Romans 9:30
What does Romans 9:30 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 9:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 9:30 means
Paul reaches a startling conclusion: Gentiles, who were not pursuing a law-based righteousness, attained righteousness—specifically, the righteousness that comes by faith. This shows that God justifies the ungodly who trust Him, rather than those who build a case by their works. The Gentiles’ unexpected attainment displays the openness of God’s grace and the effectiveness of faith in Christ. It is not zeal for rules that saves, but believing reception of God’s provision. The gospel upends expectations: those once far off are brought near simply by trusting the One God has sent.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:
KJV
King James Version · 1611What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What then may we say? That the nations who did not go after righteousness have got righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did attain to righteousness, and righteousness that <FI>is<Fi> of faith,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752What then shall we say? That the Gentiles who followed not after justice have attained to justice, even the justice that is of faith.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What then shall we say? That [they of the] nations, who did not follow after righteousness, have attained righteousness, but [the] righteousness that is on the principle of faith.
Context
After establishing that Gentiles are called and Israel’s remnant is saved by God’s purpose (vv. 24–29), Paul interprets the historical outcome (vv. 30–33). Verse 30 states that Gentiles attained righteousness by faith. Verses 31–32 will contrast Israel’s pursuit of a law of righteousness and their failure due to seeking it by works, not by faith. Verse 33 will ground the explanation in Scripture’s stone laid in Zion—a promise and a stumbling point.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 4:13
For not through the law was the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.
- Proverbs 21:21
He that followeth after righteousness and kindness Findeth life, righteousness, and honor.
- Galatians 2:16
yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
- Romans 10:20
And 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.
- Galatians 5:5
For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness.
- Romans 4:9
Is this blessing then pronounced upon the circumcision, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say, To Abraham his faith was reckoned for righteousness.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 9
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 9.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Adoption as Sons
God’s plan for us includes adoption into his family, bringing us from spiritual orphanhood to beloved children.
Topic
Bible Verses About the Deity of Christ
The Bible consistently reveals Jesus Christ as truly God, possessing divine attributes, titles, and authority.
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.