Romans 10:11
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφή
the scripture
G1124
γραφή
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 11
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύων
believeth
G4100
πιστεύων
believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 11
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Romans 9:33As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.1 Peter 2:6Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.Isaiah 49:23And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.Jeremiah 17:7Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.
Historical Context
Isaiah 28:16's context was Judah's faithless political alliances with Egypt against Assyria (c. 701 BC). God promised a sure foundation in Zion—trust Yahweh, not military power. Paul, under inspiration, identifies this foundation as Christ the cornerstone (Eph 2:20; 1 Pet 2:6-8). The early church faced shame daily—mockery, persecution, economic hardship—for confessing Christ. Paul's quote assures them: temporary shame now, eternal glory then. This eschatological reversal is central to Christian hope.
Questions for Reflection
- In what specific situations do you feel ashamed of Christ or His gospel? Why?
- How does the certainty of future vindication enable present boldness in confession?
- What would change in your daily life if you truly believed you will never be ashamed for trusting Christ?
Analysis & Commentary
For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed—Paul quotes Isaiah 28:16 (also cited in Rom 9:33), emphasizing pas ho pisteuōn (πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων, "everyone/whosoever believing"). The universality of the promise prepares for verse 12's declaration that "there is no difference between Jew and Greek." Ou kataischynthēsetai (οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται, "shall not be put to shame") is future passive—eschatological promise. The believer will not be ashamed/disappointed at the judgment because Christ is a sure foundation, not a stumbling stone.
Isaiah's prophecy spoke of the Messianic cornerstone God would lay in Zion—believers in Christ build on solid foundation; rejectors stumble over it. "Not ashamed" implies vindication, confidence, boldness at Christ's return (1 John 2:28). Present shame for confessing Christ (v. 9-10) will become eternal honor; present honor for denying Him will become eternal shame (Mark 8:38). Faith's object (Christ) guarantees faith's outcome (never disappointed).