King James Version

What Does Romans 10:6 Mean?

Romans 10:6 in the King James Version says “But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (th...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)”

Romans 10:6 · King James Version

Faith

Context

4

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

6

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)

7

Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)

8

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;

Read Romans 10 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:)—Paul creatively applies Deuteronomy 30:12-14 (Moses' exposition on law-accessibility) to gospel-accessibility. Hē ek pisteōs dikaiosynē (ἡ ἐκ πίστεως δικαιοσύνη, "the righteousness of faith") is personified as speaking. The rhetorical question "Who shall ascend into heaven?" (Tis anabesetai eis ton ouranon? τίς ἀναβήσεται εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν;) implies the impossibility of human effort to bring divine salvation down.

Paul's parenthetical explanation (that is, to bring Christ down from above) interprets ascending to heaven as attempting to secure the Incarnation by human effort. But Christ has already descended (John 3:13; 6:38)—God has already sent His Son (Gal 4:4; John 3:16). Faith-righteousness does not require heroic spiritual achievement; it simply receives what God has already accomplished. The gospel is near (engys, ἐγγύς), accessible, not demanding the impossible.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 30:11-14 assured Israel that God's commandments were not beyond reach—not in heaven or across the sea, but in their mouths and hearts. Moses emphasized law-accessibility to heighten Israel's accountability. Paul, under inspiration, sees this as typologically fulfilled in gospel-accessibility. Christ's incarnation means salvation is not distant or difficult—it's as near as believing and confessing. This reading shocked Jewish interpreters but demonstrates apostolic authority to reveal Christ in Torah.

Reflection Questions

  1. What impossible spiritual "ascents" are you attempting instead of simply receiving what Christ has already accomplished?
  2. How does the nearness of the gospel challenge both self-reliant works and mystical spiritual elitism?
  3. Why is it crucial that the Incarnation is God's initiative (descending) rather than humanity's achievement (ascending)?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
ἡ1 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 22

“But”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκ3 of 22

“which is of”

G1537

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

πίστεως4 of 22

“faith”

G4102

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

δικαιοσύνη5 of 22

“the righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

οὕτως6 of 22

“on this wise”

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

λέγει7 of 22

“speaketh”

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

Μὴ8 of 22

“not”

G3361

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

εἴπῃς9 of 22

“Say”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ἐν10 of 22

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ11 of 22
G3588

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

καρδίᾳ12 of 22

“heart”

G2588

the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle

σου13 of 22

“thine”

G4675

of thee, thy

Τίς14 of 22

“Who”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἀναβήσεται15 of 22

“shall ascend”

G305

to go up (literally or figuratively)

εἰς16 of 22

“into”

G1519

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

τὸν17 of 22
G3588

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

οὐρανόν18 of 22

“heaven”

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

τοῦτ'19 of 22

“(that”

G5124

that thing

ἔστιν20 of 22
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

Χριστὸν21 of 22

“Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καταγαγεῖν·22 of 22

“down”

G2609

to lead down; specially, to moor a vessel

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 10:6 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 10:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 30:11-14Proverbs 30:4Ephesians 4:8-10John 3:12-13John 6:58Romans 3:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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