Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

ROMANS 10:1KJV
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Romans 10:1 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:1 mean?

Romans 10:1 expresses Paul’s deep concern for Israel: he wants his fellow Israelites to be saved, and he brings that desire to God in prayer. His words show that his concern is personal, not merely a subject for argument.

Paul addresses his readers as “brethren,” a family term for fellow believers. After speaking of Israel in the preceding verses, he opens this part of his discussion by telling his readers what is in his heart.

The Greek behind Romans 10:1

  • “desire” — εὐδοκία (eudokia): The Greek can carry the sense of goodwill or a wish for someone’s good. Here, the word helps show the warmth behind Paul’s concern for Israel.
  • “prayer” — δέησις (deēsis): The Greek often refers to a request made because of a need. Paul presents his concern as a specific request to God.

Why Romans 10:1 matters

  • Paul’s concern for Israel continues alongside his discussion of those who have not believed. His personal words here follow the picture of Israel in Romans 9:30–33.
  • Paul is speaking about people he knows from the inside, not a distant group. Earlier, he calls Israelites “my kinsmen according to the flesh” in Romans 9:3–4.
  • Paul’s request belongs to a wider discussion about how people are saved. In Romans 10:9–13, he connects being saved with confessing Jesus as Lord, believing that God raised him from the dead, and calling on the Lord.

Where else these words appear

“desire” Greek G2107 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Luke 10:21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.
  • Philippians 1:15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:

“prayer” Greek G1162 · used in 17 verses

  • Luke 1:13 But the angel said unto him, Fear not, Zacharias: for thy prayer is heard; and thy wife Elisabeth shall bear thee a son, and thou shalt call his name John.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:14 And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you.
  • 1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

“saved” Greek G4991 · used in 43 verses

  • Luke 1:69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;
  • Romans 13:11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
  • Hebrews 2:3 How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;

“my” Greek G1699 · used in 68 verses

  • Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.
  • John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.