Devine Scripture

Romans 9:31

What does Romans 9:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:31 means

In contrast, Israel, though earnestly pursuing a law connected to righteousness, did not arrive at it. The problem was not zeal but method. Seeking righteousness through law-keeping cannot overcome sin or produce the faith God requires. Effort apart from faith misses the very gift the law points to. Israel’s failure illustrates the danger of trusting in one’s own performance rather than in God’s promised provision. The law can guide and convict, but it cannot justify. Without faith, the pursuit becomes a treadmill that never reaches the goal.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But Israel, going after a law of righteousness, did not get it.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, at a law of righteousness did not arrive;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But Israel, by following after the law of justice, is not come unto the law of justice.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to [that] law.

Context

Verse 31 sets the contrast to Gentile faith (v. 30): Israel’s pursuit of righteousness through the law failed. Verse 32 will explain why—they did not seek it by faith, but as though it were by works, and thus they stumbled over the stone. The conclusion in verse 33 will cite Scripture to show that the stone laid in Zion both trips the self-reliant and secures the believer who trusts in Him.

v.30What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:

v.31This passage

v.32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 9:30

    What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:

  • Romans 10:2

    For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.

  • Galatians 5:3

    Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.

  • Romans 4:14

    For if they that are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of none effect:

  • Romans 3:20

    because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

  • Isaiah 51:1

    Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek Jehovah: look unto the rock whence ye were hewn, and to the hole of the pit whence ye were digged.

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