But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

ROMANS 10:16KJV
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Romans 10:16 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:16 mean?

Romans 10:16 says that hearing the good news did not mean everyone accepted it. Paul supports that point by quoting Isaiah’s question to the Lord, showing that a report from God had met with unbelief before.

After speaking of those who bring good news in verse 15, Paul turns to the response of those who hear it. “Esaias” is the KJV’s form of the name Isaiah. His question, from Isaiah 53:1, expresses dismay at how few believed the message.

The Greek behind Romans 10:16

  • “obeyed” — ὑπακούω (hypakouō): The Greek carries the sense of responding obediently to what one hears. Here Paul places that word alongside Isaiah’s question about believing a report.
  • “report” — ἀκοή (akoē): This word can refer to a message that is heard. In Isaiah’s question, “our report” means the message being announced, not an account of someone’s behavior.

Why Romans 10:16 matters

  • The verse does not say that everyone rejected the message. Paul’s wording, “not all,” leaves room for a response from some.
  • Paul’s quotation connects his concern to an earlier passage about a message meeting resistance. Isaiah’s question gives Paul words for describing that response.
  • The verse distinguishes bringing a message from receiving it. The good news is announced in the surrounding passage, but verse 16 focuses on what happens when people hear it.

Where else these words appear

“have” Greek G5219 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 8:27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!
  • Acts 12:13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a damsel came to hearken, named Rhoda.
  • Colossians 3:20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

“Esaias” Greek G2268 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 3:3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
  • Mark 7:6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
  • Acts 8:28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet.

“report” Greek G189 · used in 22 verses

  • Matthew 4:24 And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.
  • Luke 7:1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.
  • Galatians 3:5 He 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?

“gospel” Greek G2098 · used in 74 verses

  • Matthew 4:23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:12 If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.
  • Philippians 1:5 For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now;