New Testament
Romans 10:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"
Compare translations
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
What Romans 10:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 10:16, Paul highlights a significant issue: not everyone has accepted or obeyed the message of the gospel. He quotes Isaiah to emphasize that disbelief is not a new problem; even in the Old Testament, people struggled to accept God's message. The question posed, 'Lord, who has believed our report?' reflects the reality that many hear the truth but do not respond positively. This verse serves as a reminder that the acceptance of the gospel is a matter of faith, and it underscores the challenge of spreading the good news in a world where many remain skeptical or indifferent. Paul is stressing the importance of faith in responding to God's call and the necessity of preaching the gospel so that others may hear and believe. This verse invites reflection on our own response to God's message and encourages believers to share the gospel with those who have not yet accepted it.
How to apply Romans 10:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to share the gospel actively, knowing that not everyone will accept it. We should remain steadfast in our faith and continue to witness to others, trusting that God will work in their hearts. Our role is to communicate the message clearly and lovingly.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 10:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 10:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 10:16 mean?
Romans 10:16 means that not everyone has accepted the message of the gospel, highlighting a long-standing issue of disbelief. Paul quotes Isaiah to show that this struggle to believe is not new and emphasizes the importance of faith in responding to God's message.
What is the significance of the phrase 'who has believed our report' in Romans 10:16?
The phrase 'who has believed our report' signifies the challenge of convincing people to accept God's truth. It reflects the reality that many hear the gospel but do not respond positively, underscoring the need for faith in accepting God's message.
How does Romans 10:16 relate to the importance of preaching?
Romans 10:16 highlights the importance of preaching the gospel because it shows that faith comes from hearing the message. Despite the reality that not everyone will accept it, sharing the gospel is essential for others to have the opportunity to believe.
What themes are present in Romans 10:16?
Key themes in Romans 10:16 include obedience to the gospel, the challenge of faith and belief, prophetic fulfillment, the rejection of truth, and the importance of preaching. These themes emphasize the ongoing struggle to accept God's message and the role of believers in sharing it.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.