Romans 10:8

KJV

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, [even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} what {G5101} saith it {G3004}? The word {G4487} is {G2076} nigh {G1451} thee {G4675}, even in {G1722} thy {G4675} mouth {G4750}, and {G2532} in {G1722} thy {G4675} heart {G2588}: that is {G5123}, the word {G4487} of faith {G4102}, which {G3739} we preach {G2784};

Complete Jewish Bible

What, then, does it say?

“The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart.” —

that is, the word about trust which we proclaim, namely,

Berean Standard Bible

But what does it say? “The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart,” that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:

American Standard Version

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:8 encapsulates Paul's profound argument for the accessibility of salvation through faith, contrasting it with the futility of seeking righteousness through the Law. Drawing from Deuteronomy, Paul declares that the "word of faith"—the gospel message—is not distant or elusive but intimately near, residing in both the believer's mouth for confession and their heart for genuine belief, forming the core of the message proclaimed by apostles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 10 forms a crucial part of Paul's extended discourse on God's righteousness and Israel's relationship to it, following his lament over Israel's spiritual blindness in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereignty and Israel's Rejection"). In [Romans 10:1-4](/romans/10-1-4 "Romans 10:1-4 - Israel's Zeal Without Knowledge"), Paul expresses his heartfelt desire for Israel's salvation, identifying their fundamental error: pursuing righteousness through the Law rather than through Christ. He then contrasts two paths to righteousness, one based on Law and the other on faith. [Romans 10:5](/romans/10-5 "Romans 10:5 - Righteousness by Law") describes the righteousness of the Law, quoting Moses, while [Romans 10:6-7](/romans/10-6-7 "Romans 10:6-7 - Righteousness by Faith") introduces the righteousness of faith, which does not require human effort to bring Christ down from heaven or up from the dead. Verse 8, therefore, serves as the positive declaration of this accessible, faith-based righteousness, setting the stage for the explicit connection between belief and confession in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers, and his letter addresses the tension between those who emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law and those who understood salvation as a gift received through faith in Christ. For Jewish readers, the concept of the Law being "nigh" would immediately evoke [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Law is Near"), where Moses declared God's commandments were not beyond reach but intimately known. Paul's reapplication of this passage to the "word of faith" was a radical theological move, challenging the prevailing Jewish understanding that righteousness was attained through meticulous observance of the Torah. This reinterpretation underscored the new covenant reality, where salvation was not a matter of ethnic privilege or legalistic performance but a universal offer based on faith, accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it highlights the **Accessibility of Salvation**, emphasizing that God's plan for righteousness is not hidden or difficult, but readily available to anyone who believes. This contrasts sharply with the human tendency to seek righteousness through works, a theme Paul develops extensively from [Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Cannot Justify") onwards, where he states that "by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight." Secondly, the verse underscores the **Nature of Righteousness by Faith**, explicitly labeling the message as "the word of faith." This reiterates the core Pauline doctrine that justification comes through trust in Christ, not through human merit, as articulated in [Romans 1:17](/romans/1-17 "Romans 1:17 - The Righteousness of God Revealed"). Finally, the phrase "in thy mouth, and in thy heart" introduces the theme of **Inward Belief and Outward Confession**, laying the groundwork for the subsequent verses that detail the essential components of salvation: heartfelt belief leading to public confession, as seen in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **nigh (Greek, _engýs'_):** From a primary verb meaning "to squeeze or throttle," this word signifies proximity, being "near," "at hand," or "close." In Romans 10:8, it emphatically conveys the immediate availability and accessibility of the "word of faith," contrasting it with a distant or unattainable truth. It suggests that the gospel is not something to be sought through arduous journeys or profound intellectual effort, but is already present and within reach.
* **mouth (Greek, _stóma'_):** Literally referring to the physical opening in the face, "mouth" here is used by implication to signify "language" and "speech." In the context of Romans 10:8, it points to the outward, verbal expression or confession of belief. This is crucial as it connects internal conviction with external declaration, a theme further developed in the subsequent verse regarding confessing Jesus as Lord.
