Romans 10:17

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:17 serves as a foundational declaration by the Apostle Paul, succinctly articulating the divine mechanism through which saving faith is ignited and sustained. It posits that faith does not arise from human ingenuity or inherent spiritual capacity, but rather is a direct consequence of "hearing" a message, specifically the authoritative and life-giving "word of God." This verse underscores the indispensable role of divine revelation and its proclamation as the catalyst for belief, emphasizing that God has ordained a specific means for humanity to come into a saving relationship with Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 10:17 functions as the culminating statement in Paul's impassioned argument concerning Israel's rejection of the gospel and God's sovereign plan for salvation, encompassing both Jews and Gentiles. Preceding this verse, Paul establishes the universal availability of salvation through faith in Christ ([Romans 10:9-13](/romans/10-9-13 "Romans 10:9-13 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation")). He then poses a series of rhetorical questions in [Romans 10:14-15](/romans/10-14-15 "Romans 10:14-15 - The Necessity of Preaching the Gospel"), logically demonstrating that for people to call on the Lord, they must believe; to believe, they must hear; to hear, someone must preach; and for someone to preach, they must be sent. Verse 17 thus provides the definitive answer to this chain of reasoning, affirming that the entire process of coming to faith hinges on the reception of God's proclaimed word. It connects the "sending" of preachers directly to the "hearing" that produces faith, thereby completing the theological circle.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's letter to the Romans was written to a diverse church in the heart of the Roman Empire, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. A significant tension existed regarding the place of the Law, Israel's election, and the inclusion of Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. In [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Sovereignty and Israel's Future"), Paul addresses these complex theological issues, asserting that God's righteousness is revealed through faith, not through adherence to the Law. The cultural backdrop includes the pervasive influence of Roman polytheism and emperor worship, contrasting sharply with the monotheistic claims of Christianity. Furthermore, the Jewish understanding of covenant and election, often tied to ethnic lineage and ritual observance, is challenged by Paul's emphasis on faith as the universal pathway to salvation, accessible to all who hear and believe the gospel. This context highlights the revolutionary nature of the gospel message and the essential role of its clear proclamation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes found throughout Romans and Paul's broader theology. It underscores the **divine initiative in salvation**, emphasizing that faith is not a human achievement but a response to God's self-revelation. It highlights the **centrality of the gospel message** as the means by which God accomplishes His saving purposes, echoing Paul's declaration in [Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel") that the gospel "is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes." The verse also reinforces the **necessity of proclamation**, linking directly to the Great Commission and the missionary imperative to spread the "good news" ([Romans 10:15](/romans/10-15 "Romans 10:15 - How Beautiful Are the Feet of Those Who Preach")). Finally, it speaks to the **authority and efficacy of God's Word**, presenting it not merely as information but as a dynamic, living entity capable of transforming hearts and minds, consistent with the themes of God's powerful word seen elsewhere in Scripture, such as in [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Living and Active Word of God").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** From the root meaning "persuasion," this term signifies not merely intellectual assent but a profound moral conviction and reliance upon religious truth, particularly the truthfulness of God and the saving work of Christ. In this context, it refers to the active trust and commitment to Jesus Christ for salvation, which is the result of God's revelation.
* **hearing (Greek, _akoḗ'_):** This word carries a dual meaning, referring both to the act of hearing (the physical reception of sound) and, crucially, to the message or report that is heard. In Romans 10:17, the latter sense is predominant, emphasizing that faith comes from the specific content of the message proclaimed. It is not just any hearing, but the hearing of a particular, divine message.
* **word (Greek, _rhēma'_):** While the more common Greek term for "word" is _logos_ (λόγος), which often denotes a broader concept of divine reason or the eternal Word (as in [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")), _rhēma_ specifically refers to a spoken utterance, a declaration, or a specific saying. Its use here underscores that faith is generated by the specific, articulated, and proclaimed message of God, often through preaching, rather than a general concept of divine truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So then faith cometh by hearing":** This clause establishes a direct causal link between the act of "hearing" and the emergence of "faith." The Greek particle _ára_ (G686, "so then") indicates a logical conclusion drawn from the preceding arguments in [Romans 10:14-16](/romans/10-14-16 "Romans 10:14-16 - The Necessity of Preaching and Hearing"). Faith is not an innate human capacity that spontaneously arises, nor is it conjured through sheer willpower. Instead, it is presented as a consequence, a spiritual impartation that occurs when one is exposed to and receives a specific message. The preposition _ek_ (G1537, "by" or "out of") denotes origin, signifying that faith proceeds *from* hearing, implying that hearing is the essential conduit or source from which faith springs forth.
* **"and hearing by the word of God":** This second clause clarifies and specifies the nature of the "hearing" that produces faith. The conjunction _dé_ (G1161, "and") connects the two parts, reinforcing the progression. The preposition _diá_ (G1223, "by" or "through") indicates the channel or means. It is not just any hearing, but hearing that is specifically "through the word of God" (_rhēma Theou_). This is the crucial qualification: the message that generates saving faith is not human philosophy, cultural wisdom, or personal opinion, but the divinely inspired, authoritative, and proclaimed revelation of God. This emphasizes the unique and indispensable role of God's specific utterance—the gospel—as the ultimate source and content of the faith that saves.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs a clear **causal chain** or **logical progression** in this verse, linking "hearing" to "faith" and then specifying the content of that hearing as "the word of God." This creates a tightly reasoned argument that builds upon the rhetorical questions posed earlier in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness from God"). The repetition of "hearing" (Greek _akoḗ_) serves as a form of **anaphora** or **repetition for emphasis**, underscoring its pivotal role as the necessary medium. The contrast implied between human-generated belief and divinely-originated faith, facilitated by God's word, functions as a subtle **antithesis**, highlighting the unique power of divine revelation. The verse itself acts as a **summary statement** or **conclusion**, encapsulating the essence of Paul's argument regarding the means of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:17 stands as a cornerstone of Christian theology, asserting that faith, the very means of salvation, is not a self-generated human endeavor but a divine gift mediated through the proclamation of God's authoritative word. This principle underscores the active role of God in initiating salvation through His revelation and the indispensable role of the Church in faithfully declaring that revelation. It establishes the intrinsic link between divine truth and human response, emphasizing that genuine faith is always rooted in an objective, external message from God, rather than subjective experience or human wisdom. This verse champions the necessity of evangelism and the ongoing importance of engaging with Scripture for the nurturing and strengthening of faith.

