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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 9:32 Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/9-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/45_Rom_09_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 9:32 - Israel's Unbelief" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone," /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/9-32.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/9-32.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 32</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/9-31.htm" title="Romans 9:31">◄</a> Romans 9:32 <a href="/romans/9-33.htm" title="Romans 9:33">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/9.htm">New International Version</a> Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. <a href="/nlt/romans/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> Why not? Because they were trying to get right with God by keeping the law instead of by trusting in him. They stumbled over the great rock in their path. <a href="/esv/romans/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Why? Because it was not by faith, but as by works. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling, <a href="/kjv/romans/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; <a href="/nkjv/romans/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. <a href="/nasb_/romans/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/nasb/romans/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/nasb77/romans/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/lsb/romans/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/amp/romans/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And why not? Because it was not by faith [that they pursued it], but as though it were by works [relying on the merit of their works instead of their faith]. They stumbled over the stumbling Stone [Jesus Christ]. <a href="/csb/romans/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. <a href="/hcsb/romans/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Why is that? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. <a href="/asv/romans/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling; <a href="/erv/romans/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling; <a href="/gwt/romans/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Why? They didn't rely on faith to gain God's approval, but they relied on their own efforts. They stumbled over the rock that trips people. <a href="/gnt/romans/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> And why not? Because they did not depend on faith but on what they did. And so they stumbled over the "stumbling stone" <a href="/isv/romans/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> Why not? Because they did not pursue it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on achievements. They stumbled over the stone that causes people to stumble. <a href="/msb/romans/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works of the law. For they stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/net/romans/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <a href="/nheb/romans/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone; <a href="/wbt/romans/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And why? Because they were pursuing a righteousness which should arise not from faith, but from what they regarded as merit. They stuck their foot against the stone which lay in their way; <a href="/web/romans/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Why? Because they didn’t seek it by faith, but as it were by works of the law. They stumbled over the stumbling stone, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> why? Because—not by faith, but as by works of law; for they stumbled at the stone of stumbling, <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Why? Because it was not by faith, but as by works. They stumbled over the stone of stumbling, <a href="/ylt/romans/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> wherefore? because -- not by faith, but as by works of law; for they did stumble at the stone of stumbling, <a href="/slt/romans/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Wherefore? Because not of faith, but as of the works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumblingstone;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Why so? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were of works. For they stumbled at the stumblingstone. <a href="/cpdv/romans/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Why is this? Because they did not seek it from faith, but as if it were from works. For they stumbled over a stumbling block, <a href="/nabre/romans/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Why not? Because they did it not by faith, but as if it could be done by works. They stumbled over the stone that causes stumbling, <a href="/nrsvce/romans/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Why not? Because they did not strive for it on the basis of faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Why? Because it was not sought by faith, but by the works of the law. So they stumbled at that stumbling-stone. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Why? Because it was not from faith, but from the works of The Written Law, for they were stumbled at the stumbling stone,<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as if by works of law: for they stumbled against that stone of stumbling, <a href="/godbey/romans/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Why? Because they sought it not from faith, but as it were from works: they stumbled over the stone of stumbling, <a href="/haweis/romans/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling; <a href="/mace/romans/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> why? because they sought it not by faith, but indeed by the works of the law: for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> And why? Because they were pursuing a righteousness which should arise not from faith, but from what they regarded as merit. They stuck their foot against the stone which lay in their way; <a href="/worrell/romans/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Wherefore? because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the Stone of stumbling; <a href="/worsley/romans/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> because they sought it not by faith, but by the works of the law, for they stumbled at that stumbling-stone; <a href="/parallel/romans/9-32.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2450" 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> …31but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. 32<a href="/greek/1223.htm" title="1223: dia (Prep) -- A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.">Why not?</a> <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."