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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 9:30 What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/9-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/18/45_Rom_09_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 9:30 - Israel's Unbelief" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What then will we say? 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That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/nlt/romans/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> What does all this mean? Even though the Gentiles were not trying to follow God’s standards, they were made right with God. And it was by faith that this took place. <a href="/esv/romans/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> What then will we say? That Gentiles, not pursuing righteousness, have attained righteousness, and righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/kjv/romans/9.htm">King James Bible</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. <a href="/nkjv/romans/9.htm">New King James Version</a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; <a href="/nasb_/romans/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, but the righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/nasb/romans/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; <a href="/nasb77/romans/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; <a href="/lsb/romans/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, laid hold of righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; <a href="/amp/romans/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness [who did not seek salvation and a right relationship with God, nevertheless] obtained righteousness, that is, the righteousness which is produced by faith; <a href="/csb/romans/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith. <a href="/hcsb/romans/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> What should we say then? Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained righteousness—namely the righteousness that comes from faith. <a href="/asv/romans/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: <a href="/cev/romans/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> What does all of this mean? It means that the Gentiles were not trying to be acceptable to God, but they found that he would accept them if they had faith. <a href="/erv/romans/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith: <a href="/gwt/romans/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So what can we say? We can say that non-Jewish people who were not trying to gain God's approval won his approval, an approval based on faith. <a href="/gnt/romans/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> So we say that the Gentiles, who were not trying to put themselves right with God, were put right with him through faith; <a href="/isv/romans/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> What can we say, then? Gentiles, who were not pursuing righteousness, have attained righteousness, a righteousness that comes through faith. <a href="/msb/romans/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/net/romans/9.htm">NET Bible</a> What shall we say then?--that the Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness obtained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith, <a href="/nheb/romans/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> What should we say then? That the non-Jews, who did not follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith; <a href="/wbt/romans/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles who followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith: <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To what conclusion does this bring us? Why, that the Gentiles, who were not in pursuit of righteousness, have overtaken it--a righteousness, however, which arises from faith; <a href="/web/romans/9.htm">World English Bible</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who didn’t follow after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith; <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> What, then, will we say? That nations who are not pursuing righteousness attained to righteousness, and righteousness that [is] of faith, <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> What then will we say? That Gentiles, not pursuing righteousness, have attained righteousness, and righteousness that is by faith; <a href="/ylt/romans/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> What, then, shall we say? that nations who are not pursuing righteousness did attain to righteousness, and righteousness that is of faith, <a href="/slt/romans/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> What then shall we say? That the nations, not following justice, overtook justice, and the justice of faith.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who followed not after justice, have attained to justice, even the justice that is of faith. <a href="/cpdv/romans/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> What should we say next? That the Gentiles who did not follow justice have attained justice, even the justice that is of faith. <a href="/nabre/romans/9.htm">New American Bible</a> What then shall we say? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have achieved it, that is, righteousness that comes from faith; <a href="/nrsvce/romans/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> What then are we to say? Gentiles, who did not strive for righteousness, have attained it, that is, righteousness through faith;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> What shall we say then? That the Gentiles who followed not after righteousness have attained to righteousness; that is, the righteousness which is the result of faith. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> What shall we say, therefore? The Gentiles, who did not run after righteousness have obtained righteousness, even the righteousness which is from faith,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> What, then, shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not seek after justification, have obtained justification, even the justification which is by faith: <a href="/godbey/romans/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then what shall we say? That the Gentiles, not pursuing righteousness, received righteousness, and the righteousness which is from faith: <a href="/haweis/romans/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> What then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who pursued not after righteousness, have attained unto righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith. <a href="/mace/romans/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> What shall we hence conclude? that the Gentiles who sought not after justice, have obtained justice, even to that which is by faith: <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> To what conclusion does this bring us? Why, that the Gentiles, who were not in pursuit of righteousness, have overtaken it--a righteousness, however, which arises from faith; <a href="/worrell/romans/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> What, then, shall we say? that gentiles who were not following after righteous obtained righteousness, but a righteousness which is of faith; <a href="/worsley/romans/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> What shall we say then? that the Gentiles, who sought not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; <a href="/parallel/romans/9-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2435" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Israel's Unbelief</a> 29It is just as Isaiah foretold: “Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us descendants, we would have become like Sodom, we would have resembled Gomorrah.” 