Devine Scripture

Romans 9:3

What does Romans 9:3 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:3 means

Paul goes so far as to say that, if it could somehow help his kinsmen, he would accept being cut off from Christ for their sake. He is not proposing a theological possibility—salvation cannot be traded—but expressing the extremity of his love, reminiscent of Moses’ willingness to be blotted out for Israel. This reveals a Christlike self-giving spirit. His solidarity is with “my brethren… according to the flesh,” emphasizing ethnic and familial ties. The statement strengthens the credibility of what will follow: Paul’s teaching on God’s sovereign choice is not heartless; it flows from someone who would give anything for his people’s salvation.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For I have a desire to take on myself the curse for my brothers, my family in the flesh:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for I was wishing, I myself, to be anathema from the Christ--for my brethren, my kindred, according to the flesh,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ, for my brethren: who are my kinsmen according to the flesh:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

for I have wished, I myself, to be a curse from the Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen, according to flesh;

Context

Verse 3 builds on verses 1–2 by revealing the depth of Paul’s anguish for Israel. Such sacrificial language frames the ensuing discussion, ensuring readers do not misread Paul as triumphing over Israel’s losses. Immediately after this, verses 4–5 recount Israel’s God-given privileges. The stark juxtaposition—Paul’s sacrificial yearning and Israel’s blessings—heightens the tension: how could a people so favored stand apart from Christ? Verses 6–13 will address that question by distinguishing physical descent from the spiritual line of promise.

v.2that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.

v.3This passage

v.4who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Cross references

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

  • 1 Samuel 14:44

    And Saul said, God do so and more also; for thou shalt surely die, Jonathan.

  • Galatians 3:13

    Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

  • Joshua 6:17

    And the city shall be devoted, even it and all that is therein, to Jehovah: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent.

  • Galatians 3:10

    For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.

  • Romans 11:1

    I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

  • Esther 8:6

    for how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

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