Romans 9:31-32
but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse highlights a tragic irony: Israel, in their zealous pursuit of the "law of righteousness," missed the very thing the law was meant to lead them to. They chased after the letter of the law, striving to earn righteousness through their efforts, yet failed to grasp its true purpose—which was to reveal their need for God's grace and point them to salvation by faith in Christ.
Paul explains why the Gentiles, who didn't actively seek righteousness, found it, while Israel, who zealously pursued it through the Law, did not. He clarifies that Israel's pursuit was based on works rather than faith, causing them to stumble over Christ, the true source of righteousness. This sets up the subsequent argument about God's sovereign choice and the inclusion of Gentiles based on faith.
Understand the original words
Istraēl · Greek Proper Noun
The people descended from Jacob/Israel, chosen by God as His covenant people through whom the Messiah would come. In this context, it refers to the historical nation that struggled to accept the Gospel.
nomos · Greek Noun
In a theological sense, the moral standard and requirements of God's will. Here, it refers to the legalistic pursuit of keeping the Law to earn standing before God.
dikaiosynē · Greek Noun
The state of being declared right or just before God. It is a forensic status based on God’s grace received through faith, rather than human achievement.
pistis · Greek Noun
The biblical response to God's revelation, involving personal trust, reliance, and commitment to the object of faith (Christ). It stands in direct contrast to human merit or performance.
cambridgeRomans 9:31: "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness."
31 . which followed ] Lit. following; and so better. the law of righteousness ] Not simply “ righteousness ,” as in Romans 9:30 ; because Israel had, what the Gentiles had not, the detailed revealed precepts . These precepts they “followed after,” i.e. strove to keep as a covenant of salvation. For this very reason they “did not attain to” them, i.e. they failed to reach the…
gillRomans 9:31: "But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness."
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness,.... The Israelites, the far greater part of the Jews, who were not called by the grace of God, were all very zealous of the law, called "the law of righteousness"; because the matter of it was righteous, it was so in its own nature; and because perfect obedience to it is righteousness; as also because they sought for…
The verse highlights a tragic irony: Israel, in their zealous pursuit of the "law of righteousness," missed the very thing the law was meant to lead them to. They chased after the letter of the law, striving to earn righteousness through their efforts, yet failed to grasp its true purpose—which was to reveal their need for God's grace and point them to salvation by faith in Christ.
Paul explains why the Gentiles, who didn't actively seek righteousness, found it, while Israel, who zealously pursued it through the Law, did not. He clarifies that Israel's pursuit was based on works rather than faith, causing them to stumble over Christ, the true source of righteousness. This sets up the subsequent argument about God's sovereign choice and the inclusion of Gentiles based on faith.
"but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone," — The verse highlights a tragic irony: Israel, in their zealous pursuit of the "law of righteousness," missed the very thing the law was meant to lead them to. They chased after the of the law…
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ergon · Greek Noun
Human deeds, efforts, or observance of religious rituals performed with the goal of meriting divine favor, standing, or salvation.
proskomma · Greek Noun
A metaphorical obstacle that causes one to fall into sin or judgment. It refers to the offense of the cross, where the necessity of faith in a crucified Messiah causes unbelievers to fall.
