King James Version

What Does Romans 10:17 Mean?

Romans 10:17 in the King James Version says “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 10:17 · KJV

Faith

Context

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.

18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

19

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God—Ara hē pistis ex akoēs, hē de akoē dia rhēmatos Christou (ἄρα ἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς, ἡ δὲ ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος Χριστοῦ, "So then faith [comes] from hearing, and hearing through the word/message of Christ"). This is the golden text on faith's origin. Pistis (πίστις, "faith") is not self-generated or innate—it comes ex (ἐξ, "from, out of") akoē (ἀκοή, "hearing")—the act of hearing the message. Akoē in turn comes dia (διά, "through") rhēmatos Christou (ῥήματος Χριστοῦ, "the word/message of/about Christ").

The genitive Christou (Χριστοῦ) is likely objective: the message about Christ, the gospel. Some manuscripts read theou (θεοῦ, "of God"), which is also appropriate. Faith arises when the Spirit works through the proclaimed word of Christ to create belief in the heart (1 Thess 2:13). This verse is central to Reformed theology: fides ex auditu (faith from hearing)—the ordinary means of grace is preaching. Mysticism, emotionalism, subjectivism are rejected. Faith has specific content (Christ) delivered through specific means (proclamation).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The early church prioritized preaching/teaching (Acts 2:42; 6:2-4). Synagogue tradition of Torah-reading and exposition prepared Jewish converts for Christian emphasis on the Word. The Protestant Reformation recovered biblical preaching after medieval sacramentalism had eclipsed it. Luther declared preaching is God's mouth speaking. Calvin structured worship around sermon exposition. This verse undergirds evangelical commitment to expository preaching, Bible translation, and literacy. Faith requires content—ignorance cannot produce saving faith.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does "faith comes by hearing" shape your priorities in worship, discipleship, and evangelism?
  2. Are you regularly sitting under faithful biblical preaching, the ordinary means by which God creates and strengthens faith?
  3. How does this verse challenge experiential Christianity that prioritizes feelings over Word-exposition?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἄρα1 of 11

“So then”

G686

a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)

ἡ2 of 11
G3588

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

πίστις3 of 11

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἐξ4 of 11

“cometh by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἀκοὴ5 of 11

“hearing”

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

ἡ6 of 11
G3588

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

δὲ7 of 11

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀκοὴ8 of 11

“hearing”

G189

hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard)

διὰ9 of 11

“by”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

ῥήματος10 of 11

“the word”

G4487

an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat

Θεοῦ11 of 11

“of God”

G2316

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

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 10:17 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 10:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 3:2Galatians 3:5Luke 11:281 Thessalonians 2:13Colossians 3:16Mark 4:24

Test Your Knowledge

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

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