* **heart (Greek, _kardía'_):** While literally referring to the anatomical organ, "heart" in biblical usage, and specifically here, figuratively represents the core of a person's being—their thoughts, feelings, will, and intellect. It denotes the seat of genuine internal belief, moral conviction, and spiritual understanding. For Paul, true faith begins in the heart, signifying a sincere, internal acceptance of the gospel's truth.
* **word (Greek, _rhēma'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to flow" or "to speak," _rhēma_ refers to an "utterance," a "spoken word," or a "matter/topic." Distinct from _logos_ (which can refer to a broader concept or divine reason), _rhēma_ emphasizes the specific, dynamic, and preached message of the gospel. It is the active, proclaimed declaration of truth that elicits a response of faith.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** This term encompasses "persuasion," "credence," "moral conviction," and "reliance upon Christ for salvation." In Romans 10:8, "the word of faith" refers to the gospel message that calls for and produces such reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound trust and commitment to the truth of God's saving work.
* **preach (Greek, _kērýssō'_):** Meaning "to herald" or "to proclaim as a public crier," this verb highlights the public, authoritative, and urgent nature of sharing divine truth, specifically the gospel. It underscores the active role of those who communicate the "word of faith," ensuring its accessibility to all who hear.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But what saith it?"**: This rhetorical question serves to introduce a counter-argument or clarification, shifting from the previous discussion about the Law's righteousness to the nature of faith's righteousness. Paul is essentially asking, "What does the Scripture, or rather, the principle of faith, truly declare?" This sets up his reinterpretation of Deuteronomy.
* **"The word is nigh thee,"**: This clause, directly echoing [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Law is Near"), asserts the immediate accessibility of God's message. Paul recontextualizes Moses' statement about the Law to apply it to the gospel, emphasizing that salvation is not a distant, elusive concept but is already within reach.
* **"[even] in thy mouth, and in thy heart:"**: This specifies the intimate proximity of "the word." "In thy mouth" signifies its readiness for confession and proclamation, indicating that it is a truth to be spoken and shared. "In thy heart" points to its internal reception, meaning it is a truth to be genuinely believed and embraced at the deepest level of one's being. This dual location underscores the holistic nature of saving faith—both internal conviction and external expression.
* **"that is, the word of faith,"**: Paul explicitly identifies "the word" he is referring to. It is not the word of the Law, but "the word of faith," which is the gospel message. This clarifies that the accessibility described is for salvation through belief in Christ, distinguishing it sharply from the righteousness sought through legalistic observance.
* **"which we preach;"**: This final clause highlights the means by which this "word of faith" becomes "nigh" to people. It is through the proclamation of the gospel by apostles and evangelists. The act of preaching makes this accessible truth known, inviting individuals to believe and confess.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:8 employs several potent literary devices. Paul utilizes **Allusion** and **Reinterpretation** by quoting and then recontextualizing [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Law is Near"). While Moses spoke of the Law's accessibility, Paul masterfully applies the same principle of proximity to the "word of faith," demonstrating the continuity yet profound reorientation from Law to Gospel. This reinterpretation serves as a powerful **Contrast**, setting the easily accessible righteousness of faith against the unattainable righteousness of works described in the preceding verses. The phrase "in thy mouth, and in thy heart" is a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (mouth and heart) are used to represent a complete whole—the totality of belief and confession. This **Synecdoche** (using a part to represent the whole) emphasizes that true faith involves both internal conviction and external declaration. The verse also functions as a **Rhetorical Question** ("But what saith it?") to engage the reader and introduce Paul's pivotal argument for the simplicity and immediacy of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:8 stands as a cornerstone in Paul's theology of salvation, asserting that God's righteousness is not achieved through human striving or adherence to legal codes, but is a divine gift received through simple, accessible faith. By reinterpreting [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Law is Near"), Paul powerfully shifts the focus from the Law as the object of proximity to the "word of faith"—the gospel of Christ. This highlights the radical grace of the new covenant, where salvation is not a distant, complex mystery, but a truth that is "nigh," intimately present in one's very being, ready for both internal belief and outward confession. It underscores the universal availability of salvation, breaking down barriers of ethnicity or performance and establishing faith as the sole pathway to God's justifying grace.

