So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by [the] word (literally utterance) [of] God.

 

In the Zondervan interlinear (1974 edition) Romans 10:17 is: "So faith [is] by report, but the report by [the] word of God." The brackets indicate words put in to help translate to English syntax but not appearing in the original. In The Interlinear Bible second revised edition, and it gives it this way: "Then faith (is) of hearing, the and hearing through a word of God." The ESword program does not have the words, "the," "a," or "of." The meaning of the Greek behind "the word," is literally an utterance. The two words, "by," are interesting. The first "by" appears to be the point from which action proceeds (see below). The second "by" appears to be the channel of an act (see below). Pray about this and God will reveal it to you.

When God speaks, He doesn't always use words: "And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known to him in a vision, and will speak to him in a dream. My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?" Numbers 12:6-8

(some caveats about hearing God's Voice)

In any case, God's revelation is always a vision of reality. It is, in fact, a vision of hope. Hope is always realistic. Hope is simply God showing you what He is going to do.

 

In Online Bible "the word" = 4487 rhma rhema hray'-mah
1) that which is or has been uttered by the living voice, thing spoken, word
1a) any sound produced by the voice and having definite meaning
1b) speech, discourse
1b1) what one has said
1c) a series of words joined together into a sentence (a declaration of one's mind made in words)
1c1) an utterance
1c2) a saying of any sort as a message, a narrative
1c2a) concerning some occurrence
2) subject matter of speech, thing spoken of
2a) so far forth as it is a matter of narration
2b) so far as it is a matter of command
2c) a matter of dispute, case at law

 

In esword, "the word" = G4487 ρÌ”ηÍ‚μα rheÌ„ma hray'-mah
an utterance (individually, collectively or specifically); by implication a matter or topic (especially of narration, command or dispute); with a negative naught whatever: - + evil, + nothing, saying, word.

 

In esword, the second "by" = G1223 διά dia dee-ah'
A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through (in very wide applications, local, causal or occasional). In composition it retains the same general import: - after, always, among, at, to avoid, because of (that), briefly, by, for (cause)... fore, from, in, by occasion of, of, by reason of, for sake, that, thereby, therefore, X though, through (-out), to, wherefore, with (-in). In composition it retains the same general import.

 

In esword, the first "by" = G1537 εÌ“κ, εÌ“ξ ek ex ek, ex
A primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence motion or action proceeds), from, out (of place, time or cause; literally or figuratively; direct or remote): - after, among, X are, at betwixt (-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for (-th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in,... ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with (-out). Often used in composition, with the same general import; often of completion.

 

In Online Bible, "hearing" = 189 akoh akoe ak-o-ay'
1) the sense of hearing
2) the organ of hearing, the ear
3) the thing heard
3a) instruction, namely oral
3a1) of preaching the gospel
3b) hearsay, report or rumour