King James Version

What Does Romans 10:20 Mean?

Romans 10:20 in the King James Version says “But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.”

Romans 10:20 · KJV

Context

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.

20

But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

21

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me—Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1, where God laments Israel's rebellion and announces His availability to those who didn't seek Him. Ēsaias de apotolma kai legei (Ἠσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει, "Isaiah is very bold and says")—apotolmaō (ἀποτολμάω, "dare, be bold") indicates Isaiah's courageous prophecy of Gentile inclusion. I was found of them that sought me not (Heurethēn tois eme mē zētousin, εὑρέθην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν)—God's sovereign initiative in Gentile salvation.

I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me (emphanēs egenomēn tois eme mē eperōtōsin, ἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ἐπερωτῶσιν)—God revealed Himself to those who didn't inquire. This is radical grace: God saves those who neither seek nor ask. The Gentiles, spiritually dead and indifferent (Eph 2:1-3, 12), were sovereignly apprehended by grace (Acts 10; 16:14). Meanwhile, Israel—who possessed Scripture, temple, and covenant—rejected their Messiah. Grace inverts human expectation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 65:1-7 contrasted rebellious Israel with God's availability to outsiders. In Paul's day, this prophecy found dramatic fulfillment: Gentiles like Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia (Acts 16:14), and countless pagans were transformed, while synagogues expelled gospel messengers (Acts 13:50; 17:5; 18:6). The irony was bitter: covenant insiders became outsiders, while outsiders became insiders (Matt 8:11-12; 21:43). This pattern continues: often the least religious, most broken people respond to the gospel while the self-righteous resist.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's seeking of non-seekers (Gentiles) magnify the freeness and sovereignty of grace?
  2. Were you a seeker when God found you, or did He awaken desire in a dead heart?
  3. How should this verse shape evangelism—should we target "seekers" or boldly proclaim to the indifferent?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ἠσαΐας1 of 16

“Esaias”

G2268

hesaias (i.e., jeshajah), an israelite

δὲ2 of 16

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀποτολμᾷ3 of 16

“is very bold”

G662

to venture plainly

καὶ4 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει5 of 16

“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

Εὑρέθην6 of 16

“I was found”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

τοῖς7 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμὲ8 of 16

“me”

G1691

me

μὴ9 of 16

“not”

G3361

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

ζητοῦσιν10 of 16

“of them that sought”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἐμφανὴς11 of 16

“manifest”

G1717

apparent in self

ἐγενόμην12 of 16

“I was made”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

τοῖς13 of 16
G3588

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

ἐμὲ14 of 16

“me”

G1691

me

μὴ15 of 16

“not”

G3361

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

ἐπερωτῶσιν16 of 16

“after”

G1905

to ask for, i.e., inquire, seek

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 10:20 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 10:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 65:1-2Romans 9:30Isaiah 55:4-5Matthew 22:9-10Isaiah 49:6Ephesians 6:19-20

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