The Meaning of Romans 10:12 Explained

Romans 10:12

KJV: 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.

YLT: for there is no difference between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord of all is rich to all those calling upon Him,

Darby: For there is no difference of Jew and Greek; for the same Lord of all is rich towards all that call upon him.

ASV: For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek: for the same Lord is Lord of all, and is rich unto all that call upon him:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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. 

What does Romans 10:12 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The blessing of justification is available to Jew and Gentile alike (cf. Romans 3:22). Its source is the same Lord. This reference confirms the fact that "Lord" in Romans 10:9 refers to Jesus as God rather than as personal master, as does the next verse.

Context Summary

Romans 10:11-21 - Needing Messengers Of Good Tidings
The Chosen People chafed, not only at the freeness of God's justifying grace, but because there was no difference made, so far as salvation was concerned, between them and the Gentiles. Surely there ought to be a special doorway for them into eternal life, apart from that trodden by the feet of the ordinary heathen world! Were they not the children of Abraham, the friend of God? Here the Apostle was compelled to withstand them. No, said he, it cannot be! There is no difference between Jew and Greek. All have sinned, and the same Lord is over all, rich to those who call upon Him, of whatever nationality.
The guests for whom the marriage feast was prepared refused to come, and therefore it was decreed that the servants of the great King should preach the gospel to every creature, and scour the highways and byways of the world for guests. The remainder of the chapter, Romans 10:14, etc., therefore vindicates the Apostle in his determination to preach the gospel beyond the limits of his own people; and in doing so, he was acting upon the old words of Deuteronomy 32:21. God would provoke their jealousy by a no-people, as they had provoked His by no-gods, Romans 10:19. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 10

1  The difference between the righteousness of the law, and that of faith;
11  all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, shall not be shamed;
18  and that the Gentiles shall receive the word and believe
19  Israel was not ignorant of these things

Greek Commentary for Romans 10:12

Distinction [διαστολη]
See note on this word Romans 3:22. Here it is followed by the ablative case Ιουδαιου τε και ελληνος — Ioudaiou te kai Hellēnos (between Jew and Greek). [source]
Lord of all [Κυριος παντων]
See Galatians 3:28. Rich (πλουτων — ploutōn). Present active participle of πλουτεω — plouteō See note on Ephesians 3:8 “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” [source]
Rich [πλουτων]
Present active participle of πλουτεω — plouteō See note on Ephesians 3:8 “the unsearchable riches of Christ.” [source]
For []
Explaining the whosoever of Romans 10:11. [source]
Difference []
Better, as Rev., distinction. See on Romans 3:22. [source]
Jew and Greek []
On Greek, see on Acts 6:1. Greeks here equivalent to Gentiles. [source]
Lord [κύριος]
See on Matthew 21:3. The reference is disputed: some Christ, others God. Probably Christ. See Romans 10:9, and compare Acts 10:36. The hearing which is necessary to believing comes through the word of Christ (Romans 10:17, where the reading is Christ instead of God ). [source]
That call upon [ἐπικαλουμένους]
See on appeal, Acts 25:11; see on James 2:7. That invoke Him as, Lord: recalling Romans 10:9, Romans 10:10. Compare Joel 2:32. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 10:12

