Romans 10:16 Meaning and Explanation
“But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Not everyone has accepted the gospel, just as Isaiah lamented that few believed his message.
What Does Romans 10:16 Mean?
After celebrating the messengers, Paul faces a sober reality: the message has gone out, yet not all have received it. He reaches again for Isaiah, whose mournful question, 'who hath believed our report?', shows that unbelief in the face of God's word is nothing new. The prophets met it too.
Notice that Paul calls receiving the gospel 'obeying' it; faith is the response God's word rightly commands. The fault for unbelief lies not in the message or the messenger but in the closed heart that turns away. This is a comfort to every faithful servant who labors and sees little fruit: even the greatest heralds were not always heard. Our task is to proclaim; the harvest belongs to God.
Romans 10:16 in the Original Language
hypakouo (ὑπακούω), 'obeyed' -- to listen and submit, treating faith as glad obedience to God's word.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 10:16
What does Romans 10:16 mean?
Not everyone has accepted the gospel, just as Isaiah lamented that few believed his message.