Romans 9:5
To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse strongly emphasizes Christ's divine nature by calling Him "God over all, blessed forever." This isn't just a statement of His authority, but a clear declaration of His deity, especially when contrasted with His human lineage mentioned just before ("according to the flesh"). This assertion aims to counter any diminished view of Jesus held by those who rejected Him.
Paul is grappling with the difficult truth that many of his own people, the Jews, have rejected Jesus. He begins by declaring his deep love and sorrow for them, even wishing he could be cursed if it meant their salvation. Then, he lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel – the patriarchs, the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, worship, and the promises – all to highlight how deeply they have fallen from their high calling.
Paul lists incredible benefits given to Israel, the people of God. But what were these privileges, and why did they matter so much?
Paul begins by highlighting Israel's unique status. These aren't just any benefits; they are foundational to God's redemptive plan.
God's Chosen People
These weren't just historical facts; they were tangible expressions of God's faithfulness and His ongoing plan for humanity, all pointing towards the coming of the Messiah.
Paul concludes this incredible list of Israel's benefits with a declaration about Christ. But what makes this final point so revolutionary?
After enumerating Israel's unique advantages, Paul culminates his thought by identifying the Messiah who came from their lineage. The way he describes Christ is nothing short of astounding.
God Over All
Understand the original words
patēr · Greek Noun
The foundational fathers of the nation of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to whom God first made His covenantal promises.
Christos · Greek Noun
The expected Davidic King and Savior, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the means of God's redemption for humanity.
Paul emphasizes that the Christ, who is God, comes from Israel, the people chosen by God from Abraham's line, inheriting unique privileges like the covenants and the Law. This highlights the deep tragedy of Israel's rejection of their own Messiah, which Paul laments intensely.
~2000 BC
Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and a special relationship. This covenant is passed down through Isaac and Jacob (Israel).
~1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt and Law Given
God rescues Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishing them as His chosen people. The Law is given at Mount Sinai, detailing their unique covenant relationship and worship.
c. 1000 BC
Kingdom Established and Temple Built
The united monarchy of Israel flourishes under kings like David and Solomon, culminating in the building of the First Temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship and God's presence.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Jerusalem and the First Temple are destroyed by the Babylonians, and many Israelites are exiled. This marks a period of profound loss and national crisis.
This passage directly asserts the divinity of Jesus, stating 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God,' which strongly parallels the affirmation of Christ being 'God over all' in Romans 9:5.
Philippians 2:5-11This passage describes Christ's humility and exaltation, stating that God highly exalted him and gave him the name above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This echoes the supreme authority and deity ascribed to Christ in Romans 9:5.
Titus 2:13This verse refers to 'our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,' a passage often debated but which, if interpreted as referring to Christ's deity, provides a strong parallel to the declaration in Romans 9:5 that Christ 'is over all, God blessed forever.'
Isaiah 9:6This prophecy about the coming Messiah calls him 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' The title 'Mighty God' directly supports the understanding of Christ as divine, as presented in Romans 9:5.
Psalm 110:1This psalm, quoted multiple times in the New Testament, declares 'The LORD says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.'' The use of 'Lord' for both God the Father and the Messiah points to the supreme status of Christ, aligning with his identification as 'God over all' in Romans 9:5.
cambridgeRomans 9:5: "Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."
5 . the fathers ] Cp. Romans 11:28 . The reference is probably specially to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But David is also “the patriarch David;” Acts 2:29 .—These sacred Persons are now mentioned, after the previous sacred Things, so as to usher in the mention of the Christ Himself. of whom ] out of whom; not merely “ whose ,” as in previous clauses; perhaps to keep…
bensonRomans 9:5: "Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."
Romans 9:5 . Whose, &c. — To the preceding the apostle now adds two more prerogatives: theirs are the fathers — They are the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the ancient patriarchs, and other holy men, who were great in the sight of God, and to whom he made many great and precious promises, in which their children also and children’s children were intereste…
The verse strongly emphasizes Christ's divine nature by calling Him "God over all, blessed forever." This isn't just a statement of His authority, but a clear declaration of His deity, especially when contrasted with His human lineage mentioned just before ("according to the flesh"). This assertion aims to counter any diminished view of Jesus held by those who rejected Him.
Paul is grappling with the difficult truth that many of his own people, the Jews, have rejected Jesus. He begins by declaring his deep love and sorrow for them, even wishing he could be cursed if it meant their salvation. Then, he lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel – the patriarchs, the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, worship, and the promises – all to highlight how deeply they have fallen from their high calling.
Paul is grappling with the difficult truth that many of his own people, the Jews, have rejected Jesus. He begins by declaring his deep love and sorrow for them, even wishing he could be cursed if it meant their salvation. Then, he lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel – the patriarchs, the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the law, worship, and the promises – all to highlight how deeply they have fallen from their high calling.
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The scholars debated the exact punctuation and grammatical structure here for centuries. However, the overwhelming consensus, both historically and theologically, is that Paul unequivocally identifies Jesus as God.
This is the highest privilege of all – that the promised Messiah, the one who fulfills all the preceding promises and covenants, is not just a man from Israel, but God Himself, sharing in the divine nature and eternal blessing.
c. 516 BC
Return from Exile and Second Temple
A remnant of Israelites returns from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and the Second Temple. This period sees a renewed, though often challenging, national identity.
c. 4 BC – c. AD 30/33— this verse
Life and Ministry of Jesus Christ
Jesus, the promised Messiah, is born, lives, and ministers among the Jewish people. His identity, teachings, and death and resurrection profoundly impact Israel and the world.
c. AD 50-55
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome from Corinth. He is grappling with the implications of the gospel for both Jews and Gentiles.
"To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen." — The verse strongly emphasizes Christ's divine nature by calling Him "God over all, blessed forever." This isn't just a statement of His authority, but a clear declaration of His deity, especially whe…
