Romans 10:17 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." This verse is part of a larger passage in which the apostle Paul is explaining the process of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. In this particular verse, Paul is emphasizing the importance of hearing the word of God in order to develop and strengthen one's faith.

The theme of faith is central to this verse. Paul is conveying the message that faith is not something that can be conjured up out of thin air, but rather it comes from hearing the word of God. The foundation of faith is the word of God, and it is through the understanding and internalization of this word that faith is cultivated. This idea is supported by the context of the entire passage, in which Paul is discussing the essential components of salvation.

The context of Romans 10:17 is within a larger section of Paul's letter to the Romans in which he is addressing the issue of Israel's rejection of the gospel. Paul is explaining that salvation is available to all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles. He emphasizes the importance of faith as the means of receiving this salvation, and he underscores the role of the Word of God in the process of developing and strengthening faith.

The symbolism in this verse lies in the idea of hearing. The act of hearing is symbolic of receiving and processing the word of God. It is not a passive activity, but rather an active engagement with the truth of God's word. This engagement is what leads to the development of faith. The word of God itself is symbolic of divine revelation and truth, and by hearing and internalizing it, one becomes attuned to the spiritual realities it represents.

In a broader context, this verse speaks to the power and authority of the word of God. It is through the word of God that faith is sparked and nurtured. This underscores the importance of Scripture in the life of a believer. Regular exposure to and meditation on the word of God are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The word of God serves as a guide, a source of wisdom, and a means of deepening one's relationship with God.

From a practical standpoint, Romans 10:17 serves as a reminder of the importance of actively engaging with the word of God. It challenges believers to not only read the Bible, but to truly hear and internalize its message. It also highlights the need for preachers and teachers to faithfully proclaim the word of God, as it is through their preaching that others have the opportunity to hear and respond in faith.

In conclusion, Romans 10:17 in the King James Version of the Bible is a powerful declaration of the role of the word of God in the cultivation of faith. It emphasizes the importance of hearing and internalizing the truth of Scripture as a means of developing and strengthening one's faith. This verse underscores the centrality of the word of God in the life of a believer and serves as a reminder of the transformative power of divine revelation.