King James Version

What Does Romans 10:11 Mean?

Romans 10:11 in the King James Version says “For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.”

Romans 10:11 · KJV

Faith

Context

9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

11

For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

12

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

13

For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

Read Romans 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed—Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 (also cited in Rom 9:33), emphasizing pas ho pisteuōn (πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων, "everyone/whosoever believing"). The universality of the promise prepares for verse 12's declaration that "there is no difference between Jew and Greek." Ou kataischynthēsetai (οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται, "shall not be put to shame") is future passive—eschatological promise. The believer will not be ashamed/disappointed at the judgment because Christ is a sure foundation, not a stumbling stone.

Isaiah's prophecy spoke of the Messianic cornerstone God would lay in Zion—believers in Christ build on solid foundation; rejectors stumble over it. "Not ashamed" implies vindication, confidence, boldness at Christ's return (1 John 2:28). Present shame for confessing Christ (v. 9-10) will become eternal honor; present honor for denying Him will become eternal shame (Mark 8:38). Faith's object (Christ) guarantees faith's outcome (never disappointed).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 28:16's context was Judah's faithless political alliances with Egypt against Assyria (c. 701 BC). God promised a sure foundation in Zion—trust Yahweh, not military power. Paul, under inspiration, identifies this foundation as Christ the cornerstone (Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6-8). The early church faced shame daily—mockery, persecution, economic hardship—for confessing Christ. Paul's quote assures them: temporary shame now, eternal glory then. This eschatological reversal is central to Christian hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. In what specific situations do you feel ashamed of Christ or His gospel? Why?
  2. How does the certainty of future vindication enable present boldness in confession?
  3. What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you will never be ashamed for trusting Christ?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
λέγει1 of 11

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 11

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡ3 of 11
G3588

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

γραφή4 of 11

“the scripture”

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

Πᾶς5 of 11

“Whosoever”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ὁ6 of 11
G3588

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

πιστεύων7 of 11

“believeth”

G4100

to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch

ἐπ'8 of 11

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

αὐτῷ9 of 11

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

οὐ10 of 11

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

καταισχυνθήσεται11 of 11

“be ashamed”

G2617

to shame down, i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush

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 10:11 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 10:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 28:16Romans 9:331 Peter 2:6Isaiah 49:23Jeremiah 17:7

Test Your Knowledge

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

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