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Romans 10:2 For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.
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href="/bsb/romans/10.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/10.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/10.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I know what enthusiasm they have for God, but it is misdirected zeal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/10.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/10.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I bear witness about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/10.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/10.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/10.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/10.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/10.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not in accordance with knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/10.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/10.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a certain enthusiasm for God, but not in accordance with [correct and vital] knowledge [about Him and His purposes].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/10.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/10.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I can testify about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/10.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/10.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I know they love God, but they don't understand <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/10.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/10.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God, but they are misguided.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/10.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I can assure you that they are deeply devoted to God; but their devotion is not based on true knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/10.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For I can testify on their behalf that they have a zeal for God, but it is not in keeping with full knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/10.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/10.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For I can testify that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not in line with the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/10.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/10.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For I bear them testimony that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For I bear witness that they possess an enthusiasm for God, but it is an unenlightened enthusiasm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/10.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/10.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />for I bear them testimony that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/10.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />For I bear witness about them that they have zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/10.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> for I bear them testimony that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/10.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For I testify for them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/10.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For I bear them witness, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/10.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For I offer testimony to them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/10.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I testify with regard to them that they have zeal for God, but it is not discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/10.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I can testify that they have a zeal for God, but it is not enlightened.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/10.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For I can testify for them that there is in them a zeal for God, but not according to the true knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/10.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For I bear witness to them, that they do have zeal for God, but not by knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/10.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For I testify for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/10.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For I testify to them, that they have a zeal of God, but not according to perfect knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/10.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For I am a witness for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/10.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for I bear them witness, that they have a zeal for God, but not guided by true knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/10.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For I bear witness that they possess an enthusiasm for God, but it is an unenlightened enthusiasm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/10.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />For I testify for them, that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/10.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/10-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2480" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/10.htm">The Word Brings Salvation</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1063.htm" title="1063: gar (Conj) -- For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.">For</a> <a href="/greek/3140.htm" title="3140: martyrō (V-PIA-1S) -- To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.">I testify</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autois (PPro-DM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">about them</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echousin (V-PIA-3P) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">they are</a> <a href="/greek/2205.htm" title="2205: zēlon (N-AMS) -- From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. zeal (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice).">zealous</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">for God,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: all’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kat’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">on the basis of</a> <a href="/greek/1922.htm" title="1922: epignōsin (N-AFS) -- From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.">knowledge.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">3</span>Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a></span><br />I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/3-6.htm">Philippians 3:6</a></span><br />as to zeal, persecuting the church; as to righteousness in the law, faultless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a></span><br />“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised in this city. I was educated at the feet of Gamaliel in strict conformity to the law of our fathers. I was just as zealous for God as any of you are today.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Acts 21:20</a></span><br />When they heard this, they glorified God. Then they said to Paul, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and all of them are zealous for the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-17.htm">Galatians 4:17</a></span><br />Those people are zealous for you, but not in a good way. Instead, they want to isolate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-15.htm">Matthew 23:15</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You traverse land and sea to win a single convert, and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son of hell as you are.