New Testament
Romans 10:16
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Romans 10:16, Paul highlights a significant issue: not everyone has accepted or obeyed the message of the gospel.
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Verse Analysis
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.
Related Bible verses
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
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.

The Book of Romans
Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness
Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.
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