Romans 10:14

Authorized King James Version

How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher?

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
πῶς
How
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#2
οὖν
then
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
#3
ἐπικαλέσονται
shall they call on
to entitle; by implication, to invoke (for aid, worship, testimony, decision, etc.)
#4
εἰς
him in
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
οὗ
of whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#6
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#7
πιστεύσουσιν
believed
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
#8
πῶς
How
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#9
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#10
πιστεύσουσιν
believed
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
#11
οὗ
of whom
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
#12
οὐκ
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
ἀκούσουσιν
heard
to hear (in various senses)
#14
πῶς
How
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
#15
δὲ
and
but, and, etc
#16
ἀκούσουσιν
heard
to hear (in various senses)
#17
χωρὶς
without
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
#18
κηρύσσοντος
a preacher
to herald (as a public crier), especially divine truth (the gospel)

Analysis

This verse develops the faith and obedience theme central to Romans. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of faith and obedience within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to systematic theological exposition of the gospel, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of faith and obedience within the theological tradition of Romans Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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