Keraia
Romans 9

Romans 9:33

Israel’s Unbelief · Romans 9:30–33
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Translations

Modern
…as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”
Traditional
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Literal
…as it has been written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one believing on Him will not be put to shame.”
Latin
…sicut scriptum est: Ecce pono in Sion lapidem offensionis, et petram scandali: et omnis qui credit in eum, non confundetur.

Original

Greek
English
…as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”

Notes

Romans 9:33

This quotation is from Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16. These two texts, along with Psalm 118:22, are also quoted together in 1 Peter 2:6–8. The early church likely used a group of Old Testament passages about a “stone” to explain who Christ is and why he matters. These passages helped believers understand Christ’s role in God’s plan (see also Matthew 21:42).

Romans 9:32–33

a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense: This phrase means to fail to accept or understand something. In this context, it refers to people who reject or refuse to believe the message about Christ. Instead of trusting him, they turn away because his message challenges what they believe or expect.

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).

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

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

Topics

Faith in Christ Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Rocks: Christ As a Stumbling Stone to the Wicked Salvation: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Stones of Temptation, |Stone of Stumbling| Stumbling: Stone of The Law of Moses: The Jews: from Regard To, Rejected Christ Zion: Collectively, the Place, the Forms, and the Assemblies of Israelite Worship