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a></span><br />They will put you out of the synagogues. In fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/1-13.htm">1 Timothy 1:13</a></span><br />I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/11-3.htm">2 Corinthians 11:3</a></span><br />I am afraid, however, that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may be led astray from your simple and pure devotion to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/4-18.htm">Galatians 4:18</a></span><br />Nevertheless, it is good to be zealous if it serves a noble purpose—at any time, and not only when I am with you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-2.htm">Proverbs 19:2</a></span><br />Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: “These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/9-23.htm">Jeremiah 9:23-24</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-2.htm">Isaiah 58:2</a></span><br />For day after day they seek Me and delight to know My ways, like a nation that does what is right and does not forsake the justice of their God. They ask Me for righteous judgments; they delight in the nearness of God.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">I bear them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/8-3.htm">2 Corinthians 8:3</a></b></br> For to <i>their</i> power, I bear record, yea, and beyond <i>their</i> power <i>they were</i> willing of themselves;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/4-15.htm">Galatians 4:15</a></b></br> Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if <i>it had been</i> possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/4-13.htm">Colossians 4:13</a></b></br> For I bear him record, that he hath a great zeal for you, and them <i>that are</i> in Laodicea, and them in Hierapolis.</p><p class="hdg">that they.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/10-16.htm">2 Kings 10:16</a></b></br> And he said, Come with me, and see my zeal for the LORD. So they made him ride in his chariot.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/16-2.htm">John 16:2</a></b></br> They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Acts 21:20,28</a></b></br> And when they heard <i>it</i>, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: … </p><p class="hdg">but not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3</a></b></br> For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Romans 9:31,32</a></b></br> But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/14-4.htm">Psalm 14:4</a></b></br> Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge? who eat up my people <i>as</i> they eat bread, and call not upon the LORD.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Based</a> <a href="/romans/9-10.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Enlightened</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/9-2.htm">Enthusiasm</a> <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/romans/4-23.htm">Record</a> <a href="/romans/8-19.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/romans/8-16.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/acts/18-25.htm">Zeal</a> <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Based</a> <a href="/romans/11-18.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/romans/11-25.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/ephesians/1-18.htm">Enlightened</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-17.htm">Enthusiasm</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-30.htm">Possess</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">Record</a> <a href="/romans/15-1.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/15-15.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Testimony</a> <a href="/romans/13-9.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Zeal</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-12.htm">Zealous</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 10</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/10-1.htm">The difference between the righteousness of the law, and that of faith;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/10-11.htm">all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, shall not be shamed;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/10-18.htm">and that the Gentiles shall receive the word and believe.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/10-19.htm">Israel was not ignorant of these things.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/10.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/10.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>For I testify about them</b><br>Paul, the author of Romans, is speaking from personal experience and authority. As a former Pharisee, he understands the Jewish zeal for God. His testimony is credible because of his background and transformation through Christ. This phrase emphasizes Paul's deep concern and love for his fellow Jews, as seen in <a href="/romans/9.htm">Romans 9:1-3</a>, where he expresses sorrow for their unbelief.<p><b>that they are zealous for God</b><br>The Jewish people were known for their fervent devotion to God, adhering strictly to the Law of Moses. This zeal is evident in their commitment to religious practices, festivals, and the temple. However, this zeal is not unique to the New Testament; it is seen throughout the Old Testament, such as in the actions of Phinehas (<a href="/numbers/25-11.htm">Numbers 25:11</a>) and Elijah (<a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a>). Their zeal, however, lacked the fulfillment found in Christ, as they were still awaiting the Messiah.<p><b>but not on the basis of knowledge</b><br>The knowledge referred to here is not mere intellectual understanding but a deep, relational knowledge of God's righteousness revealed in Christ. The Jews' zeal was misguided because it was based on the Law rather than the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus (<a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3-4</a>). This lack of knowledge is a recurring theme in Scripture, where God desires mercy and knowledge of Him over sacrifice (<a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a>). The true knowledge of God is found in the revelation of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the Law and the Prophets (<a href="/matthew/5-17.htm">Matthew 5:17</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is writing to the believers in Rome. He is a key figure in the early Christian church and a former Pharisee who understands Jewish zeal firsthand.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_israelites.htm">The Israelites</a></b><br>The "them" referred to in this verse are the Israelites, who have a zeal for God but lack the correct understanding of His righteousness through Christ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/r/rome.htm">Rome</a></b><br>The city to which Paul is writing. It was a significant center of power and culture in the ancient world, and the church there was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/z/zeal_without_knowledge.htm">Zeal Without Knowledge</a></b><br>Zeal is commendable, but it must be grounded in the truth of God's Word. Without knowledge, zeal can lead to misguided actions and beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_right_doctrine.htm">The Importance of Right Doctrine</a></b><br>Understanding the correct doctrine is crucial. Believers must study Scripture diligently to ensure their zeal aligns with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_faith_in_righteousness.htm">The Role of Faith in Righteousness</a></b><br>True righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through works or adherence to the law. This is a central theme in Paul's writings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_legalism.htm">The Danger of Legalism</a></b><br>Legalism, or the belief that one can earn God's favor through works, is a common pitfall. Believers must guard against this by focusing on grace through faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_seek_knowledge.htm">Encouragement to Seek Knowledge</a></b><br>Christians are encouraged to grow in their knowledge of God and His Word, ensuring their zeal is productive and aligned with His will.