For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that "not being put to shame" isn't just about avoiding embarrassment, but about a deep confidence that the foundation of our hope – Jesus Christ – will never fail us. It's a powerful assurance against disappointment and ruin, rooted not in our own performance, but in Him alone.
For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is demonstrating that God’s plan has always been for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved through faith. He has just explained why Israel's unbelief didn't thwart God's purposes, and now he shifts to show that salvation through faith in Jesus is universally available and the sure hope for everyone who believes. This verse serves as the foundation for his argument that there is no exclusion based on ethnicity, as God is equally rich in mercy to all who call on Him.
When you place your trust in someone, you expect them to come through for you. What happens when they don't? This verse offers a powerful reassurance drawn from ancient prophecy.
Paul grounds his argument about salvation by faith in the Old Testament. He quotes Isaiah 28:16, which promises that those who believe in God's chosen cornerstone will not be put to shame.
Is God's promise of salvation just for a select few, or is it for everyone? This verse, when read in context, reveals an incredible scope.
The promise that believers will not be put to shame isn't limited by nationality or background. Paul emphasizes that the foundation for this promise is the Lord Himself, who is the same for all.
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Understand the original words
pisteuōn · Greek Verb
An active, ongoing trust and reliance upon God and His promises, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ, leading to salvation.
kataischunthēsetai · Greek Verb
Disappointment, disgrace, or disgrace caused by failed expectations; in a theological context, it refers to the lack of disappointment for those who trust in Christ, as their faith is vindicated.
Paul strategically uses Old Testament prophecies, originally spoken in specific historical contexts, to demonstrate that the message of salvation through faith in Jesus has always been God's universal plan, extending His grace equally to Jews and Gentiles.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy
Isaiah prophesied about a coming day of judgment, but also assured that God would lay a foundation stone in Zion, and anyone who trusts in Him would not be put to shame.
c. 400 BC
Joel's Prophecy
Joel foretold a time when God would pour out His Spirit on all people, and everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus taught and performed miracles, offering salvation to all who believed in Him, and then ascended to heaven.
c. AD 33
Pentecost and the Early Church
The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus' followers, empowering them to preach the gospel. Peter, quoting Joel, explained that salvation was available to both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus.
c. AD 48-49
Council of Jerusalem
Church leaders debated whether Gentile believers needed to follow all Jewish laws, affirming that salvation came through grace by faith, not by adherence to the Law.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Writing to the church in Rome, Paul expounds on God's plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that faith in Jesus is the sole requirement, fulfilling Old Testament promises.
This is the direct Old Testament source passage that Paul is quoting, showing the foundational promise of God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him.
Psalm 25:2-3This psalm expresses a similar sentiment, praying that the psalmist will not be put to shame because of his trust and hope in God.
Romans 9:33Paul previously quoted this same Isaiah passage in Romans 9, connecting belief with God's righteousness and also highlighting stumbling blocks for Israel, showing continuity in his argument.
Joel 2:32This passage, also quoted by Peter in Acts 2, speaks of salvation for all who call on the name of the Lord, reinforcing the universal scope of God's promise that Paul is emphasizing.
barnesRomans 10:11: "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
For the Scripture saith ... - Isaiah 28:16 . This was the uniform doctrine of the Scripture, that he who holds an opinion on the subject of religion will not be ashamed to avow it. This is the nature of religion, and without this there can be none; see this passage explained in Romans 9:33 .
bensonRomans 10:11: "For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed."
Romans 10:11-13 . For the Scripture saith, &c. — He proceeds to prove, by the Scriptures, the saving effects of faith and confession, spoken of in the two last verses. He refers to Isaiah 28:16 , and perhaps also to Psalm 25:3 . Or, he means, that this is the general doctrine of the Scriptures: Whosoever believeth on him — Whether Jew or Gentile; shall not be ashamed — Disappointed of his expectation of sa…
This verse highlights that "not being put to shame" isn't just about avoiding embarrassment, but about a deep confidence that the foundation of our hope – Jesus Christ – will never fail us. It's a powerful assurance against disappointment and ruin, rooted not in our own performance, but in Him alone.
Paul is demonstrating that God’s plan has always been for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved through faith. He has just explained why Israel's unbelief didn't thwart God's purposes, and now he shifts to show that salvation through faith in Jesus is universally available and the sure hope for everyone who believes. This verse serves as the foundation for his argument that there is no exclusion based on ethnicity, as God is equally rich in mercy to all who call on Him.
Paul is demonstrating that God’s plan has always been for both Jews and Gentiles to be saved through faith. He has just explained why Israel's unbelief didn't thwart God's purposes, and now he shifts to show that salvation through faith in Jesus is universally available and the sure hope for everyone who believes. This verse serves as the foundation for his argument that there is no exclusion based on ethnicity, as God is equally rich in mercy to all who call on Him.
"For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.”" — This verse highlights that "not being put to shame" isn't just about avoiding embarrassment, but about a deep confidence that the foundation of our hope – Jesus Christ – will never fail us. It's a po…
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Last reviewed October 2026