* [Deuteronomy 30:11-14](/deuteronomy/30-11-14 "Deuteronomy 30:11-14 - The Commandment is Not Too Hard")
* [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:8 offers profound encouragement and a clear call to action for believers today. It reminds us that the path to God is not paved with insurmountable obstacles or complex rituals, but with the simple, yet profound, act of faith in Jesus Christ. This "word of faith" is not an abstract theological concept reserved for scholars, but a living truth that is "nigh thee"—accessible to every person, regardless of their background or past. This accessibility should inspire us to share the gospel with boldness, knowing that the message itself carries the power to transform lives because it is inherently near and understandable. For those struggling with doubt or feeling distant from God, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that salvation is not far off; it is as close as a heartfelt belief and a spoken confession. It challenges us to examine if our faith is merely intellectual assent or a genuine, heart-level conviction that naturally overflows into outward expression.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to make salvation or spiritual growth more complicated than the "word of faith" suggests?**
* **How does the concept of the "word" being "nigh" encourage me in my personal walk with Christ and in sharing my faith with others?**
* **Am I truly allowing the "word of faith" to reside deeply "in my heart," influencing my thoughts and desires, and am I ready to confess it openly "in my mouth"?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Paul quoting Deuteronomy 30:14 in Romans 10:8?**

Answer: Paul's quotation of [Deuteronomy 30:14](/deuteronomy/30-14 "Deuteronomy 30:14 - The Law is Near") is highly significant because he reinterprets Moses' words, originally applied to the accessibility of the Law, and applies them to the "word of faith"—the gospel of Jesus Christ. This reapplication serves to demonstrate that the principle of proximity and accessibility, once associated with Israel's covenant obligations, now finds its ultimate fulfillment and true meaning in the new covenant of grace. It underscores that salvation through faith is not a new, complex burden, but a readily available truth, echoing the ease with which God's will was meant to be understood and obeyed. It also subtly critiques Israel's failure to grasp the true essence of righteousness, which was always about a heart response to God, not mere external performance.

**What does "the word of faith" mean in this context?**

Answer: "The word of faith" refers specifically to the gospel message—the good news about Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers. It is called the "word of faith" because it is the message that calls for and produces faith (trust, belief) in those who hear it. Unlike the Law, which demands perfect obedience for righteousness, the "word of faith" presents righteousness as a gift received through belief in Christ. This concept is foundational to Paul's theology, emphasizing that salvation is not earned by works but freely given to those who respond with faith, as further elaborated in [Romans 1:16-17](/romans/1-16-17 "Romans 1:16-17 - The Power of the Gospel").

**How does "in thy mouth, and in thy heart" relate to salvation?**

Answer: This phrase encapsulates the dual, inseparable components of saving faith. "In thy heart" signifies genuine, internal belief and acceptance of the gospel's truth—a sincere conviction that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead. This is where true spiritual transformation begins. "In thy mouth" signifies the outward confession or proclamation of that internal belief. This is not merely speaking words, but a public declaration of allegiance to Christ, acknowledging Him as Lord. As Paul explains in [Romans 10:9-10](/romans/10-9-10 "Romans 10:9-10 - Confession and Belief Lead to Salvation"), "if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." Both inner belief and outer confession are vital expressions of a saving relationship with Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:8, by declaring "the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. While Moses spoke of the Law's proximity, Paul reorients this truth to Christ, revealing that Jesus Himself is the embodiment of this accessible "word of faith." He is the living Word ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")) who "became flesh, and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making God's truth not just "nigh" but incarnate and tangible. Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Christ accomplished the righteousness that the Law could never provide, making salvation a gift to be received by faith, not earned by works ([Romans 3:21-22](/romans/3-21-22 "Romans 3:21-22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "word of faith" that is preached is none other than the good news of Jesus Christ—His finished work on the cross and His resurrection power—which is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Power of the Gospel")). Thus, the accessibility of the "word" is the accessibility of Christ Himself, who stands at the door and knocks ([Revelation 3:20](/revelation/3-20 "Revelation 3:20 - Jesus Stands at the Door")), inviting all to believe with their heart and confess with their mouth.

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

Deuteronomy 30:14

But the word [is] very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.

Romans 1:16

¶ For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

1 Timothy 4:6

¶ If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

1 Peter 1:25

But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

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?