Romans 10:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:11 mean?

Romans 10:11 says that everyone who believes in Jesus can rely on him without being put to shame. Paul presents that assurance as a promise from Scripture, rather than as a claim he has made on his own.

Paul draws on words from Isaiah 28:16, applying them to Jesus, whom he has just named in Romans 10:9. The phrase “shall not be ashamed” pictures someone whose trust proves well placed, rather than someone left disgraced because that trust failed.

The Greek behind Romans 10:11

• “believeth” — πιστεύων (pisteuōn): The word carries the sense of believing or trusting. In this sentence, the belief is directed toward a person: “him.”
• “shall … be ashamed” — καταισχυνθήσεται (kataischynthēsetai): The word can carry the sense of being put to shame or disappointed. Here, “not” turns that possibility into an assurance that trust in him will not end that way.

Why Romans 10:11 matters

• Paul treats this promise as open to everyone, not one people alone. His word “Whosoever” prepares for verse 12, where he says there is no distinction between Jew and Greek.
• Paul connects his message about Jesus with an earlier passage of Scripture. By introducing the quotation with “For the scripture saith,” he gives a reason for the statement about belief and salvation in verse 10.