Romans 3:22 Difference [διαστολή]
Only by Paul here, Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 14:7. Better, as Rev., distinction. [source]
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call? [πως ουν επικαλεσωνται]
Deliberative subjunctive (first aorist middle) of επικαλεομαι — epikaleomai (see Romans 10:12, Romans 10:13). The antecedent of εις ον — eis hon (in whom) is not expressed. [source]
Romans 11:11 The riches of the world [πλουτος κοσμου]
See note on Romans 10:12. [source]
Romans 3:22 Through faith in Jesus Christ [δια πιστεως Ιησου Χριστου]
Intermediate agency See note on 1 Corinthians 14:7 for the difference of sounds in musical instruments. Also in Romans 10:12. The Jew was first in privilege as in penalty (Romans 2:9.), but justification or setting right with God is offered to both on the same terms. [source]
Romans 3:22 Distinction [διαστολη]
See note on 1 Corinthians 14:7 for the difference of sounds in musical instruments. Also in Romans 10:12. The Jew was first in privilege as in penalty (Romans 2:9.), but justification or setting right with God is offered to both on the same terms. [source]
Romans 11:11 By their fall [τωι αυτων παραπτωματι]
Instrumental case. For the word, a falling aside or a false step from παραπιπτω — parapiptō see note on Romans 5:15-20. Is come. No verb in the Greek, but γινεται — ginetai or γεγονεν — gegonen is understood. For to provoke them to jealousy Purpose expressed by εις — eis and the articular infinitive, first aorist active, of παραζηλοω — parazēloō for which verb see note on 1 Corinthians 10:22. As an historical fact Paul turned to the Gentiles when the Jews rejected his message (Acts 13:45.; Acts 28:28, etc.). The riches of the world (πλουτος κοσμου — ploutos kosmou). See note on Romans 10:12. Their loss So perhaps in 1 Corinthians 6:7, but in Isaiah 31:8 defeat is the idea. Perhaps so here. Fulness (πληρωμα — plērōma). Perhaps “completion,” though the word from πληροω — plēroō to fill, has a variety of senses, that with which anything is filled (1 Corinthians 10:26, 1 Corinthians 10:28), that which is filled (Ephesians 1:23). How much more? Argument a fortiori as in Romans 11:24. Romans 11:25 illustrates the point. [source]
Romans 11:11 For to provoke them to jealousy [εις το παραζηλωσαι]
Purpose expressed by εις — eis and the articular infinitive, first aorist active, of παραζηλοω — parazēloō for which verb see note on 1 Corinthians 10:22. As an historical fact Paul turned to the Gentiles when the Jews rejected his message (Acts 13:45.; Acts 28:28, etc.). The riches of the world (πλουτος κοσμου — ploutos kosmou). See note on Romans 10:12. Their loss So perhaps in 1 Corinthians 6:7, but in Isaiah 31:8 defeat is the idea. Perhaps so here. Fulness (πληρωμα — plērōma). Perhaps “completion,” though the word from πληροω — plēroō to fill, has a variety of senses, that with which anything is filled (1 Corinthians 10:26, 1 Corinthians 10:28), that which is filled (Ephesians 1:23). How much more? Argument a fortiori as in Romans 11:24. Romans 11:25 illustrates the point. [source]
1 Corinthians 14:7 Distinction [διαστολὴν]
Proper modulation. Compare the use of the word in Romans 3:22; Romans 10:12. [source]
1 Corinthians 1:2 Call upon the name [ἐπικαλουμένοις τὸ ὄνομα]
Compare Romans 10:12; Acts 2:21. The formula is from the Septuagint. See Zechariah 13:9; Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:4; Psalm 115:17. It is used of worship, and here implies prayer to Christ. The first christian prayer recorded as heard by Saul of Tarsus, was Stephen's prayer to Christ, Acts 7:59. The name of Christ occurs nine times in the first nine verses of this epistle. [source]
1 Corinthians 14:7 Pipe [αυλος]
Old word (from αω αυω — aōκιταρα — auō to blow), only here in N.T. Harp (εαν διαστολην τοις πτογγοις μη δωι — kithara). Old word. Stringed instrument as pipe, a wind instrument. If they give not a distinction in the sounds Third class condition with second aorist active subjunctive διδωμι — dōi from διαστελλω — didōmi Common word in late Greek for difference In N.T. only here and Romans 3:22; Romans 10:12. πτεγγομαι — Phthoggos old word (from phtheggomai) for musical sounds vocal or instrumental. In N.T. only here and Romans 10:18. [source]
1 Corinthians 14:7 If they give not a distinction in the sounds [δωι]
Third class condition with second aorist active subjunctive διδωμι — dōi from διαστελλω — didōmi Common word in late Greek for difference In N.T. only here and Romans 3:22; Romans 10:12. πτεγγομαι — Phthoggos old word (from phtheggomai) for musical sounds vocal or instrumental. In N.T. only here and Romans 10:18. [source]
2 Corinthians 1:23 I call God for a record [τὸν Θεὸν ἐπικαλοῦμαι]
Rev., better, witness. A common classical idiom. Compare Plato: “Next will follow the choir of young men under the age of thirty, who will call upon the god Paean to testify to the truth of these words” (“Laws,” 664). Homer: “For the gods will be the best witnesses” (“Iliad,” xxii., 254). Compare Romans 1:9; Galatians 1:20; Philemon 1:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:5, 1 Thessalonians 2:10; Genesis 31:50, Sept. This particular form of expression occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The verb is often translated appeal, as Acts 25:11, Acts 25:12. Also to call upon, in the sense of supplication, Romans 10:12, Romans 10:13, Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2. [source]
Galatians 3:28  []
d With this putting on of Christ, the distinctions of your ordinary social relations - of nation, condition, sex - vanish. Comp. Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Colossians 3:11. [source]
Colossians 1:27 Of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles []
The mystery of the admission of the Gentiles to the gospel covenant, now revealed through Paul's preaching, was divinely rich and glorious. This glory is the manifestation of the kingdom of Christ among the Gentiles as their inheritance (Colossians 1:12; compare Romans 8:18, Romans 8:21; 2 Corinthians 4:17). The richness exhibited itself in the free dispensation of the Gospel to the Gentile as well as to the Jew. It was not limited by national lines. Compare “the same Lord is rich unto all,” Romans 10:12; and beggarly elements, Galatians 4:9. [source]
1 Timothy 2:5 One mediator [εις μεσιτης]
Late word (Polybius, Philo) from μεσος — mesos (middle), a middle man. In N.T. only here, Galatians 3:20; Hebrews 8:6; Hebrews 9:15; Hebrews 12:24. Between God and men (τεου και αντρωπων — theou kai anthrōpōn). Ablative case (though objective genitive may explain it) after μεσιτης — mesitēs (notion of separation) as in Romans 10:12; Hebrews 5:14. Himself man No “himself” (αυτος — autos) in the Greek. [source]
1 Timothy 2:5 Between God and men [τεου και αντρωπων]
Ablative case (though objective genitive may explain it) after μεσιτης — mesitēs (notion of separation) as in Romans 10:12; Hebrews 5:14. [source]
2 Timothy 2:22 Call on the Lord [ἐπικαλουμένων τὸν κύριον]
A Pauline phrase, only here in Pastorals. See Romans 10:12, Romans 10:13, Romans 10:14; 1 Corinthians 1:2. See also Acts 2:21; Acts 9:14; Acts 22:16. [source]
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee [πευγε]
Present active imperative of πευγω — pheugō old and common verb. In this sense see note on 1 Corinthians 6:18. Follow after (διωκε — diōke). Present active imperative of διωκω — diōkō as if in a chase for which sense see note on 1 Thessalonians 5:15. Steady pursuit of these virtues like those in Galatians 5:22. Call on the Lord See note on 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 10:12-14. [source]
2 Timothy 2:22 Call on the Lord [επικαλουμενον τον κυριον]
See note on 1 Corinthians 1:2; Romans 10:12-14. [source]
Titus 3:6 Richly [πλουσιως]
Then and to each one in his own experience. See note on Romans 10:12; 1 Timothy 6:17. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 10:12 mean?

