Romans 9:2

Translations

Modern

I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

Traditional

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

Literal

…that sorrow to me is great, and unceasing pain is in my heart.

Latin

…quoniam tristitia mihi magna est, et continuus dolor cordi meo.

Original

Greek

English

I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

Notes

Romans 9:2–3

Paul does not clearly explain why he feels such deep sorrow for his Jewish brothers and sisters. However, he says that he would be willing to be cursed for their sake if it would save them.

This shows that his pain comes from the fact that most Jews did not accept Jesus and be saved (see also 10:1).

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

Philippians 3:18
For as I have often told you before, and now say again even with tears: Many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Psalm 119:136
My eyes shed streams of tears because Your law is not obeyed.
Jeremiah 13:17
But if you do not listen, I will weep in secret because of your pride. My eyes will overflow with tears, because the LORD’s flock has been taken captive.
Romans 10:1
Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.
Lamentations 3:51
My eyes bring grief to my soul because of all the daughters of my city.
Luke 19:41–44
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it
Jeremiah 9:1
Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.
Lamentations 3:48–49
Streams of tears flow from my eyes over the destruction of the daughter of my people.
Ezekiel 9:4
“Go throughout the city of Jerusalem,” said the LORD, “and put a mark on the foreheads of the men sighing and groaning over all the abominations committed there.”
Revelation 11:3
And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”
Lamentations 1:12
Is this nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see! Is there any sorrow like mine, which was inflicted on me, which the LORD made me suffer on the day of His fierce anger?
Isaiah 66:10
Be glad for Jerusalem and rejoice over her, all who love her. Rejoice greatly with her, all who mourn over her,

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Esther Congregation Elect, Election Heart Land Letter to the Romans Mystery Mystery of Lawlessness

Topics

Love to Man: should be Exhibited, Toward: Fellow-Countrymen Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Religious Zeal: Exemplified Religious Zeal: Exemplified by Paul The Jews: National Character of Fondness for Their Brethren

Romans 9:2

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