* [John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing and Believing Leads to Eternal Life")
* [1 Corinthians 1:21](/1_corinthians/1-21 "1 Corinthians 1:21 - The Folly of Preaching")
* [Ephesians 2:8](/ephesians/2-8 "Ephesians 2:8 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:17 is not merely a theological statement but a profound call to action and a source of deep assurance. For the unbeliever, it clarifies the pathway to salvation: faith comes through hearing the gospel. This means that encountering the truth of God's word, particularly the good news of Jesus Christ, is the divinely appointed means for spiritual awakening. For the believer, it underscores the ongoing necessity of immersing oneself in Scripture. Just as initial faith comes by hearing, so too is faith sustained and strengthened by continued engagement with the "word of God"—through reading, studying, meditating, and hearing it preached. This verse also provides a powerful mandate for evangelism and missions, reminding us that if people are to believe, they must first hear, and for them to hear, someone must be sent to proclaim. It challenges us to be both diligent hearers and faithful proclaimers of the life-giving word.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that faith "comes by hearing" influence your approach to sharing the Gospel with others?**
* **In what ways do you actively engage with "the word of God" to nurture and strengthen your own faith?**
* **Considering that "hearing" implies reception and understanding, what steps can you take to ensure you are truly listening to and internalizing God's word?**
* **How does this verse challenge the idea that faith is purely a subjective feeling or an intellectual exercise divorced from divine revelation?**

### FAQ

**Does "hearing" in Romans 10:17 refer only to physical hearing, or does it imply something deeper?**

Answer: While physical hearing is the initial point of contact, the term "hearing" (Greek _akoḗ_) in [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing") implies much more than just sound waves reaching the ear. It refers to the reception, comprehension, and internalizing of the message. It's about an active engagement with the content of the "word of God," leading to understanding and a response of belief. This is evident in how Paul uses the term elsewhere, such as in [Galatians 3:2](/galatians/3-2 "Galatians 3:2 - The Spirit Received by Hearing with Faith"), where he speaks of receiving the Spirit "by the hearing of faith," indicating a receptive and believing hearing.

**What is the "word of God" specifically referring to in this context?**

Answer: In [Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing"), the "word of God" (Greek _rhēma Theou_) primarily refers to the gospel message—the good news about Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the salvation offered through Him. While the broader concept of God's revealed truth (His entire written word, the Bible) is certainly included, the immediate context of [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness from God") emphasizes the preached message of salvation. It is the specific utterance or declaration of God's saving activity in Christ that serves as the content of the "hearing" that produces faith.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living "Word of God" and the very content of the message that brings forth faith. The "hearing" that leads to faith is fundamentally the hearing of the gospel, which is the message about Christ. As [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") declares, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us," identifying Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God. Therefore, when we hear the "word of God" proclaimed, we are hearing about the one who perfectly embodies God's truth and saving purpose. Faith comes by hearing the good news that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life" ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World")). The power of this message lies not in human eloquence, but in the divine authority of Jesus, who is "the way, and the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). Thus, Romans 10:17 points directly to Christ as both the source and substance of the saving faith it describes, highlighting that true faith is always faith *in Him*.

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

Galatians 3:2

This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Galatians 3:5

He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, [doeth he it] by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

1 Thessalonians 2:13

¶ For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Colossians 3:16

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

Luke 11:28

But he said, Yea rather, blessed [are] they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

Mark 4:24

And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.

Luke 8:21

And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.