King James Version

What Does Romans 10:7 Mean?

Romans 10:7 in the King James Version says “Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 10:7 · KJV

Context

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;

9

That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)—The second rhetorical question, Tis katabesetai eis tēn abysson? (τίς καταβήσεται εἰς τὴν ἄβυσσον; "Who shall descend into the abyss?"), parallels Deuteronomy 30:13's "beyond the sea" but intensifies it to abyss (ἄβυσσος)—the realm of the dead, Hades, Sheol. Paul interprets this as attempting to bring up Christ again from the dead—as if the Resurrection required human effort or could be repeated.

But God has already raised Christ (Rom 1:4; 4:24-25; 6:4; 8:11). The Resurrection is accomplished fact, the guarantee of justification (Rom 4:25). Faith-righteousness does not descend to the realm of death to manufacture victory—it confesses Christ's victory as already won. The double impossibility (ascending to heaven, descending to the abyss) emphasizes salvation by grace alone. No human work, however heroic, can secure what only divine action can accomplish and has already accomplished in Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient mythology often featured descent to the underworld (katabasis)—Orpheus seeking Eurydice, Aeneas consulting the dead, Heracles capturing Cerberus. Jewish tradition spoke of righteous figures like Enoch and Elijah ascending to heaven. Paul's point: the gospel does not require mythic heroism. Christ alone descended to the dead (the "harrowing of hell" tradition, based on 1 Pet 3:18-20) and ascended in resurrection power. Believers participate in His finished work by faith, not imitation of His unique redemptive acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's completed work (Incarnation and Resurrection) free you from spiritual striving and performance anxiety?
  2. What does it mean that justification depends on historical events (Christ's death and resurrection) rather than personal religious experience?
  3. Where are you tempted to "descend to the abyss" in self-effort instead of resting in Christ's victory?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
ἤ1 of 12

“Or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

Τίς2 of 12

“Who”

G5101

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

καταβήσεται3 of 12

“shall descend”

G2597

to descend (literally or figuratively)

εἰς4 of 12

“into”

G1519

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

τὴν5 of 12
G3588

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

ἄβυσσον6 of 12

“the deep”

G12

depthless, i.e., (specially) (infernal) "abyss"

τοῦτ'7 of 12

“(that”

G5124

that thing

ἔστιν8 of 12
G2076

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

Χριστὸν9 of 12

“Christ”

G5547

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

ἐκ10 of 12

“from”

G1537

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

νεκρῶν11 of 12

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἀναγαγεῖν12 of 12

“again”

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

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 10:7 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 10:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hebrews 13:20Revelation 1:18Romans 4:251 Peter 3:181 Peter 3:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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