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_10.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 10</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_meditation.htm">What does being zealous for God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_zeal_differ_from_fanaticism.htm">What distinguishes zeal from fanaticism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_being_zealous_for_god_mean.htm">What does being zealous for God mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who's_the_antichrist_in_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible say about zeal?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/10.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">A zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.</span>--It would be difficult to find a more happy description of the state of the Jews at this period. They had "a zeal for God." "The Jew," said Josephus, "knows the Law better than his own name . . . The sacred rules were punctually observed . . . The great feasts were frequented by countless thousands . . . Over and above the requirements of the Law, ascetic religious exercises advocated by the teachers of the Law came into vogue. . . . Even the Hellenised and Alexandrian Jews under Caligula died on the cross and by fire, and the Palestinian prisoners in the last war died by the claws of African lions in the amphitheatre, rather than sin against the Law. What Greek," exclaims Josephus, "would do the like? . . . The Jews also exhibited an ardent zeal for the conversion of the Gentiles to the Law of Moses. The proselytes filled Asia Minor and Syria, and--to the indignation of Tacitus--Italy and Rome." The tenacity of the Jews, and their uncompromising monotheism, were seen in some conspicuous examples. In the early part of his procuratorship, Pilate, seeking to break through their known repugnance to everything that savoured of image-worship, had introduced into Jerusalem ensigns surmounted with silver busts of the emperor. Upon this the people went down in a body to Caesarea, waited for five days and nights in the market-place, bared their necks to the soldiers that Pilate sent in among them, and did not desist until the order for the removal of the ensigns had been given. Later he caused to be hung up in the palace at Jerusalem certain gilded shields bearing a dedicatory inscription to Tiberius. Then, again, the Jews did not rest until, by their complaints addressed directly to the emperor, they had succeeded in getting them taken down. The consternation that was caused by Caligula's order for the erection of his own statue in the Temple is well known. None of the Roman governors dared to carry it into execution; and Caligula himself was slain before it could be accomplished.<p>Justice must be done to the heroic spirit of the Jews. But it was zeal directed into the most mistaken channels. Their religion was legal and formal to the last degree. Under an outward show of punctilious obedience, it concealed all the inward corruption described by the Apostle in <a href="/context/romans/2-17.htm" title="Behold, you are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make your boast of God,">Romans 2:17-29</a>, the full extent of which was seen in the horrors of the great insurrection and the siege of Jerusalem.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/10.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 2, 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God</span>. For <span class="greek">ζῆλον Θεοῦ</span>, meaning zeal <span class="accented">for</span> God, cf. <a href="/john/2-17.htm">John 2:17</a>; <a href="/acts/22-3.htm">Acts 22:3</a>; <a href="/galatians/1-14.htm">Galatians 1:14</a>. The word <span class="greek">ζῆλος</span> was commonly used for the religious ardour of the Jews at that time (cf. <a href="/acts/21-20.htm">Acts 21:20</a>, <span class="greek">Πάντες ζηλωταὶ τοῦ νόμου ὑπάρχουσι</span>), and there was a faction among them called distinctively <span class="greek">Ζηλωταὶ</span>, to which Simon Zelotes (<a href="/luke/6-15.htm">Luke 6:15</a>; <a href="/acts/1-13.htm">Acts 1:13</a>) is supposed to have belonged originally. St. Paul's mention of the religious zeal of the Jews of his day is apposite in this place. In <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Romans 9:1-5</a>, where he was about to speak of their rejection from the inheritance of the promises, he appropriately dwelt on their ancient privileges; here, where he has in view their own failure to respond to God's purpose for them, he as appropriately refers to their undoubted zeal, which he regrets should be misdirected. <span class="cmt_word">But not according to knowledge. For being ignorant of</span> (<span class="greek">ἀγνοοῦντες</span>, in explanation of <span class="greek">οὐ κατ ἐπίγνωσιν</span> preceding<span class="cmt_word">) God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own</span> (<span class="accented">righteousness</span>, repeated here, is ill supported), <span class="cmt_word">they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.</span> For the meaning of God's righteousness, opposed to man's own righteousness, see on Romans 3:19, 20; also on Romans 1:17, and Introduction. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/10-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">γὰρ</span> <span class="translit">(gar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1063.htm">Strong's 1063: </a> </span><span class="str2">For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I testify</span><br /><span class="grk">μαρτυρῶ</span> <span class="translit">(martyrō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3140.htm">Strong's 3140: </a> </span><span class="str2">To witness, bear witness, give evidence, testify, give a good report. From martus; to be a witness, i.e. Testify.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">about them</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῖς</span> <span class="translit">(autois)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that</span><br /><span class="grk">ὅτι</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχουσιν</span> <span class="translit">(echousin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">zealous</span><br /><span class="grk">ζῆλον</span> <span class="translit">(zēlon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2205.htm">Strong's 2205: </a> </span><span class="str2">From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. 'zeal' (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλ’</span> <span class="translit">(all’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on the basis of</span><br /><span class="grk">κατ’</span> <span class="translit">(kat’)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐπίγνωσιν</span> <span class="translit">(epignōsin)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1922.htm">Strong's 1922: </a> </span><span class="str2">From epiginosko; recognition, i.e. full discernment, acknowledgement.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/10-2.htm">Romans 10:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/10-2.htm">NT Letters: Romans 10:2 For I testify about them that they (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/10-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 10:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 10:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/10-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 10:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 10:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>