King James Version

What Does Romans 10:15 Mean?

Romans 10:15 in the King James Version says “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gos... — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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!

Romans 10:15 · KJV


Context

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?

17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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!—The fifth question: Pōs de kēryxōsin ean mē apostalōsin? (πῶς δὲ κηρύξωσιν ἐὰν μὴ ἀποστάλωσιν; "How shall they preach unless they are sent?"). Apostellō (ἀποστέλλω, "send forth with commission/authority") gives us "apostle"—the sent one. Evangelism requires divine sending, not self-appointment (Heb 5:4; Jer 23:21). God sends through His church (Acts 13:1-4; Rom 15:24).

Paul quotes Isaiah 52:7, Hōs hōraioi hoi podes tōn euangelizomenōn agatha (ὡς ὡραῖοι οἱ πόδες τῶν εὐαγγελιζομένων ἀγαθά, "How beautiful the feet of those announcing good things"). Isaiah celebrated messengers announcing Jerusalem's restoration from exile. Paul applies it to gospel heralds. Hōraios (ὡραῖος, "beautiful, timely, seasonable") describes not aesthetic beauty but timely appropriateness—the joy of messengers bringing desperately needed good news. "Feet" represents the whole messenger, journeying to proclaim.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 52:7-10 prophesied heralds running to announce Yahweh's return to Zion, Israel's redemption from Babylon, and universal salvation. In 537 BC, this found initial fulfillment in Cyrus's decree allowing exiles to return. Paul sees ultimate fulfillment in gospel messengers announcing eschatological redemption in Christ. Ancient warfare made messengers vital—runners brought news of victory or defeat. Gospel preachers are victory heralds: Christ has triumphed, the war is won, peace is declared. This motivates missionary sending.

Reflection Questions

  1. Do you view preachers and missionaries with the joy and honor Paul prescribes ("beautiful feet")?
  2. How is God calling you to be sent—in formal ministry or informal witness—to proclaim the gospel?
  3. What makes the gospel "good news of peace" and "glad tidings" in our anxious, fragmented world?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πῶς1 of 19

how

G4459

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

δὲ2 of 19

And

G1161

but, and, etc

κηρύξουσιν3 of 19

shall they preach

G2784

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

ἐὰν4 of 19
G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

μὴ5 of 19
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀποσταλῶσιν6 of 19

they be sent

G649

set apart, i.e., (by implication) to send out (properly, on a mission) literally or figuratively

καθὼς7 of 19

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται8 of 19

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Ὡς9 of 19

How

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ὡραῖοι10 of 19

beautiful

G5611

belonging to the right hour or season (timely), i.e., (by implication) flourishing (beauteous (figuratively))

οἱ11 of 19
G3588

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

πόδες12 of 19

are the feet of them

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

τῶν13 of 19
G3588

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

εὐαγγελιζομένων14 of 19

and bring glad tidings

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

εἰρήνην,15 of 19

of peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

τῶν16 of 19
G3588

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

εὐαγγελιζομένων17 of 19

and bring glad tidings

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

τὰ18 of 19
G3588

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

ἀγαθά19 of 19

of good things

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)


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 10:15 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 10:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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