Romans 10:8

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;

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};

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,

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:

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:

Romans 10:8 is a pivotal verse in Paul's explanation of righteousness through faith, contrasting it sharply with the unattainable righteousness sought through adherence to the Law. It emphasizes the accessibility of salvation for all who believe.

Context

Paul quotes from Deuteronomy 30:14, where Moses tells Israel that God's commandment is not far off but "very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart." Paul masterfully reinterprets this Old Testament passage, applying the principle of accessibility not to the Law, but to the message of the gospel. He had just stated in Romans 10:6-7 that one does not need to perform grand feats like ascending to heaven or descending to the abyss to find Christ; the way to salvation is already present and near.

Key Themes

  • The Accessibility of Salvation: The phrase "The word is nigh thee" underscores that salvation is not a distant, mysterious, or difficult-to-obtain concept. It is readily available to anyone who embraces it. This contrasts with the human tendency to seek righteousness through strenuous effort or religious performance, a path that ultimately fails (Romans 3:20).
  • The "Word of Faith": Paul explicitly identifies this "word" as "the word of faith." This highlights that the message being preached is one that calls for trust and belief in Jesus Christ, not adherence to legalistic codes. It is through this faith that one receives God's righteousness (Romans 1:17).
  • Inward Belief and Outward Confession: "In thy mouth, and in thy heart" points to the dual nature of true conversion. The "heart" signifies genuine, internal belief and acceptance of Christ's work, while the "mouth" signifies the outward confession or proclamation of that belief. This concept is further elaborated in the following verses (Romans 10:9-10), where Paul states that "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."

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "nigh" is engys (ἐγγύς), meaning "near," "at hand," or "close." This emphasizes the immediate availability of the gospel message. The phrase "word of faith" translates rhēma pisteōs (ῥῆμα πίστεως). Rhēma refers specifically to a spoken word or utterance, reinforcing that this "word" is the preached message of the gospel, which invokes faith.

Practical Application

Romans 10:8 offers immense encouragement. It teaches that salvation is not complex or out of reach, but simple and accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse reminds believers of the power of the gospel message – it is not a set of difficult laws to follow, but a truth to be believed and confessed. It also serves as a foundational text for understanding the simplicity of coming to God through faith, and the vital role of the church in proclaiming this "word of faith" to a world in need of it.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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