Romans 9:33
What does Romans 9:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 9:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 9:33 means
Paul closes with Scripture: God has laid in Zion a stone that becomes a stumbling block to the proud but a sure foundation to those who believe. The same Christ who offends self-righteousness secures the trusting soul from shame. God Himself placed this stone; therefore, rejection of it is rejection of His way. Yet the promise stands firm: everyone who believes on Him will not be put to shame. Israel’s failure is tragic but not final; the path to righteousness remains open to all who come by faith to the One God has appointed.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000even as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901even as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence: And he that believeth on him shall not be put to shame.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949As it is said, See, I am putting in Zion a stone causing a fall, and a rock in the way: but he who has faith in him will not be put to shame.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862according as it hath been written, `Lo, I place in Sion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; and every one who is believing thereon shall not be ashamed.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752As it is written: Behold I lay in Sion a stumbling-stone and a rock of scandal. And whosoever believeth in him shall not be confounded.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890according as it is written, Behold, I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence: and he that believes on him shall not be ashamed.
Context
Verse 33 ties the chapter together by appealing to the prophecy of the stone in Zion. The citation explains Gentile attainment (faith in the stone) and Israel’s stumbling (works that collide with the stone). This prepares for the continued discussion in chapter 10 about Israel’s responsibility and the universal offer of salvation. But in chapter 9, the point is clear: God’s sovereign choice stands, His word has not failed, and the way of righteousness is by faith in the Christ whom God has laid as the foundation.
v.32Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;
v.33This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 John 2:28
And now, my little children, abide in him; that, if he shall be manifested, we may have boldness, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
- Isaiah 28:16
therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste.
- Isaiah 45:17
But Israel shall be saved by Jehovah with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be put to shame nor confounded world without end.
- Romans 5:5
and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.
- Joel 2:26
And ye shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and shall praise the name of Jehovah your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you; and my people shall never be put to shame.
- Isaiah 8:14
And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.
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