Romans 10:2

Translations

Modern

For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.

Traditional

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Literal

For I testify about them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

Latin

Testimonium enim perhibeo illis quod æmulationem Dei habent, sed non secundum scientiam.

Original

Greek

English

For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.

Notes

Romans 10:2

zealous: This means a strong and sincere commitment to God and to what God desires (see Numbers 25:6–13). This kind of passion can be good and faithful.

In Paul’s time, however, much Jewish zeal was misdirected. Many people did not understand that Jesus Christ is the central point of God’s plan. Because of this, their passion did not lead them to the truth.

Paul points to his own life as an example. Before he trusted Christ, Paul showed great zeal, but it was aimed in the wrong direction (see Acts 9:1–2; Galatians 1:13–14)

Romans 9:1–11:36

n this section, Paul addresses a serious question. Many Jews did not believe in Jesus. If God had promised salvation to Israel, how could Jesus truly fulfill God’s plan when so few Jews believed (9:1–5)? In response, Paul uses the Old Testament to show that God always planned to save only a remnant, that is, a smaller group within Israel (9:6–29). Paul also explains that many Jews did not accept Christ because they refused to trust in him (9:30–10:21).

Paul then makes clear that God has not rejected Israel. Some Jews have already believed in Christ (11:1–10). Many more will trust in Christ in the future (11:12–26).

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Ethnic Hatred God’s Unified Plan of Salvation

Related verses

Acts 21:20
When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.
Romans 9:31–32
…but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.
Proverbs 19:2
Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.
Philippians 1:9
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,
Philippians 3:6
…as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.
Romans 10:3
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Galatians 1:14
I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
2 Corinthians 4:4
The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
2 Kings 10:16
…saying, “Come with me and see my zeal for the LORD!” So he had him ride in his chariot.
Psalm 14:4
Will the workers of iniquity never learn? They devour my people like bread; they refuse to call upon the LORD.
2 Corinthians 4:6
For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Acts 22:3
“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.

Romans 10:2

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