But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach;
8. What does it say? “The righteousness of faith” is evidently the “it” in this question: See Romans 10:6. — Ed. For the purpose of removing the impediments of faith, he has hitherto spoken negatively: but now in order to show the way of obtaining righteousness, he adopts an affirmative mode of speaking.
Paul's heart's desire and prayer for the Jews was their salvation, not a formal wish, but a real breathing out of the soul before God. Though he preached against their error, he prayed for them with strength and sincerity, as God Himself wills that none should perish.
AI summary
Commenting on Romans 10:1-11
But what saith it,.... The Scripture; so some copies, and the Vulgate Latin and Ethiopic version read, "what saith the Scripture?" the Arabic version, "what dost thou say?" or "what saith he", Moses? for what follow are manifestly his words, in Deu 30:14, the word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart; which is to be understood not of the law...