Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
So then
G686
ἄρα
So then
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 11
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
3 of 11
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἐξ
cometh by
G1537
ἐξ
cometh by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 11
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
by
G1223
διὰ
by
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
9 of 11
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Galatians 3:2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Galatians 3:5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?Colossians 3:16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.1 Thessalonians 2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Mark 4:24And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given.Luke 8:21And he answered and said unto them, My mother and my brethren are these which hear the word of God, and do it.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.Romans 10:14How 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?Luke 8:11Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.
Historical Context
The early church prioritized preaching/teaching (Acts 2:42; 6:2-4). Synagogue tradition of Torah-reading and exposition prepared Jewish converts for Christian emphasis on the Word. The Protestant Reformation recovered biblical preaching after medieval sacramentalism had eclipsed it. Luther declared preaching is God's mouth speaking. Calvin structured worship around sermon exposition. This verse undergirds evangelical commitment to expository preaching, Bible translation, and literacy. Faith requires content—ignorance cannot produce saving faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does "faith comes by hearing" shape your priorities in worship, discipleship, and evangelism?
- Are you regularly sitting under faithful biblical preaching, the ordinary means by which God creates and strengthens faith?
- How does this verse challenge experiential Christianity that prioritizes feelings over Word-exposition?
Analysis & Commentary
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God—Ara hē pistis ex akoēs, hē de akoē dia rhēmatos Christou (ἄρα ἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς, ἡ δὲ ἀκοὴ διὰ ῥήματος Χριστοῦ, "So then faith [comes] from hearing, and hearing through the word/message of Christ"). This is the golden text on faith's origin. Pistis (πίστις, "faith") is not self-generated or innate—it comes ex (ἐξ, "from, out of") akoē (ἀκοή, "hearing")—the act of hearing the message. Akoē in turn comes dia (διά, "through") rhēmatos Christou (ῥήματος Χριστοῦ, "the word/message of/about Christ").
The genitive Christou (Χριστοῦ) is likely objective: the message about Christ, the gospel. Some manuscripts read theou (θεοῦ, "of God"), which is also appropriate. Faith arises when the Spirit works through the proclaimed word of Christ to create belief in the heart (1 Thess 2:13). This verse is central to Reformed theology: fides ex auditu (faith from hearing)—the ordinary means of grace is preaching. Mysticism, emotionalism, subjectivism are rejected. Faith has specific content (Christ) delivered through specific means (proclamation).