_) implies a deliberate, conscious act of invocation, an earnest appeal, and a turning to. "The name of the Lord" (G3686 _ónoma_ G2962 _kýrios_) signifies the very person, character, and authority of God. To call upon "the name of the Lord" is to acknowledge Jesus as the divine _Kyrios_, to appeal to His authority, and to place one's trust and dependence entirely upon Him for salvation. This is an act of humble, sincere faith that recognizes one's need and God's sovereign provision in Christ.
* **"shall be saved":** This concluding clause states the definite and certain outcome of calling upon the Lord. The passive voice "shall be saved" (G4982 _sṓzō_) emphasizes that salvation is a divine act, something God does for the one who calls. It is not something earned by human effort but a gift graciously bestowed. "Saved" here encompasses a holistic deliverance: rescue from the penalty and power of sin, reconciliation with God, entry into His kingdom, and the promise of eternal life. It signifies a complete spiritual transformation and security, ensuring that all who genuinely invoke the Lord's name will receive the full benefits of His redemptive work.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:13 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Quotation**, as Paul directly cites [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - The Day of the Lord and Salvation"). This serves to ground his New Testament teaching in Old Testament prophecy, demonstrating continuity in God's redemptive plan and validating the universal scope of salvation. By applying a prophecy about YHWH to Jesus, Paul also employs **Typology** and **Christological Reinterpretation**, identifying Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations for the divine Lord. The phrase "whosoever" functions as a powerful **Universalizing Language**, removing all barriers and emphasizing the boundless inclusivity of God's grace. This stands in stark contrast to the exclusive tendencies sometimes associated with legalistic interpretations of the law. Finally, the concise, declarative nature of the verse, culminating in the promise "shall be saved," provides a sense of **Assurance** and **Clarity**, making the path to salvation straightforward and accessible to all who hear.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:13 stands as a cornerstone of the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith, echoing the fundamental truth that God's redemptive plan is not limited by human distinctions but is universally available. It underscores the profound theological shift from a system of law-based righteousness to one centered on faith in Christ. The verse powerfully asserts the divinity of Jesus by applying an Old Testament prophecy about YHWH to Him, thereby establishing His supreme authority as the sole source of salvation. This highlights the core Christian belief that Jesus is not merely a prophet or a good teacher, but the very Lord to whom all must turn for spiritual deliverance. The emphasis on "calling upon the name" signifies a personal, humble, and dependent act of faith, acknowledging one's need for God's intervention and surrendering to His saving power.

* [Acts 2:21](/acts/2-21 "Acts 2:21 - Peter's Sermon on Pentecost")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:13 offers profound assurance and a clear call to action for believers and seekers alike. For those who have already called upon the name of the Lord, it serves as a powerful reminder of the simplicity and certainty of their salvation, grounding their assurance not in their own works or merit, but in God's unfailing promise and Christ's finished work. This should inspire deep gratitude and confidence. For those who are yet to believe, the verse extends an open, unconditional invitation, removing all perceived barriers of worthiness, background, or past failures. It emphasizes that salvation is not a complex ritual or an arduous journey, but a simple, heartfelt act of turning to Jesus as Lord. This verse also serves as a foundational text for evangelism, empowering believers to share the gospel with boldness and clarity, knowing that God's saving grace is truly for "whosoever." It challenges us to examine the sincerity of our own "calling upon" – is it a genuine, dependent cry of faith, or merely a superficial acknowledgment?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways does the universality of "whosoever" challenge any exclusive or self-righteous tendencies in my own heart or in the church?**
* **What does "calling upon the name of the Lord" practically look like in my daily life, beyond an initial conversion experience?**
* **How does the certainty of "shall be saved" impact my assurance of salvation and my willingness to share the gospel with others?**

### FAQ

**What does "call upon the name of the Lord" actually mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: "Calling upon the name of the Lord" is more than just uttering words; it signifies a heartfelt, sincere act of faith, dependence, and surrender. Practically, it means acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, confessing one's sin, repenting, and placing complete trust in His atoning work on the cross for salvation. It implies a personal invocation, an appeal to His authority and saving power, and a commitment to follow Him. It is the outward expression of an inward belief, as described in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief"), where believing in the heart is linked to confessing with the mouth. It's the moment of personal decision to turn to God through Christ.

**Does "whosoever" truly mean absolutely anyone, regardless of their past or background?**

Answer: Yes, the term "whosoever" (Greek: _pâs_ / _hós_ / _án_) is intentionally universal and inclusive. Paul uses it to break down all ethnic, social, and moral barriers, emphasizing that God's offer of salvation is not limited to any specific group (like Jews) or based on human merit. Whether one is Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, male or female, saint or sinner, the promise of salvation applies equally to "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord." This aligns with other New Testament passages that highlight God's indiscriminate love and desire for all to be saved, such as [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World") and [1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:13 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is explicitly identified as "the Lord" in this passage. Paul's application of the Old Testament prophecy from [Joel 2:32](/joel/2-32 "Joel 2:32 - The Day of the Lord and Salvation"), which originally referred to YHWH, to Jesus unequivocally declares Jesus' divine identity and co-equality with God the Father. It is through Jesus, the incarnate Lord, that salvation becomes accessible to "whosoever." His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and glorious resurrection are the very foundation upon which anyone can "call upon His name" and be saved. He is the one who took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), the one by whom we are justified by faith ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")), and the one in whom "all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell" ([Colossians 1:19](/colossians/1-19 "Colossians 1:19 - Christ's Supremacy")). Thus, calling upon the name of the Lord is fundamentally calling upon the name of Jesus Christ, acknowledging His unique Lordship and His exclusive role as the savior of humanity, as there is "no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation Through Christ Alone")).

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

Acts 2:21

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Joel 2:32

And it shall come to pass, [that] whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.