Romans 9:31

Translations

Modern

…but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.

Traditional

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Literal

…but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not attain to that law.

Latin

Israël vero sectando legem justitiæ, in legem justitiæ non pervenit.

Original

Greek

English

…but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.

Notes

Romans 9:31

who pursued a law of righteousness: The phrase law of righteousness is an idiom. It means trying to become righteous by obeying the law. Paul is describing people who believed that careful law-keeping could put them in a right relationship with God.

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) Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Ethnic Hatred God’s Unified Plan of Salvation Jews and Gentiles (Non-Jews) The Gift of Prophecy The Limitations of Law The Stone the Builders Rejected

Related verses

Romans 11:7
What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened,
Romans 3:20
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.
James 2:10–11
Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
Galatians 5:3–4
Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
Romans 10:2–4
For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
Isaiah 51:1
“Listen to Me, you who pursue righteousness, you who seek the LORD: Look to the rock from which you were cut, and to the quarry from which you were hewn.
Romans 4:14–15
For if those who live by the law are heirs, faith is useless and the promise is worthless,
Galatians 3:10–11
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”
Philippians 3:6
…as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.
Galatians 3:21
Is the law, then, opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come from the law.
Romans 9:30–32
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;

People

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Book of Esther Elect, Election Land Letter to the Romans Mystery Stumbling Block Torah

Topics

Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Rejected Justification Before God: Under Law: Man Cannot Attain To Justification: General Scriptures Concerning Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Righteousness: No Justification by Works of Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To The Law of Moses: The Jews: from Regard To, Rejected Christ Unbelief: General Scriptures Concerning Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation

Romans 9:31

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