King James Version

What Does Romans 10:13 Mean?

Romans 10:13 in the King James Version says “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 10:13 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

14

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

15

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved—Paul quotes Joel 2:32, a prophecy concerning the Day of the Lord when "whosoever shall call on the name of Yahweh shall be delivered." Pas gar hos an epikalesētai to onoma kyriou sōthēsetai (πᾶς γὰρ ὃς ἂν ἐπικαλέσηται τὸ ὄνομα κυρίου σωθήσεται)—pas (πᾶς, "all, everyone, whosoever") combined with hos an (ὃς ἄν, indefinite relative "whoever") emphasizes radical universality. Epikaleō to onoma (ἐπικαλέω τὸ ὄνομα, "call upon the name") is covenant invocation—personal appeal to the revealed character and authority of God.

The stunning apostolic move: Paul applies Joel's "name of Yahweh" to Jesus as kyrios (κύριος, Lord). This is explicit Christ-deity—Jesus is the Yahweh upon whose name salvation depends. Sōthēsetai (σωθήσεται, "shall be saved") is future passive divine action—God saves those who call. The simplicity is breathtaking: call on Christ, be saved. No ethnic heritage, ritual performance, moral perfection required. This is the scandal and glory of grace.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Joel 2:28-32 prophesied end-times Spirit outpouring on "all flesh" before "the great and terrible day of the Lord." Peter quoted this at Pentecost (Acts 2:17-21), marking the inauguration of the last days. "Calling on the name of the Lord" became early Christian shorthand for conversion (Acts 2:21; 9:14, 21; 22:16). Baptism was the liturgical context for this invocation. Jewish Christians applying Yahweh-texts to Jesus was the theological foundation for Trinitarian Christology, developed over subsequent centuries.

Reflection Questions

  1. Have you personally called upon the name of the Lord Jesus for salvation, or are you relying on something else?
  2. How does the radical simplicity of "call and be saved" expose the complexity of human religious systems as satanic distractions?
  3. What does it mean to "call upon the name"—what kind of prayer/invocation is salvific?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 9 words
Πᾶς1 of 9

“whosoever”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ2 of 9

“For”

G1063

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

ὃς3 of 9
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἂν4 of 9
G302

whatsoever

ἐπικαλέσηται5 of 9

“shall call upon”

G1941

to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)

τὸ6 of 9
G3588

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

ὄνομα7 of 9

“the name”

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

κυρίου8 of 9

“of the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

σωθήσεται9 of 9

“shall be saved”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

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 10:13 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 10:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:21Joel 2:32

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