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NASB | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 10:17 So faith comes from hearing [what is told], and what is heard comes by the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ. |
Bible Question: Most explanations I've heard act like this verse says, "So faith comes from hearing; hearing the word of God." But it doesn't say that. It says, "Faith comes by hearing, and hearing BY the word of God." That word "BY" is what puzzles me. Can anyone explain what "hearing BY the word of God" means? |
Bible Answer: Txana, I commend you for investigating what you hear. This is what the Bereans did with Pual (Act 17:11) and he was an if not the expert. Evne when I (we) say something here - check us out ... even if the experts are quoted. The NIV says "the messsage is heard through the word of Christ" The word in Greek is "dia." Strong (1223) says "a primary preposition denoting the channel of an act." Through is probably a better translation. Look at the immediate context ..someone needs to be sent so they can preach (v15a), the word of Christ (v17b) ...so they can hear (v14c), which will start the faith process (v17a). They cannot claim they did not hear (v18). ...so they can believe (v14b), but not all will (v16). Belief requires faith. ...so they can call on Him (v14a). ...so they are saved (v13) Back up to verses 8-11, to see more connections and ... the word of faith is being proclaimed (v8c) I hope I haven't confused you, I was trying to show how the immedaite context may help. Steve |