That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

ROMANS 10:9KJV
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Romans 10:9 (KJV)

What does Romans 10:9 mean?

Romans 10:9 says that if a person openly says with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and truly believes in their heart that God raised Jesus from the dead, that person will be saved. This verse points to both a spoken confession and a genuine inner belief as central to salvation.

Paul, the author, is writing to the Christians in Rome, explaining how anyone—Jew or Gentile—can be made right with God. In this verse, Paul highlights that salvation is not about following religious rituals or laws, but about trusting in Jesus and acknowledging him openly.

The Greek behind Romans 10:9

  • ὁμολογέω (homologeō, "confess"): This word means to declare or agree openly. In this verse, it emphasizes not just private belief but a public acknowledgment of Jesus as Lord.
  • κύριος (kurios, "Lord"): This term often means "master" or "one with authority." Calling Jesus "Lord" here is a strong statement about his divine status and authority.
  • πιστεύω (pisteuō, "believe"): This word carries the sense of trusting or relying on something, not just mentally agreeing. Paul is pointing to a deep, heartfelt trust that God raised Jesus from the dead.
  • σῴζω (sōzō, "saved"): This word means to rescue or deliver. In context, it refers to being rescued from sin and brought into a right relationship with God.

Why Romans 10:9 matters

  • Romans 10:9 clarifies that salvation is not earned by works or heritage but is available to anyone who confesses and believes, making the message inclusive and accessible.
  • The verse connects the heart (inner belief) and the mouth (outward confession), showing that faith is both personal and public.
  • By focusing on Jesus’ resurrection, Romans 10:9 ties salvation directly to the core event of the Christian faith, emphasizing its foundational importance in Paul’s teaching.

Where else these words appear

“confess” Greek G3670 · used in 21 verses

  • Matthew 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
  • John 12:42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:
  • Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

“mouth” Greek G4750 · used in 72 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.
  • Acts 3:21 Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.
  • James 3:3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

“saved” Greek G4982 · used in 103 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 9:56 For the Son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to another village.
  • Romans 11:14 If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

“dead” Greek G3498 · used in 123 verses

  • Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.
  • Acts 3:15 And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: