Romans 10:14–17 (LEB) — 14 How then will they call upon him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in him about whom they have not heard? And how will they hear about him without one who preaches to them? 15 And how will they preach, unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How timely are the feet of those who bring good news of good things.” 16 But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word about Christ.
Verse 17: "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word about Christ."
Grammar and Morphology:
"Consequently" (ἄρα, ara):
Inferential particle, indicating conclusion or result.
"Faith comes" (ἡ πίστις ἐξ ἀκοῆς, hē pistis ex akoēs):
ἡ πίστις: Nominative singular feminine, "faith."
ἐξ ἀκοῆς: Preposition "from" + genitive singular feminine, "hearing."
"Through the word" (διὰ ῥήματος, dia rhēmatos):
διὰ: Preposition "through," indicating means.
ῥήματος: Genitive singular neuter, "word."
"About Christ" (Χριστοῦ, Christou):
Genitive singular masculine, specifying the content of the word.
Syntax and Structure:
Main Clause: "Faith comes by hearing."
Prepositional Phrase: "Through the word about Christ" modifies "hearing," showing its source.
Conclusion
Paul constructs a logical sequence through rhetorical questions and conditional clauses to show the necessity of preaching for salvation. Each step depends on the prior, emphasizing the role of the gospel message in leading to faith.
The passage connects faith, repentance, and proclamation to the central figure of Christ.
J.