that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul’s raw emotion here is striking: his sorrow isn't just sadness, but a deep, gut-wrenching anguish, like childbirth pains. This isn't a fleeting feeling; it's a profound, internal suffering that underlines the immense weight he carries for his people. It highlights that even in deep theological discourse, genuine human heartbreak over lost souls is the driving force.
that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is about to address a deeply sensitive topic: the rejection of many in his own Jewish nation from God's salvation, and the inclusion of Gentiles. To ensure his readers understand his heart isn't bitter or vindictive, he begins by solemnly declaring his profound sorrow and anguish for his kinsmen, a pain so deep he wishes he could be separated from Christ himself on their behalf. This intense emotional preface sets the stage for his explanation of God's sovereign purposes, emphasizing that his critique isn't fueled by ill will but by genuine love and grief.
Paul's heart is overflowing with 'great sorrow and unceasing anguish.' What does it mean for his grief to be this intense and persistent?
Paul uses two powerful words to describe his internal suffering: 'heaviness' (lypē) and 'anguish' (odynē). These aren't fleeting emotions; they describe a deep, soul-crushing grief and a sharp, persistent pain.
This sorrow wasn't a passing thing. It was "unceasing" – not necessarily meaning he was crying every second, but that the cause and the potential for this pain were always present, especially when he thought of his people.
This deep well of emotion arises from his love for his kinsmen, the Jews, and his heartbreak over their rejection of God's Messiah.
Paul's intense sorrow isn't just about personal sadness. It's tied to a profound love and a deep concern for his people's eternal destiny.
Paul's sorrow is framed within the context of his calling and his love for his fellow Israelites. He isn't just mourning a loss; he's grieving the spiritual state of a people he deeply cherishes.
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His sorrow is described as being 'in my heart,' highlighting that this is not a superficial emotion but one rooted in his innermost being. It's the pain of a shepherd who sees his flock straying into danger.
This profound grief leads him to a willingness to sacrifice his own standing with Christ for their salvation. It's a radical expression of love that drives his desire for their well-being, even at immense personal cost. This isn't a cold, detached theological argument; it's the passionate heart of someone who feels the weight of souls.
Understand the original words
odynē · Greek Noun
A state of deep distress or intense suffering, often used in a spiritual or psychological sense to describe a heavy burden regarding the lost condition of others.
anathema · Greek Adjective
To be set apart for destruction or divine judgment; to be excluded from the blessing and presence of God.
Paul's deep sorrow in Romans 9 stems from his understanding of the impending national rejection of the Messiah by his own people, the Jews, leading to the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. This sorrow is amplified by the fact that he is writing as the Gospel is spreading to the Gentiles, a fulfillment of God's plan but a tragedy for those who refuse it.
c. 30-33 AD
Crucifixion of Jesus Christ
The central event of Christianity, Jesus' crucifixion, marked a turning point for his followers and set the stage for the eventual rejection of Jesus by many Jewish leaders and people.
c. 33-60 AD
Early Church Expansion and Jewish Rejection
The early Christian movement, rooted in Judaism, spread rapidly, but faced increasing hostility and rejection from many within the established Jewish religious and political systems.
c. 60-62 AD— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Romans, likely while in Corinth or Cenchreae, to introduce himself and his gospel message to the church in Rome.
c. 64-66 AD
Jewish Revolt Begins
The First Jewish-Roman War began, escalating the conflict between Judea and the Roman Empire, a major upheaval for Jewish people.
70 AD
Destruction of the Second Temple
Roman forces destroyed Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a catastrophic event that profoundly impacted Jewish life, religion, and identity for centuries.
This verse echoes Paul's deep anguish, using imagery of a tormented heart and cries of distress, highlighting the profound pain over the impending destruction of God's people.
Exodus 32:32This passage parallels Paul's immense sorrow by recounting Moses' passionate plea to God, even to the point of offering his own life, to spare the Israelites, demonstrating a similar selfless love for his people.
2 Corinthians 12:2While mentioning 'ecstatic' experiences, this verse also hints at the Apostle's genuine emotional struggles and burdens, reflecting the profound inner turmoil Paul experienced, even amidst extraordinary spiritual encounters.
Philippians 3:18This verse directly addresses those who live with their 'minds set on earthly things,' which is the very reason for Paul's sorrow in Romans 9, showing the contrast between a life focused on God and one lost to worldly desires.
gillRomans 9:2: "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."
That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. This is the thing he appeals to Christ for the truth of, and calls in his conscience and the Holy Ghost to bear witness to. These two words, "heaviness" and "sorrow", the one signifies grief, which had brought on heaviness on his spirits; and the other such pain as a woman in travail feels: and the trouble of his mind expressed by both, is described by its qu…
pulpitRomans 9:2: "That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."
Verses 2, 3. - That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. He does not say what for, leaving it to appear in what follows. The broken sentence is significant of emotion. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. None of the ways that have been suggested for evading the obvious meaning of this assertion are tenable. One such way is to ta…
Paul’s raw emotion here is striking: his sorrow isn't just sadness, but a deep, gut-wrenching anguish, like childbirth pains. This isn't a fleeting feeling; it's a profound, internal suffering that underlines the immense weight he carries for his people. It highlights that even in deep theological discourse, genuine human heartbreak over lost souls is the driving force.
Paul is about to address a deeply sensitive topic: the rejection of many in his own Jewish nation from God's salvation, and the inclusion of Gentiles. To ensure his readers understand his heart isn't bitter or vindictive, he begins by solemnly declaring his profound sorrow and anguish for his kinsmen, a pain so deep he wishes he could be separated from Christ himself on their behalf. This intense emotional preface sets the stage for his explanation of God's sovereign purposes, emphasizing that his critique isn't fueled by ill will but by genuine love and grief.
Paul is about to address a deeply sensitive topic: the rejection of many in his own Jewish nation from God's salvation, and the inclusion of Gentiles. To ensure his readers understand his heart isn't bitter or vindictive, he begins by solemnly declaring his profound sorrow and anguish for his kinsmen, a pain so deep he wishes he could be separated from Christ himself on their behalf. This intense emotional preface sets the stage for his explanation of God's sovereign purposes, emphasizing that his critique isn't fueled by ill will but by genuine love and grief.
"that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh." — Paul’s raw emotion here is striking: his sorrow isn't just sadness, but a deep, gut-wrenching anguish, like childbirth pains. This isn't a fleeting feeling; it's a profound, internal suffering that u…
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Last reviewed October 2026