So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

ROMANS 10:17KJV
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Romans 10:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:17 mean?

Romans 10:17 says that faith comes from hearing, and hearing comes through the word of God. In other words, trusting God grows out of listening to a message about Him, and that message is found in what God has spoken.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how people come to trust in Jesus. He points out that faith is not something people just have on their own—it starts when they hear the message about God, especially the good news about Jesus. This verse highlights the importance of sharing and listening to God's message as the starting point for faith.

The Greek behind Romans 10:17

  • πίστις (pistis; "faith"): This word means trust or confidence, especially in God. Paul is saying that this kind of trust is not automatic; it has a source.
  • ἀκοή (akoē; "hearing"): This word can mean both the act of hearing and the message that is heard. Here, it points to the importance of actually receiving the message, not just sound.
  • ῥῆμα (rhēma; "word"): This word refers to a spoken message or saying. Paul uses it to stress that faith comes from a specific message—what God has spoken, not just any words.
  • θεός (theos; "God"): The message that produces faith is not just any message, but specifically the word that comes from God.

Why Romans 10:17 matters

  • Romans 10:17 clarifies that faith is not self-generated; it begins with hearing God's message, which counters the idea that faith is just a personal feeling or decision.
  • This verse emphasizes the central role of sharing God's word—without the message being spoken and heard, faith cannot start.
  • Romans 10:17 connects to Paul’s larger point in Romans 10, showing why preaching and sharing the good news about Jesus is essential for anyone to come to faith.

Where else these words appear

“hearing” 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?

“then” Greek G686 · used in 51 verses

  • Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
  • Acts 8:22 Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God, if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:14 And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

“word” Greek G4487 · used in 67 verses

  • Matthew 4:4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
  • Luke 18:34 And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken.
  • Acts 10:37 That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached;