Romans 10:8
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 25
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
2 of 25
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
λέγει
saith it
G3004
λέγει
saith it
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 25
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥῆμα
The word
G4487
ῥῆμα
The word
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
7 of 25
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στόματί
mouth
G4750
στόματί
mouth
Strong's:
G4750
Word #:
11 of 25
the mouth (as if a gash in the face); by implication, language (and its relations); figuratively, an opening (in the earth); specially, the front or e
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καρδίᾳ
heart
G2588
καρδίᾳ
heart
Strong's:
G2588
Word #:
16 of 25
the heart, i.e., (figuratively) the thoughts or feelings (mind); also (by analogy) the middle
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ῥῆμα
The word
G4487
ῥῆμα
The word
Strong's:
G4487
Word #:
21 of 25
an utterance (individually, collectively or specially),; by implication, a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negat
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστεως
of faith
G4102
πίστεως
of faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
23 of 25
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Cross References
Deuteronomy 30:14But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it.1 Timothy 4:6If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.1 Peter 1:25But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.Romans 10:17So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.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?Acts 10:43To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.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?1 Peter 1:23Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.Isaiah 57:19I create the fruit of the lips; Peace, peace to him that is far off, and to him that is near, saith the LORD; and I will heal him.Acts 16:31And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 30:14 culminated Moses' covenant renewal, calling Israel to return to Yahweh with heart and mouth obedience. Paul sees this covenantal summons typologically fulfilled in the New Covenant gospel call. The early church's kerygma (Acts 2:14-39; 1 Cor 15:1-8) centered on Christ's death, resurrection, and lordship—objective historical facts demanding response. This "word of faith" was revolutionary: salvation by hearing and believing a message, not by inheriting ethnic privilege or achieving moral perfection.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the accessibility of the gospel ("nigh thee") expose excuses for unbelief as willful rejection?
- What is the relationship between the objective gospel proclaimed (<em>rhēma</em>) and the subjective response of faith?
- Why is it vital that faith has specific content (Christ crucified and risen) rather than being generic religious sentiment?
Analysis & Commentary
But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach—Engys sou to rhēma estin (ἐγγύς σου τὸ ῥῆμα ἐστιν, "near you the word is")—the gospel is accessible, present, close at hand. Rhēma (ῥῆμα) emphasizes the spoken word, the proclaimed message, not abstract truth. It is en tō stomati sou kai en tē kardia sou (ἐν τῷ στόματί σου καὶ ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ σου, "in your mouth and in your heart")—confession and belief, the two elements Paul will unpack in verses 9-10.
That is, the word of faith, which we preach—to rhēma tēs pisteōs ho kēryssomen (τὸ ῥῆμα τῆς πίστεως ὃ κηρύσσομεν). Paul identifies the word of faith as the message we proclaim (kēryssō, κηρύσσω, "preach, herald, proclaim publicly"). This is apostolic gospel proclamation—objective, historical, Christological content. Faith's object is not faith itself (subjectivism) but Christ as revealed in the word preached. The gospel creates faith by announcing its object.