></a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">Because their pursuit was</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</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> <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/5613.htm" title="5613: hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as if it were</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ex (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">works.</a> <a href="/greek/4350.htm" title="4350: prosekopsan (V-AIA-3P) -- From pros and kopto; to strike at, i.e. Surge against; specially, to stub on, i.e. Trip up.">They stumbled</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">over the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4348.htm" title="4348: proskommatos (N-GNS) -- A stumbling-block, an occasion for falling, a moral embarrassment. From proskopto; a stub, i.e. occasion of apostasy.">stumbling</a> <a href="/greek/3037.htm" title="3037: lithō (N-DMS) -- A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone.">stone,</a> 33as it is written: “See, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense; and the one who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”…<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/3-10.htm">Galatians 3:10-12</a> All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.” / The law, however, is not based on faith; on the contrary, “The man who does these things will live by them.” <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="/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="/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="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14-15</a> And He will be a sanctuary—but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. / Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.” <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="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a> but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42-44</a> Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. This is from the Lord, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? / Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit. / He who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but he on whom it falls will be crushed.” <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="/hebrews/11-6.htm">Hebrews 11:6</a> And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. <a href="/isaiah/53-1.htm">Isaiah 53:1-3</a> Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? / He grew up before Him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no stately form or majesty to attract us, no beauty that we should desire Him. / He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/john/1-11.htm">John 1:11-12</a> He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. / But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— <a href="/john/5-39.htm">John 5:39-40</a> You pore over the Scriptures because you presume that by them you possess eternal life. These are the very words that testify about Me, / yet you refuse to come to Me to have life. <a href="/john/6-28.htm">John 6:28-29</a> Then they inquired, “What must we do to perform the works of God?” / Jesus replied, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” <a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Luke 2:34</a> Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone;Because.<a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Romans 4:16</a> Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,<a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Romans 10:3</a> 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.<a href="/matthew/19-16.htm">Matthew 19:16-20</a> And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? … they stumbled.<a href="/romans/11-11.htm">Romans 11:11</a> I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.<a href="/matthew/13-57.htm">Matthew 13:57</a> And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.<a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Luke 2:34</a> And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-16.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/acts/20-18.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Law</a> <a href="/romans/3-27.htm">Merit</a> <a href="/romans/9-30.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/romans/9-8.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/romans/9-31.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/8-27.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/romans/2-7.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/acts/21-4.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/acts/19-35.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/acts/27-41.htm">Stuck</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Stumbled</a> <a href="/john/16-1.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumblingstone</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumbling-Stone</a> <a href="/romans/8-30.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/7-12.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/9-12.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/15-12.htm">Arise</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-15.htm">Foot</a> <a href="/romans/10-4.htm">Law</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Merit</a> <a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Pursue</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-9.htm">Pursued</a> <a href="/romans/12-13.htm">Pursuing</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-13.htm">Regarded</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Righteousness</a> <a href="/romans/10-20.htm">Searching</a> <a href="/romans/10-20.htm">Seek</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">Sought</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-10.htm">Stuck</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumble</a> <a href="/romans/11-11.htm">Stumbled</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumbling</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumblingstone</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Stumbling-Stone</a> <a href="/romans/10-5.htm">Way</a> <a href="/romans/13-5.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/romans/11-6.htm">Works</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> <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> </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/9.