Click
here to show/hide instructions.
Instructions on how to use the page:
The commentary for the selected verse is is displayed below.
All commentary was produced against the King James, so the same verse from that translation may appear as well. Hovering your mouse over a commentary's scripture reference attempts to show those verses.
Use the browser's back button to return to the previous page.
Or you can also select a feature from the Just Verses menu appearing at the top of the page.
Selected Verse: Romans 10:1 - King James
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Ro 10:1 |
King James |
Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED--HOW ISRAEL CAME TO MISS SALVATION, AND THE GENTILES TO FIND IT. (Rom. 10:1-21)
Brethren, my heart's desire--The word here expresses "entire complacency," that in which the heart would experience full satisfaction.
and prayer--"supplication."
to God for Israel--"for them" is the true reading; the subject being continued from the close of the preceding chapter.
is, that they may be saved--"for their salvation." Having before poured forth the anguish of his soul at the general unbelief of his nation and its dreadful consequences (Rom 9:1-3), he here expresses in the most emphatic terms his desire and prayer for their salvation. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
Brethren - This expression seems intended particularly for the Jews, his ancient friends, fellow-worshippers, and kinsmen, but who had embraced the Christian faith. It is an expression of tenderness and affection, denoting his deep interest in their welfare.
My heart's desire - The word "desire" εὐδοκία eudokia means benevolence, and the expression, "my heart's desire," means my earnest and sincere wish.
Prayer to God - He not only cherished this feeling but he expressed in a desire to God. He had no desire that his kinsmen should be destroyed; no pleasure in the appalling doctrine which he had been defending. He still wished their welfare; and could still pray for them that they might return to God. Ministers have no pleasure in proclaiming the truth that people must be lost. Even when they declare the truths of the Bible that some will be lost; when they are constrained by the unbelief and wickedness of people to proclaim it of them, they still can sincerely say that they seek their salvation.
For Israel - For the Jewish nation.
That they might be saved - This clearly refers to salvation from the sin of unbelief; and the consequences of sin in hell. It does not refer to the temporal calamities which were coming upon them, but to preservation from the eternal anger of God; compare Rom 11:26; Ti1 2:4. The reasons why the apostle commences this chapter in this tender manner are the following.
(1) because he had stated and defended one of the most offensive doctrines that could be preached to a Jew; and he was desirous to show them that it was not from any lack of affection for them, but that he was urged to it by the pressure of truth.
(2) he was regarded by them as an apostate. He had abandoned them when bearing their commission, and while on his way to execute their favorite purposes, and had preached the doctrine which they had sent him to destroy; compare Acts 9. He had opposed them everywhere; had proclaimed their pride, self-righteousness, and crime in crucifying their Messiah; had forsaken all that they valued; their pomp of worship, their city, and their temple; and had gone to other lands to bear the message of mercy to the nations that they despised. He was willing to show them that this proceeded from no lack of affection for them, but that he still retained toward them the feelings of a Jew, and could give them credit for much that they valued themselves on, Rom 10:2.
(3) he was aware of the deep and dreadful condemnation that was coming on them. In view of that he expressed his tender regard for their welfare, and his earnest prayer to God for their salvation. And we see here the proper feelings of a minister of the gospel when declaring the most terrible of the truths of the Bible. Paul was tender, affectionate, kind; convincing by cool argument, and not harshly denouncing; stating the appalling truth, and then pouring out his earnest desires to God that he would avert the impending doom. So should the awful doctrines of religion be preached by all the ambassadors of God. |
| The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917] |
saved
(See Scofield) - (Rom 1:16). |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Brethren
See on Jo1 2:9. An expression of affectionate interest and indicating emotion.
My heart's desire (ἡ εὐδοκία τῆς ἐμῆς καρδίας)
More literally, the good will of my heart. See on Luk 2:14. Compare Phi 1:15; Phi 2:13; Eph 1:5, Eph 1:9; Th2 1:11.
Prayer (δέησις)
See on Luk 5:33.
To God (πρός)
Implying communion. See on with God, Joh 1:1.
For Israel
The best texts substitute αὐτῶν for them; those described in the last three verses of ch. 9. Bengel remarks that Paul would not have prayed had they been utterly reprobate.
That they may be saved (εἰς σωτηρίαν)
Lit., unto (their) salvation. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| My prayer to God is, that they may be saved - He would not have prayed for this, had they been absolutely reprobated. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
| My heart's desire, etc. - Though the apostle knew that the Jews were now in a state of rejection, yet he knew also that they were in this state through their own obstinacy, and that God was still waiting to be gracious, and consequently, that they might still repent and turn to him. Of his concern for their salvation he had already given ample proof, when he was willing to become a sacrifice for their welfare, see Rom 9:3. |
1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
2 For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
26 And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
33 And they said unto him, Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees; but thine eat and drink?
11 Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of his goodness, and the work of faith with power:
9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:
5 Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,
13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
15 Some indeed preach Christ even of envy and strife; and some also of good will:
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
9 He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: