New Testament
Romans 10:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" — that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.
Compare translations
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)
What Romans 10:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 10:7, the Apostle Paul quotes a question that reflects a common Jewish thought about the Messiah. The phrase 'Who will descend into the deep?' refers to the idea of going to the depths, possibly to the grave or the underworld, to bring Christ back from the dead. This rhetorical question emphasizes that we do not need to perform impossible tasks to attain salvation or to bring Christ to us. Instead, Paul is highlighting that salvation is accessible and does not require extraordinary efforts. The focus is on faith and belief in the resurrection of Jesus, which is central to the Christian faith. By believing in Christ's resurrection, believers can have assurance of their own salvation without needing to undertake impossible journeys or tasks. This verse serves to remind us that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation, and we are called to trust in His work rather than our own efforts.
How to apply Romans 10:7 to your life
This verse encourages us to rely on faith rather than our own efforts to achieve salvation. We should remember that we do not need to perform great deeds to earn God's favor. Instead, we can trust in the resurrection of Christ and accept His grace, which is freely given to all who believe.
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 10:7
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 10:7
Related Bible verses
Related topics
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 10:7 mean by 'descend into the deep'?
In Romans 10:7, the phrase 'descend into the deep' refers to the idea of going to the depths, which can symbolize the grave or the underworld. This rhetorical question implies that we do not need to undertake impossible journeys to bring Christ back from the dead or to attain salvation. Instead, it emphasizes that salvation is accessible through faith.
How does Romans 10:7 relate to salvation?
Romans 10:7 highlights that salvation does not require extraordinary efforts or impossible tasks. The verse reassures believers that they do not need to perform great deeds to earn God's favor. Instead, it emphasizes faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ as the key to salvation, making it accessible to all who believe.
What is the significance of faith in Romans 10:7?
Faith is central to Romans 10:7 as it underscores that belief in Christ's resurrection is sufficient for salvation. The verse teaches that we are called to trust in Christ's work rather than relying on our own efforts. This faith provides assurance of salvation and emphasizes the grace that God freely offers to all who believe.
Why does Paul use a rhetorical question in Romans 10:7?
Paul uses a rhetorical question in Romans 10:7 to challenge the notion that one must perform impossible tasks to attain salvation. By asking 'Who will descend into the deep?', he emphasizes that salvation is not about human effort but about faith in Christ. This technique effectively communicates the accessibility of the Gospel.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.