Romans 10:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 10:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.
Romans 10:1 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 10

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Brethren, my heart`s desire and my supplication to God is for them, that they may be saved.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Brethren, my heart's desire, etc..] The apostle having suggested, that a few of the Jews only should be called and saved; that the far greater part should be rejected; that the Israelites who sought for righteousness did not attain it when the Gentiles did, but stumbled and fell at Christ, and would be ashamed and confounded; and knowing the prejudices of that people against him, therefore lest what he had said, or should say upon this subject, should be thought to arise from hatred and ill will to them, he judged it proper, as before, to express his trouble and sorrow on their account; so now his great love and affection to them, and which he signifies by calling them “brethren”: for not…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“My prayer to God is, that they may be saved - He would not have prayed for this, had they been absolutely reprobated. Romans 10:2”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“my heart's: Rom 9:1-3; Exo 32:10, Exo 32:13; Sa1 12:23, Sa1 15:11, Sa1 15:35, Sa1 16:1; Jer 17:16, Jer 18:20; Luk 13:34; Joh 5:34; Co1 9:20-22 Romans 10:2”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification