Romans 10:12
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐστιν
there is
G2076
ἐστιν
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
3 of 19
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Ἕλληνος
the Greek
G1672
Ἕλληνος
the Greek
Strong's:
G1672
Word #:
8 of 19
a hellen (grecian) or inhabitant of hellas; by extension a greek-speaking person, especially a non-jew
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτόν·
him
G846
αὐτόν·
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 19
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
κύριος
Lord
G2962
κύριος
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
πλουτῶν
is rich
G4147
πλουτῶν
is rich
Strong's:
G4147
Word #:
14 of 19
to be (or become) wealthy (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.Philippians 4:19But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.Romans 3:22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:Galatians 3:28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.Psalms 86:5For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Psalms 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Philippians 2:11And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Historical Context
Jewish-Gentile equality in Christ was the most controversial issue in the early church (Acts 10-11; 15; Galatians). Jews believed Gentiles must become Jewish proselytes (circumcision, law-observance) to enter covenant. Paul's gospel demolished this: Christ is Lord of all, rich to all, on equal terms. The Jerusalem Council (Acts 15, c. AD 49) settled this doctrinally, but social and liturgical tensions persisted (Gal 2:11-14). Romans, written later (c. AD 57), reinforces gospel unity: one Lord, one faith, one baptism (Eph 4:4-6).
Questions for Reflection
- Do you harbor ethnic, cultural, or socioeconomic prejudices that contradict "no difference between Jew and Greek"?
- How does Christ's inexhaustible richness (<em>ploutōn</em>) comfort you in your spiritual poverty?
- What does it mean practically that Jesus is "Lord of all"—not just Lord of Christians?
Analysis & Commentary
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him—Ou gar estin diastolē Ioudaiou te kai Hellēnos (οὐ γὰρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος, "for there is no distinction between Jew and Greek"). This echoes Romans 3:22-23's declaration that all have sinned—now Paul announces all may be saved on equal terms: faith alone. The Jew has no soteriological advantage; the Gentile faces no additional barrier. This was revolutionary, overturning millennia of ethnic covenant privilege.
Ho gar autos kyrios pantōn (ὁ γὰρ αὐτὸς κύριος πάντων, "for the same Lord of all") identifies Jesus Christ as universal sovereign. Ploutōn eis pantas tous epikaloumenous auton (πλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν, "being rich unto all who call upon Him")—present participle "being rich" emphasizes Christ's inexhaustible spiritual wealth. Epikaleō (ἐπικαλέω, "call upon, invoke") is cultic language for worship—calling on the name of Yahweh. Applied to Jesus, it affirms His deity and accessibility.