Romans 10:14

KJV

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

KJV (with Strong's)

How {G4459} then {G3767} shall they call on {G1941} him in {G1519} whom {G3739} they have {G4100} not {G3756} believed {G4100}? and {G1161} how {G4459} shall they believe in {G4100} him of whom {G3739} they have {G191} not {G3756} heard {G191}? and {G1161} how {G4459} shall they hear {G191} without {G5565} a preacher {G2784}?

Complete Jewish Bible

But how can they call on someone if they haven’t trusted in him? And how can they trust in someone if they haven’t heard about him? And how can they hear about someone if no one is proclaiming him?

Berean Standard Bible

How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?

American Standard Version

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:14 is a series of profound rhetorical questions posed by the Apostle Paul, meticulously outlining the logical and divinely ordained progression necessary for individuals to embrace salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. It underscores the absolute indispensability of hearing the Gospel message, which, in turn, necessitates its authoritative proclamation by those commissioned to share it, thereby establishing a clear chain of spiritual cause and effect from preacher to hearer, to believer, to one who calls upon the Lord for salvation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically positioned within Paul's intricate theological discourse in [Romans chapters 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - Israel's Place in God's Plan"), where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. Specifically, [Romans chapter 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness by Faith for All") pivots to emphasize that salvation is universally accessible to all who believe, irrespective of their ethnic background. Paul contrasts Israel's pursuit of righteousness through adherence to the Law, which led them to stumble, with the righteousness that comes by faith, available to everyone ([Romans 10:3-4](/romans/10-3-4 "Romans 10:3-4 - Righteousness by Faith vs. Law")). The verses immediately preceding [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - The Chain of Salvation") articulate the core requirements for salvation: confession of Jesus as Lord and belief in His resurrection in one's heart ([Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief for Salvation")). This culminates in the powerful declaration of [Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Universal Call to Salvation"): "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Romans 10:14 then logically follows, explaining the necessary preconditions for this "calling upon the Lord."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was addressed to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The historical backdrop includes the ongoing tension between Jewish Christians, who often emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law, and Gentile Christians, who came to faith solely through grace. Paul's argument in Romans 9-11 directly addresses the Jewish people's historical relationship with God and their current state of unbelief regarding Christ. Culturally, the concept of a "herald" or "public crier" (which underlies the term "preacher") was well-understood in the ancient world. These individuals were official messengers who proclaimed important news or decrees on behalf of a king or authority, often with urgency and public fanfare. This cultural understanding lends weight to the authoritative and public nature of the Gospel proclamation Paul envisions.

* **Key Themes:** [Romans 10:14](/romans/10-14 "Romans 10:14 - The Essential Role of Proclamation") contributes significantly to several major theological themes within Romans and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it underscores **The Necessity of Proclamation**, making it clear that saving faith is not spontaneously generated but arises from hearing a specific message—the Gospel of Christ. This hearing, in turn, is contingent upon someone actively speaking or "preaching" that message. Secondly, the verse highlights **The Logical Progression of Salvation**, presenting a clear, divinely ordered chain: no preacher means no hearing; no hearing means no belief; no belief means no calling upon the Lord for salvation. This progression emphasizes the interconnectedness of divine initiative and human responsibility in the salvation process. Lastly, while situated within a discussion about Israel, the verse implicitly reinforces **God's Universal Plan for Salvation**, echoing the earlier declaration in [Romans 10:12](/romans/10-12 "Romans 10:12 - No Distinction Between Jew and Gentile") that "there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him." This universal accessibility is facilitated by the universal proclamation of the Gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **call on (Greek, _epikaléomai'_):** This verb signifies to "invoke for aid, worship, testimony, or decision." In the context of salvation, it means to appeal to God, specifically the Lord Jesus, for salvation and deliverance. It implies an act of dependence and recognition of His divine authority and saving power. This is not merely speaking a name, but a heartfelt cry of faith and surrender.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** To "have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing; to credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ)." This word denotes more than intellectual assent; it involves a deep personal trust, reliance, and commitment to the object of faith. In this verse, it refers to believing in Jesus Christ as the one who saves.
* **preacher (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** This term refers to one who "heralds (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)." A _kēryx_ (herald) was an official messenger who proclaimed a message publicly and authoritatively on behalf of a sovereign. This emphasizes that the Gospel is not merely advice or opinion, but a divine proclamation from God Himself, delivered by His appointed messengers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?"**: This opening rhetorical question establishes the first logical impossibility in the chain of salvation. It posits that a person cannot genuinely invoke or appeal to someone for salvation if they have not first placed their trust and faith in that person. Belief is the prerequisite for calling upon the Lord; one cannot call upon a Savior they do not believe exists or is capable of saving.
* **"and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?"**: The second question builds upon the first, demonstrating that belief itself is contingent upon prior knowledge. One cannot believe in someone or something of which they have no information or understanding. The object of faith, Jesus Christ, must be made known to the individual before faith can be exercised. This highlights the foundational role of revelation and information in the process of salvation.
* **"and how shall they hear without a preacher?"**: The final question completes the logical progression, revealing the ultimate necessity for the entire chain to begin. Hearing, which leads to belief, which leads to calling upon the Lord, cannot occur unless someone actively proclaims the message. The "preacher" (or herald) is the essential link, the divinely appointed means by which the message of Christ is delivered to those who need to hear it. Without this active proclamation, the entire process of salvation, as outlined by Paul, cannot commence.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:14 is masterfully crafted using several powerful literary devices. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, employed three times in rapid succession. Paul uses these questions not to elicit information, but to make a forceful assertion about the logical and divine order of salvation, compelling the reader to agree with the self-evident truth presented. This repetition of "How then shall they..." or "and how shall they..." also exemplifies **Anaphora**, where the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences creates emphasis and rhythmic impact, reinforcing the inescapable logic of Paul's argument. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Sorites** or **Chain Argument**, where a series of propositions are linked together, with the predicate of one becoming the subject of the next, leading to an inescapable conclusion. The chain is: no preacher → no hearing → no believing → no calling. This logical progression underscores the vital and non-negotiable role of the Gospel messenger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:14 profoundly articulates the divine economy of salvation, emphasizing that God, in His wisdom, has chosen to use human instruments to communicate His saving truth. While God is sovereign and could save in any manner, this verse reveals His chosen method: the proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores that faith is not a human invention but a response to divine revelation, which typically comes through the spoken or heard word. This places immense theological weight on the act of evangelism and missions, highlighting that the spread of the Gospel is not merely a human endeavor but a participation in God's redemptive plan. It also implies a profound responsibility for believers to ensure that the message reaches those who have not yet heard, for their salvation is intrinsically linked to this act of hearing.

