Bible Strands
Romans 10:17
Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul is mid-argument in Romans 10:14–15, laying out the logical chain by which a person comes to believe: someone must be sent, they must preach, the hearer must hear, and then faith arises.
The words — ἄρα (ara), "so," is a logical-conclusion particle that marks this as the inevitable result of what precedes. ἐξ (ex), "from," is a preposition of source, making the origin of faith precise rather than vague.
The thread — Galatians 3:2 and 3:5 use the same "hearing with faith" formula to contrast the Spirit's reception against works of the law. Luke 11:28 pairs hearing the word of God with obedience, extending the chain beyond mere reception.
Why it lands — The verse locates the origin of faith in a communicated word, not in an unmediated internal experience. It places the obligation on the one who sends and the one who speaks, not on the one who believes.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
Cross-references
- Galatians 3:2 I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law, or by hearing with faith?
- Galatians 3:5 Does God lavish His Spirit on you and work miracles among you because you practice the law, or because you hear and believe?
- Luke 11:28 But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”
- Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you who believe.
- Mark 4:24 He went on to say, “Pay attention to what you hear. With the measure you use, it will be measured to you, and even more will be added to you.
- Luke 8:21 But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear the word of God and carry it out.”
- Romans 1:16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.
- Romans 10:14 How then can they call on the One in whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone to preach?
- Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.