Not for there is difference Jew between and Greek - for the same Lord of all is rich toward all those calling Him
οὐ γάρ ἐστιν διαστολὴ Ἰουδαίου τε καὶ Ἕλληνος γὰρ αὐτὸς Κύριος πάντων πλουτῶν εἰς πάντας τοὺς ἐπικαλουμένους αὐτόν

ἐστιν  there  is 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
διαστολὴ  difference 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: διαστολή  
Sense: a distinction, difference.
Ἰουδαίου  Jew 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰουδαῖος  
Sense: Jewish, belonging to the Jewish race.
τε  between 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: τέ  
Sense: not only … but also.
Ἕλληνος  Greek 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἕλλην  
Sense: a Greek either by nationality, whether a native of the main land or of the Greek islands or colonies.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
αὐτὸς  the  same 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Κύριος  Lord 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: κύριος  
Sense: he to whom a person or thing belongs, about which he has power of deciding; master, lord.
πάντων  of  all 
Parse: Adjective, Genitive Masculine Plural
Root: πᾶς  
Sense: individually.
πλουτῶν  is  rich 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: πλουτέω  
Sense: to be rich, to have abundance.
εἰς  toward 
Parse: Preposition
Root: εἰς  
Sense: into, unto, to, towards, for, among.
τοὺς  those 
Parse: Article, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἐπικαλουμένους  calling 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle, Accusative Masculine Plural
Root: ἐπικαλέω  
Sense: to put a name upon, to surname.