* [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")
* [1 Corinthians 1:21](/1_corinthians/1-21 "1 Corinthians 1:21 - The Foolishness of Preaching")
* [Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - Beautiful Feet of Messengers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:14 serves as a powerful and urgent call to action for every believer today. If the pathway to salvation hinges on hearing the Gospel, and hearing depends on someone proclaiming it, then the responsibility to share this life-giving message falls squarely upon those who have already believed. This verse shatters any notion of passive faith, compelling us to recognize our indispensable role in God's redemptive plan for the world. It reminds us that our personal salvation is not an end in itself, but a catalyst for the salvation of others. Whether through direct evangelism, supporting missionaries, living a life that authentically embodies Christ's love, or simply sharing our personal testimony, every Christian is called to participate in making the message of Christ known. This verse ignites a passion for missions and evangelism, reminding us that countless souls depend on our willingness to be the "preacher" in their lives, ensuring they have the opportunity to hear, believe, and call upon the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways am I currently acting as a "preacher" in my sphere of influence, making the Gospel known to those who have not heard?**
* **What practical steps can I take to better equip myself to share the Gospel clearly and compellingly with others?**
* **How does my understanding of Romans 10:14 impact my commitment to supporting global missions and evangelistic efforts?**
* **If faith comes by hearing, what responsibility do I have to ensure that the "word of God" is accessible to those around me, whether through direct conversation or other means?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 10:14 mean that people who never hear the Gospel cannot be saved?**

Answer: Romans 10:14 strongly emphasizes the *normal* and *ordained* means by which God brings people to salvation: through the hearing of the Gospel message. The verse highlights the indispensable role of proclamation. While the Bible consistently teaches that salvation is found only through faith in Jesus Christ ([Acts 4:12](/acts/4-12 "Acts 4:12 - Salvation in No Other Name")), it also affirms God's justice and sovereignty. Theologians often discuss the concept of "general revelation" ([Romans 1:19-20](/romans/1-19-20 "Romans 1:19-20 - God's Revelation in Creation")), where God's existence and power are evident through creation, leaving all without excuse. However, general revelation alone does not provide the specific saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Therefore, while God's ultimate judgment is just and merciful, this verse underscores the urgent necessity of *special revelation*—the Gospel—being proclaimed so that people can hear, believe, and call upon the Lord for salvation. It does not definitively state the eternal fate of those who genuinely never hear, but it undeniably places the burden of responsibility on believers to ensure the message is heard.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment and purpose in Jesus Christ, for He is both the content of the message and the one who empowers the messengers. The "him" in whom people must believe and call upon is none other than the resurrected Lord Jesus. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the [only mediator between God and humanity](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator, Christ Jesus"). The message that must be heard is the "word of Christ" ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")), which is the good news of His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, offering forgiveness of sins and eternal life to all who believe. Moreover, the "preacher" is not merely an orator, but one sent by Christ Himself, participating in His ongoing mission to redeem humanity. Jesus gave the [Great Commission](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission") to His disciples, commanding them to "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations...". The very act of preaching the Gospel is a continuation of Christ's ministry, making His saving work known to a lost world, so that all might have the opportunity to confess Him as Lord and believe in their hearts, thereby experiencing the [righteousness that is by faith in Him](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ").

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

Mark 16:15

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

Mark 16:16

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.

Acts 26:17

Delivering thee from the people, and [from] the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee,

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, [and] to turn [them] from darkness to light, and [from] the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Titus 1:3

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

Hebrews 11:6

But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him]: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and [that] he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Acts 8:31

And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him.