Devine Scripture

Romans 10:19

What does Romans 10:19 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 10:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 10:19 means

Paul next asks, “Did Israel not know?” He answers from Moses: God would stir Israel to jealousy by a “no nation,” a people without understanding. This foretells that Gentiles—once outside the covenant—would be brought in, provoking Israel to reconsider. The prediction shows that Israel should not be surprised by Gentile inclusion; it was part of God’s plan to awaken them. Their resistance, therefore, is not due to lack of revelation but to refusing what was long announced. God uses unexpected instruments to humble the proud and to draw His ancient people back to Himself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say, Had Israel no knowledge? First Moses says, You will be moved to envy by that which is not a nation, and by a foolish people I will make you angry.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

But I say, Did not Israel know? first Moses saith, `I will provoke you to jealousy by <FI>that which is<Fi> not a nation; by an unintelligent nation I will anger you,'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But I say: Hath not Israel known? First, Moses saith: I will provoke you to jealousy by that which is not a nation: by a foolish nation I will anger you.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I say, Has not Israel known? First, Moses says, I will provoke you to jealousy through [them that are] not a nation: through a nation without understanding I will anger you.

Context

After establishing that hearing occurred (v. 18), verse 19 addresses knowledge. Moses had already warned that God would use a people considered “no nation” to provoke Israel. Verse 20 will reinforce this from Isaiah, showing God found by those not seeking Him. Verse 21 will close with God’s patient, outstretched hands toward a stubborn Israel. Thus, verse 19 continues building the case that Israel’s unbelief was foreseen in Scripture and does not overturn God’s saving plan.

v.18But I say, Did they not hear? Yea, verily, Their sound went out into all the earth, And their words unto the ends of the world.

v.19This passage

v.20And Isaiah is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I became manifest unto them that asked not of me.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • Romans 11:11

    I say then, Did they stumble that they might fall? God forbid: but by their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

  • Romans 1:21

    because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened.

  • 1 Corinthians 11:22

    What, have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and put them to shame that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you? In this I praise you not.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:50

    Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

  • Psalms 115:5

    They have mouths, but they speak not; Eyes have they, but they see not;

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