30<a href="/greek/5101.htm" title="5101: Ti (IPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what.">What</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: eroumen (V-FIA-1P) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">will we say?</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">That</a> <a href="/greek/1484.htm" title="1484: ethnē (N-NNP) -- Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.">the Gentiles,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/1377.htm" title="1377: diōkonta (V-PPA-NNP) -- To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute.">did not pursue</a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēn (N-AFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">righteousness,</a> <a href="/greek/2638.htm" title="2638: katelaben (V-AIA-3S) -- From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc.">have obtained</a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēn (N-AFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">it,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1343.htm" title="1343: dikaiosynēn (N-AFS) -- From dikaios; equity; specially justification.">a righteousness</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">that is</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pisteōs (N-GFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith;</a> 31but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/galatians/3-7.htm">Galatians 3:7-9</a> Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. / The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and foretold the gospel to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.” / So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith. <a href="/philippians/3-9.htm">Philippians 3:9</a> and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith. <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3</a> Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. <a href="/romans/4-5.htm">Romans 4:5</a> However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. <a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> For the gospel reveals the righteousness of God that comes by faith from start to finish, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” <a href="/galatians/2-16.htm">Galatians 2:16</a> know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">1 Peter 2:7-8</a> To you who believe, then, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” / and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed. <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23-24</a> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, / but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. <a href="/galatians/5-4.htm">Galatians 5:4-6</a> You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. / But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness. / For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/isaiah/65-1.htm">Isaiah 65:1</a> “I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’ <a href="/isaiah/28-16.htm">Isaiah 28:16</a> So this is what the Lord GOD says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; the one who believes will never be shaken. <a href="/isaiah/45-22.htm">Isaiah 45:22-25</a> Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other. / By Myself I have sworn; truth has gone out from My mouth, a word that will not be revoked: Every knee will bow before Me, every tongue will swear allegiance. / Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. ... <a href="/hosea/2-23.htm">Hosea 2:23</a> And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’” <a href="/isaiah/49-6.htm">Isaiah 49:6</a> He says: “It is not enough for You to be My Servant, to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the protected ones of Israel. I will also make You a light for the nations, to bring My salvation to the ends of the earth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.shall.<a href="/romans/9-14.htm">Romans 9:14</a> What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.<a href="/romans/3-5.htm">Romans 3:5</a> But if our unrighteousness commend the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God unrighteous who taketh vengeance? (I speak as a man)the Gentiles.<a href="/romans/1-18.htm">Romans 1:18-32</a> For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; … <a href="/romans/4-11.htm">Romans 4:11</a> And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:<a href="/romans/10-20.htm">Romans 10:20</a> But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.followed.<a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31</a> But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.<a href="/proverbs/15-9.htm">Proverbs 15:9</a> The way of the wicked is an abomination unto the LORD: but he loveth him that followeth after righteousness.<a href="/proverbs/21-21.htm">Proverbs 21:21</a> He that followeth after righteousness and mercy findeth life, righteousness, and honour.even the righteousness.<a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a> For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.<a href="/romans/3-22.htm">Romans 3:22</a> Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:<a href="/romans/4-9.htm">Romans 4:9,11,13,22</a> Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/19-25.htm">Arises</a> <a href="/acts/27-12.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/acts/27-13.htm">Attained</a> <a href="/romans/6-1.htm">Conclusion</a> <a href="/romans/6-8.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/4-12.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/romans/5-16.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/romans/9-24.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/romans/9-6.htm">However</a> <a href="/romans/9-24.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/romans/5-11.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/luke/11-20.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/luke/12-30.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/hosea/12-1.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/luke/17-23.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-12.htm">Arises</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/2-14.htm">Attain</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Attained</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-39.htm">Conclusion</a> <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/romans/11-12.htm">Follow</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Followed</a> <a href="/romans/11-11.htm">Gentiles</a> <a href="/romans/10-16.htm">However</a> <a href="/romans/11-12.htm">Nations</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Obtained</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-13.htm">Overtaken</a> <a href="/romans/15-3.htm">Principle</a> <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Pursuit</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Righteousness</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 9</div>1. <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Paul is sorry for the Jews.</a> 7. <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">All of Abraham not of the promise.</a> 18. <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">God's sovereignty.</a> 25. <a href="/romans/9-25.htm">The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold.</a> 32. <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">The cause of their stumbling.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/romans/9.