And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to focus on the promise of the Gentiles finding hope in Jesus, but notice how the verse itself emphasizes the contrast between his humble beginnings – a "root" from Jesse's line, implying obscurity – and his future reign as a banner for all nations. This highlights the surprising and unexpected nature of God's salvation, extending far beyond what anyone might have imagined.
And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building his case that Jewish believers should welcome Gentile believers, showing how this unity was prophesied long ago. He's already quoted from Psalms to demonstrate that God intended for both Jews and Gentiles to praise Him together. Now, he turns to Isaiah, presenting another Old Testament prediction that highlights the Messiah's role as a hope for all nations, not just Israel.
You might expect a king to come from a grand palace, but this prophecy points to someone from a humble, almost forgotten lineage. How does this shape our understanding of God's kingdom?
The prophecy in Isaiah 11:10, quoted by Paul here, speaks of 'the root of Jesse.' Jesse, the father of King David, was once a prominent figure, but his family line had fallen on hard times by the time of Jesus. The imagery of a 'root' suggests someone springing forth from a seemingly dead or insignificant source. This wasn't about earthly power or royal pomp. Instead, it pointed to the Messiah, Jesus, who would emerge from the humble lineage of Jesse, not to conquer with military might, but to establish a spiritual kingdom. This concept highlights that God often works through the unexpected, using the seemingly weak and humble to display His greatest power and bring about His redemptive purposes.
This ancient prophecy wasn't just for one nation; it declared a radical inclusion. What does it mean for 'the Gentiles' to hope in this root from Jesse?
Paul deliberately uses this passage from Isaiah to demonstrate that God's plan from the Old Testament was always inclusive of non-Jews, the Gentiles. The original Hebrew in Isaiah speaks of the Gentiles 'seeking' or 'resorting to' this root. The Septuagint (the Greek translation Paul uses here) shifts this to 'hope' and 'trust,' emphasizing a relational reliance. This signifies a profound shift: Gentiles, who were once considered outsiders, would not just acknowledge this descendant of Jesse but would place their ultimate hope and trust in him for salvation and belonging. It underscores that the Messiah's reign extends far beyond any single ethnic group, offering universal hope.
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Understand the original words
rhiza Iessai · Hebrew/Greek Noun phrase
A metaphorical title referring to the Messiah (Jesus Christ), highlighting His descent from the lineage of Jesse, the father of King David, thereby fulfilling messianic prophecy.
elpizō · Greek Verb
A confident expectation or trust in God’s future promises. It is not mere wishful thinking but a firm reliance on God’s faithfulness.
This verse is a powerful reminder that the inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan was not an afterthought, but a core element woven into the Old Testament prophecies, given centuries before Christ's arrival.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah prophesies the coming Messiah
Prophet Isaiah delivers his message, including prophecies about a future descendant of Jesse (King David's father) who will bring hope and rule over all nations. This prophecy is given during a time of political instability and looming Assyrian threat.
c. 597 BC
First Jewish deportation to Babylon
Under King Nebuchadnezzar II, a significant portion of the Jewish elite and skilled workers are exiled to Babylon. This event marks the beginning of the Babylonian exile, a period of deep national crisis and questioning for the Jewish people.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
Nebuchadnezzar destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, intensifying the exile and scattering of the Jewish people. This is a low point for Jewish national and religious identity, making prophecies of restoration and widespread hope even more poignant.
c. 539 BC
Persian conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great conquers Babylon, leading to the eventual decree allowing Jewish exiles to return to Jerusalem. While a sign of hope, the return and rebuilding are slow and fraught with challenges.
c. 450 BC
Ezra and Nehemiah lead return and reform
Ezra and Nehemiah lead further waves of returnees, focusing on religious and social reforms. Despite their efforts, the community remains largely marginalized and yearning for the full realization of messianic promises.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Jesus' ministry, death, and resurrection
Jesus, a descendant of Jesse and David, fulfills the messianic prophecies. His ministry focuses on Israel, but his atoning death and resurrection open the door for salvation to Gentiles, as predicted.
c. AD 57-62
Paul writes his letter to the Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter from Corinth or Rome, articulating a theology of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ. He uses Old Testament prophecies, like Isaiah's words about the 'root of Jesse,' to demonstrate that God's plan always included the Gentiles.
This is the direct source of the quote, providing the original prophetic context about the descendant of Jesse who will bring justice and peace, and to whom the nations will turn.
Psalm 72:11This Psalm speaks of all kings falling down before the Messiah and all nations serving Him, echoing the theme of gentile rule and hope found in Romans 15:12.
Acts 10:34-35Peter's declaration here confirms that God shows no partiality and accepts anyone from any nation who fears Him and does what is right, demonstrating the reality of the hope for Gentiles.
Galatians 3:16This passage discusses how the promises were made to Abraham and his 'offspring,' referring to Christ, thus connecting the lineage of Jesse to the blessing of all nations through Him.
Revelation 5:5Jesus is called the 'Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David,' directly linking Him to the lineage mentioned in Isaiah and His ultimate dominion.
ellicottRomans 15:12: "And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."
(12) And again, Esaias saith. —St. Paul still adheres to the LXX., which here diverges more widely from the Hebrew. The sense of this is rightly given by the Authorised version of Isaiah 11:10 —“In that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek.” In either case the passa…
vincentRomans 15:12: "And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust."
RootSee on Nazarene, Matthew 2:23. Root is a sprout from the root.He that shall rise to reignRev., that ariseth to reign. Literally from the Septuagint. Ariseth to reign is a paraphrase of the Hebrew stands as banner. Bengel says: "There is a pleasant contrast: the root is in the lowest place, the banner rises highest, so as to be seen even…
It's easy to focus on the promise of the Gentiles finding hope in Jesus, but notice how the verse itself emphasizes the contrast between his humble beginnings – a "root" from Jesse's line, implying obscurity – and his future reign as a banner for all nations. This highlights the surprising and unexpected nature of God's salvation, extending far beyond what anyone might have imagined.
Paul is building his case that Jewish believers should welcome Gentile believers, showing how this unity was prophesied long ago. He's already quoted from Psalms to demonstrate that God intended for both Jews and Gentiles to praise Him together. Now, he turns to Isaiah, presenting another Old Testament prediction that highlights the Messiah's role as a hope for all nations, not just Israel.
Paul is building his case that Jewish believers should welcome Gentile believers, showing how this unity was prophesied long ago. He's already quoted from Psalms to demonstrate that God intended for both Jews and Gentiles to praise Him together. Now, he turns to Isaiah, presenting another Old Testament prediction that highlights the Messiah's role as a hope for all nations, not just Israel.
"And again Isaiah says,
“The root of Jesse will come,
even he who arises to rule the Gentiles;
in him will the Gentiles hope.”" — It's easy to focus on the promise of the Gentiles finding hope in Jesus, but notice how the verse itself emphasizes the *contrast* between his humble beginnings – a "root" from Jesse's line, implying…
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Last reviewed October 2026