For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.

ROMANS 10:12KJV
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Romans 10:12 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:12 mean?

Romans 10:12 says that there is no distinction between Jewish people and Greek (non-Jewish) people, because the same Lord is in charge of everyone and generously gives to all who call on him. Anyone, no matter their background, can approach God and receive from him.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, a group made up of both Jews and non-Jews, to make it clear that God does not play favorites based on ethnicity or background. In the context of the letter, Paul is explaining that salvation and God’s kindness are available to everyone who turns to him, not just to one group of people.

The Greek behind Romans 10:12

  • διαστολή (diastolē, "difference"): This word means a distinction or separation. Paul uses it to stress that, in God’s eyes, there is no dividing line between Jews and Greeks when it comes to access to God.
  • πλουτέω (plouteō, "rich"): This word means to be rich or to have an abundance. Paul uses it to show that God’s generosity is overflowing and available to all who call on him, not limited to a select group.
  • ἐπικαλέομαι (epikaleomai, "call upon"): This word means to call on or appeal to someone for help. Here, it highlights that anyone who calls on the Lord, regardless of background, will receive his generosity.

Why Romans 10:12 matters

  • Romans 10:12 clears up any idea that God’s blessings or salvation are reserved for a specific group; Paul insists that God welcomes everyone equally.
  • The verse emphasizes the unity of all believers under one Lord, breaking down barriers that might have divided early Christian communities.
  • Romans 10:12 sets up the following verses, where Paul explains how anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved, reinforcing the open invitation of the gospel.

Where else these words appear

“difference” Greek G1293 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 3:22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped?

“rich” Greek G4147 · used in 12 verses

  • Luke 1:53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:9 For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.
  • Revelation 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

“Greek” Greek G1672 · used in 26 verses

  • John 7:35 Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?
  • Acts 19:10 And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.
  • Romans 3:9 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;

“upon” Greek G1941 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 10:3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus;
  • Acts 10:32 Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the sea side: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee.
  • Acts 25:25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself hath appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.