King James Version

What Does Romans 10:14 Mean?

Romans 10:14 in the King James Version says “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 ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Romans 10:14 · KJV

Faith

Context

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!

16

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? our report: Gr. the hearing of us? report: or, preaching?

Read Romans 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?—Paul's chain logic (sorites) moves backward from calling (v. 13) to establish evangelistic necessity. Four rhetorical questions with one answer: gospel proclamation is essential. Pōs oun epikalesōntai eis hon ouk episteusan? (πῶς οὖν ἐπικαλέσωνται εἰς ὃν οὐκ ἐπίστευσαν; "How then shall they call on [Him] in whom they have not believed?")—calling requires prior faith.

Pōs de pisteusōsin hou ouk ēkousan? (πῶς δὲ πιστεύσωσιν οὗ οὐκ ἤκουσαν; "How shall they believe [in Him] of whom they have not heard?")—faith requires hearing the gospel message. Pōs de akousōsin chōris kēryssontos? (πῶς δὲ ἀκούσωσιν χωρὶς κηρύσσοντος; "How shall they hear without one preaching?")—hearing requires a preacher (kēryssō, κηρύσσω, "proclaim, herald"). This demolishes universalism: salvation requires hearing the gospel. It also demolishes Christian passivity: the lost will not be saved without messengers. The logical chain is unbreakable: no preachers = no hearing = no faith = no calling = no salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church took the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20) as literal mandate. Paul's missionary journeys planted churches throughout the Roman Empire within one generation (Rom 15:19-23). Early Christians understood that Christ's return awaited gospel proclamation to all nations (Matt 24:14). This urgency fueled persecution-defying evangelism. Modern "anonymous Christian" theories and pluralistic inclusivism contradict Paul's clear logic: special revelation (the gospel) must be heard for saving faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. Does your theology and practice reflect Paul's logic that lost people cannot be saved without hearing the gospel?
  2. How does this verse challenge both hyper-Calvinism ("God will save the elect without means") and universalism ("sincere seekers will be saved apart from Christ")?
  3. What is your personal responsibility in the sending-preaching-hearing-believing-calling chain?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
πῶς1 of 18

“How”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

οὖν2 of 18

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐπικαλέσονται3 of 18

“shall they call on”

G1941

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

εἰς4 of 18

“him in”

G1519

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

οὗ5 of 18

“of whom”

G3739

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

οὐκ6 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

πιστεύσουσιν7 of 18

“believed”

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

πῶς8 of 18

“How”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δὲ9 of 18

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

πιστεύσουσιν10 of 18

“believed”

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

οὗ11 of 18

“of whom”

G3739

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

οὐκ12 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

ἀκούσουσιν13 of 18

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

πῶς14 of 18

“How”

G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

δὲ15 of 18

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκούσουσιν16 of 18

“heard”

G191

to hear (in various senses)

χωρὶς17 of 18

“without”

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

κηρύσσοντος18 of 18

“a preacher”

G2784

to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

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 10:14 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 10:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 16:15-16Acts 26:17-18Titus 1:3Acts 8:31Hebrews 11:62 Timothy 4:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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