Romans 10:16
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Original Language Analysis
Ἀλλ
But
G235
Ἀλλ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 15
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ὑπήκουσαν
obeyed
G5219
ὑπήκουσαν
obeyed
Strong's:
G5219
Word #:
4 of 15
to hear under (as a subordinate), i.e., to listen attentively; by implication, to heed or conform to a command or authority
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε
Lord
G2962
Κύριε
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
10 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τίς
who
G5101
τίς
who
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
11 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐπίστευσεν
hath believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσεν
hath believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
12 of 15
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
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Isaiah 53:1Who hath believed our report? and to whom is the arm of the LORD revealed?Romans 3:3For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Romans 2:8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,Romans 6:17But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.Galatians 5:7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Historical Context
Isaiah 52:13-53:12, the fourth Servant Song, prophesied Messiah's vicarious suffering for sin. First-century Judaism largely did not expect a suffering Messiah—they awaited a conquering warrior-king. Jesus fulfilled Isaiah 53 precisely (Matt 8:17; 1 Pet 2:24-25), but "we esteemed him stricken, smitten of God" (Isa 53:4). The early church extensively used Isaiah 53 to prove Jesus' Messiahship from Torah (Acts 8:32-35). Jewish rejection of crucified Messiah was the stumbling block (1 Cor 1:23).
Questions for Reflection
- Have you "obeyed the gospel" or merely acknowledged it intellectually without life-transformation?
- Why do you think the gospel message is rejected by so many who hear it clearly?
- How does understanding faith as obedience shape your view of nominal Christianity and lordless conversion?
Analysis & Commentary
But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?—All' ou pantes hypēkousan tō euangeliō (ἀλλ' οὐ πάντες ὑπήκουσαν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ, "But not all obeyed the gospel"). Hypakouō (ὑπακούω, "obey, submit to, heed") treats gospel-belief as obedience (cf. Rom 1:5; 16:26, "obedience of faith"). Faith is not mere intellectual acknowledgment but willing submission to Christ's lordship. The gospel is not advice to consider but a royal summons to obey (2 Thess 1:8; 1 Pet 4:17).
Paul quotes Isaiah 53:1, Kyrie, tis episteusen tē akoē hēmōn? (κύριε, τίς ἐπίστευσεν τῇ ἀκοῇ ἡμῶν; "Lord, who has believed our report/message?"). Isaiah's Suffering Servant prophecy was largely rejected by Israel—the supreme irony that the Messiah's glory came through suffering. Akoē (ἀκοή) means "hearing, report, message"—the content heard. Paul applies this to gospel-rejection: Israel's prophesied rejection of Messiah continues in rejecting the gospel. This softens the tragedy (it was prophesied) but intensifies responsibility (they are without excuse).