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>What then shall we say? This phrase serves as a rhetorical question, a common device used by the Apostle Paul to engage his readers and provoke thought. In the Greek, "Τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν;" (Ti oun eroumen?) suggests a transition or conclusion based on the preceding arguments. Paul is summarizing his discourse on God's sovereignty and the inclusion of the Gentiles in the plan of salvation. Historically, this question would have resonated with both Jewish and Gentile audiences, challenging them to reconsider their understanding of righteousness and God's promises.That the Gentiles The term "Gentiles" (Greek: ἔθνη, ethne) refers to the non-Jewish nations. In the context of the early church, this was a radical inclusion, as the Jewish people traditionally saw themselves as God's chosen people. Theologically, this highlights the universality of the Gospel message, breaking down ethnic and cultural barriers. Archaeological findings, such as inscriptions and artifacts from early Christian communities, show the diverse makeup of the early church, supporting Paul's assertion of Gentile inclusion.who did not pursue righteousness The phrase "who did not pursue righteousness" indicates that the Gentiles were not actively seeking a right standing with God through the Law, as the Jews were. The Greek word for "pursue" (διώκω, dioko) implies an active, earnest effort. Historically, the Gentiles were often seen as outside the covenantal promises given to Israel, yet Paul emphasizes that their lack of pursuit did not prevent them from receiving righteousness. This challenges the notion that human effort or adherence to the Law is the basis for righteousness.have obtained it The word "obtained" (κατέλαβεν, katelaben) in Greek suggests a successful attainment or grasping of something. This implies that the Gentiles, despite not actively seeking righteousness, have nonetheless received it. This is a profound statement about the nature of God's grace, which is not earned but given. Scripturally, this aligns with the theme of grace found throughout the New Testament, where God's favor is extended to all who believe, regardless of their background or previous efforts.a righteousness that is by faith The phrase "a righteousness that is by faith" encapsulates the core message of the Gospel. The Greek word for "righteousness" (δικαιοσύνη, dikaiosyne) refers to a state of being right with God. This righteousness is not based on works or adherence to the Law but is received through faith (πίστις, pistis). This concept is central to Pauline theology and is echoed in other epistles, such as Galatians and Ephesians. Historically, this was a revolutionary idea, as it shifted the focus from the Law to faith in Christ as the means of salvation. This righteousness by faith underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, offering hope and inclusion to all who believe.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30-33) The Apostle has finished with his vindication of the rejection of Israel, and finished also with the course of argument which seemed to bear a strong character of determinism. He now takes up a point of view which is the direct opposite of this, and in explaining the causes which led to the rejection of Israel, those which he puts forward are all such as depend for their validity on the freedom of the will. It is needless to say that this is abundantly recognised in other parts of St. Paul's writings, especially in the earnest practical exhortations which he addresses to his readers. This, then, must be taken to qualify the argument that has preceded. The freedom of the will and the absolute sovereignty of God are two propositions which, though apparently contradictory, are both really true at one and the same time. When stated singly, each is apt to appear one-sided. They are reconciled, as it were, beneath the surface, in some way inscrutable to us. Both rest on evidence that in itself is incontrovertible.The great reason for the rejection of Israel and for the admission of the Gentiles is that the Gentiles did, and that they did not, base their attempts at righteousness upon faith. Righteousness is the middle term which leads to salvation. The Gentiles, without seeking, found; the Jews, seeking in a wrong way, failed to find it.(30) Which followed not after righteousness.--Not having a special revelation, and being inattentive to the law of conscience.Attained to righteousness.--By accepting the offer of Christianity, and especially the Christian doctrine of justification by faith.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 30 - <a href="/romans/10-21.htm">Romans 10:21</a>. - (3) The cause is in the fault of the Jews themselves. Hitherto the apostle has viewed his subject from the side of the Divine will and purpose (see note on ver. 19). He now views it from the side of human responsibility. The rejection of the Jews is now attributed, not to God's purpose to reject them, but to their own fault, in that they would not accept God's terms. "Hic expresse ponit causam reprobationis, quia scilicet nolint credere Evangelio. Ideo supra dixi, similitudinem de luto non ira accipiendam esse quasi non sit in ipsa voluntate hominis causa reprobationis" (Melancthon). Verses 30, 31. - What shall we say then! That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. But Israel, following after a law of righteousness, attained not to (or, arrived not at, so as to distinguish ἔφθασε εἰς, used here, from κατέλαβε, previously used of the Gentiles. It expresses the idea of failing to reach what is being pursued) a law of righteousness. The Gentiles are here said to have attained righteousness (i.e. the righteousness of God, appropriated by faith, as previously explained); but Israel to have pursued, without reaching it, a law (not, as in the Authorized Version, the Law) of righteousness; because in the Law of Hoses they sought a justifying law, which in itself it could not be. The idea is resumed in ch. 10:3. The concluding δικαιοσύνης in ver. 31, which may have been introduced into the text to make the meaning plain, is ill supported; but the sense requires it to be understood. So far we have a state-merit of the facts of the case. The reason follows. <a href="/commentaries/romans/9-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>What Τί (Ti) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5101.htm">Strong's 5101: </a> Who, which, what, why. Probably emphatic of tis; an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what. then οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. will we say? ἐροῦμεν (eroumen) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. That ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. [the] Gentiles, ἔθνη (ethnē) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1484.htm">Strong's 1484: </a> Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one. who τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. did not pursue διώκοντα (diōkonta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1377.htm">Strong's 1377: </a> To pursue, hence: I persecute. A prolonged form of a primary verb dio; to pursue; by implication, to persecute. righteousness, δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. have obtained κατέλαβεν (katelaben) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2638.htm">Strong's 2638: </a> From kata and lambano; to take eagerly, i.e. Seize, possess, etc. [it], δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. a righteousness δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1343.htm">Strong's 1343: </a> From dikaios; equity; specially justification. that [is] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. by ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. faith; πίστεως (pisteōs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/9-30.htm">Romans 9:30 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">NT Letters: Romans 9:30 What shall we say then? That (Rom. 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