Keraia
Romans 9

Romans 9:3

Paul’s Concern for the Jews · Romans 9:1–5
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Translations

Modern
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,
Traditional
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Literal
For I could wish myself to be accursed, apart from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,
Latin
Optabam enim ego ipse anathema esse a Christo pro fratribus meis, qui sunt cognati mei secundum carnem,

Original

Greek
English
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

Notes

Romans 9:3

I could wish that I myself were cursed: The Greek word anathema is used in the Greek Old Testament to translate a Hebrew expression that means “set apart for God.” In most cases, it has a negative meaning. It refers to something that is devoted to destruction as an offering to God (see Leviticus 27:28–29; Joshua 6:17–18; 7:1, 11–13; 22:20; 1 Samuel 15:3; 1 Chronicles 2:7).

Paul knows that he cannot actually be cut off from Christ. His words express deep sorrow and love, not a real possibility. Paul is echoing the words of Moses, who asked God to take his own life if that would spare the people of Israel (Exodus 32:30–32).

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).

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Esther Brothers (and Sisters) Congregation Curse, Cursed Elect, Election Flesh Jew Land Letter to the Romans Lucius 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 Suffering: Vicarious The Jews: National Character of Fondness for Their Brethren