King James Version

What Does Romans 10:1 Mean?

Romans 10:1 in the King James Version says “Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.”

Romans 10:1 · KJV

PrayerSalvation

Context

1

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

Read Romans 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved—Paul's eudokia (εὐδοκία, "good pleasure, heart's desire") and deēsis (δέησις, "petition, supplication") express both emotional longing and intercessory prayer for his kinsmen's salvation. Despite Israel's rejection of Christ (9:30-33), Paul models Christ-like love for enemies and persistent intercession for the lost. This verse introduces Romans 10's exploration of Israel's stumbling: they pursued righteousness but missed Christ, the goal and fulfillment of the law.

The apostle's pastoral heart mirrors Moses' willingness to be blotted out for Israel (Ex 32:32) and anticipates his statement in Romans 11:14 that he magnifies his ministry to provoke Israel to jealousy. Paul's theology never becomes abstract—doctrine fuels doxology and intercession. His prayer demonstrates that divine sovereignty (chapter 9) does not nullify human responsibility to pray and evangelize.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote Romans around AD 57 from Corinth, addressing a mixed congregation of Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jerusalem temple still stood, and many Jews continued in unbelief despite witnessing the explosive growth of the church. Paul's own missionary experience included regular synagogue rejection (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:25-28), yet he maintained love for his people and hope for their future restoration (Rom 11:25-27).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's prayer for those who rejected him challenge your attitude toward people who oppose the gospel?
  2. What does it mean to have both doctrinal conviction about God's sovereignty and genuine emotional longing for the lost?
  3. For whom do you need to pray persistently with <em>eudokia</em> (heart's desire), not merely duty?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Ἀδελφοί1 of 20

“Brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἡ2 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὲν3 of 20

“that”

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

εὐδοκία4 of 20

“desire”

G2107

satisfaction, i.e., (subjectively) delight, or (objectively) kindness, wish, purpose

τῆς5 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐμῆς6 of 20

“my”

G1699

my

καρδίας7 of 20

“heart's”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

καὶ8 of 20

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἡ9 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δέησις10 of 20

“prayer”

G1162

a petition

ἡ11 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πρὸς12 of 20

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν13 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸν14 of 20

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ὑπὲρ15 of 20

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

τοῦ16 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰσραήλ17 of 20

“Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

ἐστιν18 of 20

“is”

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

εἰς19 of 20
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σωτηρίαν20 of 20

“they might be saved”

G4991

rescue or safety (physically or morally)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 9:20-22John 5:34Romans 9:1-3Exodus 32:13Jeremiah 17:16Jeremiah 18:20

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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