Romans 10:20
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
5 of 16
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
9 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ζητοῦσιν
of them that sought
G2212
ζητοῦσιν
of them that sought
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
10 of 16
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
ἐγενόμην
I was made
G1096
ἐγενόμην
I was made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
12 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 9:30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.Isaiah 49:6And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.Luke 14:23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.Isaiah 58:1Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins.Isaiah 52:15So shall he sprinkle many nations; the kings shall shut their mouths at him: for that which had not been told them shall they see; and that which they had not heard shall they consider.Proverbs 28:1The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.Matthew 20:16So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Historical Context
Isaiah 65:1-7 contrasted rebellious Israel with God's availability to outsiders. In Paul's day, this prophecy found dramatic fulfillment: Gentiles like Cornelius (Acts 10), Lydia (Acts 16:14), and countless pagans were transformed, while synagogues expelled gospel messengers (Acts 13:50; 17:5; 18:6). The irony was bitter: covenant insiders became outsiders, while outsiders became insiders (Matt 8:11-12; 21:43). This pattern continues: often the least religious, most broken people respond to the gospel while the self-righteous resist.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's seeking of non-seekers (Gentiles) magnify the freeness and sovereignty of grace?
- Were you a seeker when God found you, or did He awaken desire in a dead heart?
- How should this verse shape evangelism—should we target "seekers" or boldly proclaim to the indifferent?
Analysis & Commentary
But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me—Paul quotes Isaiah 65:1, where God laments Israel's rebellion and announces His availability to those who didn't seek Him. Ēsaias de apotolma kai legei (Ἠσαΐας δὲ ἀποτολμᾷ καὶ λέγει, "Isaiah is very bold and says")—apotolmaō (ἀποτολμάω, "dare, be bold") indicates Isaiah's courageous prophecy of Gentile inclusion. I was found of them that sought me not (Heurethēn tois eme mē zētousin, εὑρέθην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ζητοῦσιν)—God's sovereign initiative in Gentile salvation.
I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me (emphanēs egenomēn tois eme mē eperōtōsin, ἐμφανὴς ἐγενόμην τοῖς ἐμὲ μὴ ἐπερωτῶσιν)—God revealed Himself to those who didn't inquire. This is radical grace: God saves those who neither seek nor ask. The Gentiles, spiritually dead and indifferent (Eph 2:1-3, 12), were sovereignly apprehended by grace (Acts 10; 16:14). Meanwhile, Israel—who possessed Scripture, temple, and covenant—rejected their Messiah. Grace inverts human expectation.