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/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Why not? This phrase introduces a rhetorical question that Paul uses to engage the reader. It prompts reflection on the reason for Israel's failure to attain righteousness. The question sets the stage for the explanation that follows, emphasizing the importance of understanding the root cause of their spiritual misstep.Because their pursuit was not by faith, Paul highlights the central issue: the lack of faith. In the broader context of Romans, faith is the means by which righteousness is attained (<a href="/romans/1-17.htm">Romans 1:17</a>). The Jewish people, in this context, were attempting to achieve righteousness through adherence to the law rather than through faith in God. This reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose of the law, which was to lead them to Christ (<a href="/galatians/3-24.htm">Galatians 3:24</a>).but as if it were by works. This phrase underscores the mistaken approach of seeking righteousness through human effort and adherence to the law. The works-based approach contrasts with the faith-based righteousness that Paul advocates. This reflects a broader biblical theme where human efforts are insufficient for salvation (<a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>). The reliance on works is a common pitfall that Paul addresses in several of his letters, emphasizing that salvation is a gift from God.They stumbled over the stumbling stone, The "stumbling stone" is a metaphor for Jesus Christ, who is both a cornerstone and a stumbling block (<a href="/isaiah/8-14.htm">Isaiah 8:14, 28</a>:16; <a href="/1_peter/2-6.htm">1 Peter 2:6-8</a>). The Jewish people, expecting a different kind of Messiah, failed to recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of prophecy. This stumbling is a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and highlights the paradox of Christ's role: He is the foundation for those who believe and a stumbling block for those who do not. This imagery is rich in biblical symbolism, illustrating the division between those who accept Christ and those who reject Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the church in Rome, explaining the righteousness that comes from faith. 2. <a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a> The nation of Israel, which Paul discusses in terms of their pursuit of righteousness and their stumbling over Christ. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_stumbling_stone.htm">The Stumbling Stone</a> A metaphor for Jesus Christ, whom Israel failed to recognize as the Messiah due to their reliance on the law and works.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_vs._works.htm">Faith vs. Works</a> The pursuit of righteousness must be grounded in faith, not in human efforts or adherence to the law. <a href="/topical/r/recognizing_christ.htm">Recognizing Christ</a> Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. Failing to recognize Him leads to spiritual stumbling. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_legalism.htm">The Danger of Legalism</a> Relying on works for salvation leads to a misunderstanding of God's grace and the purpose of the law. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_law.htm">The Role of the Law</a> The law serves to point us to Christ, revealing our need for a Savior, not as a means to achieve righteousness. <a href="/topical/l/living_by_faith.htm">Living by Faith</a> True righteousness and a relationship with God are achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not through our own merit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 9</a> <a href="/q/why_are_many_smart_people_atheists.htm">Why does God allow so many intelligent people to remain atheists if He wants all to believe?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_suicide.htm">What defines true righteousness according to the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_a_'stumbling_stone'_in_the_bible.htm">What does "stumbling stone" mean in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/does_1_peter_2_8_misapply_isaiah.htm">1 Peter 2:8: Does applying Isaiah’s prophecy here conflict with the prophet’s original context or meaning?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(32) For they stumbled.--"For," in this clause, should be omitted, and the two clauses thrown together, the words "of the law" also going out--Because (seeking righteousness), not of faith, but as if of works, they stumbled, &c.That stumblingstone.--Christ. When Christianity, with the justification by faith which goes with it, was offered to them, they "were offended," and refused it.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/romans/9.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 32, 33. - Wherefore? Because they sought it not of faith, but as of works of law. The genuineness of the concluding word νόμου here is doubtful. Its omission does not affect the sense. If retained, it must, according to the rule observed in this Exposition, be translated law, not the Law. For they stumbled at the stone of stumbling; as it is written, Behold, I lay in Zion a stone of stumbling and rock of offence: and he that (πᾶς before ὁ πιστεύων, expressed in the Authorized Version by "whosoever," has no good support, having probably been supplied from ch. 10:11) believeth on him shall not be ashamed. Here, as throughout the Epistle, the apostle's position is supported by an Old Testament reference. In this instance it is to two passages of Isaiah intermingled (Isaiah 28:16 and Isaiah 8:14). The way in which they are fused is illustrative of St. Paul's way, elsewhere apparent, of referring to Scripture. As a rule, he quotes the LXX., but often varies from it, and sometimes so as to be closer to the Hebrew. Sometimes he seems to be quoting from memory, as one who is familiar with the general drift of prophecy on the subject in hand, and satisfied if the form of his quotation expresses such general drift. In the ease before us, he follows the Hebrew in <a href="/psalms/8.htm">Psalm 8</a>:14, and the LXX. 2:28:16, where for the Hebrew expression rendered "shall not make haste," the LXX. has οῦ μὴ καταισχυνθῆ, apparently with the same essential meaning; for "make haste" seems to signify "haste away in terror and confusion." The two texts combined express the idea of a stone being laid by the Lord in Zion, which should be the support of the faithful, but a stumbling-block to others. It is not necessary to inquire whether the texts themselves have in the original any obvious Messianic reference. Enough that they denote God's plan of dealing with his people. But to understand the full idea in the apostle's mind, when he speaks of "the stone of stumbling," we must take into account also <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Psalm 118:22</a>, and our Lord's language, as recorded in <a href="/matthew/21-42.htm">Matthew 21:42, 44</a> and <a href="/luke/20-17.htm">Luke 20:17, 18</a>. In the Psalms we find the figure of "the stone" used thus: "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner;" and in the Gospels our Lord refers to this text as de. noting himself, and subjoins, with reference to Isaiah, the idea of the same stone being one on which some should fall and be broken, with the additional conception of its crushing those on whom itself should fall. The same view essentially is expressed in Simeon's words (<a href="/luke/2-34.htm">Luke 2:34</a>), that "this Child" should be for the fall as well as for the rising again of many in Israel; and it is repeated definitely in <a href="/1_peter/2-7.htm">1 Peter 2:7</a> (cf. also <a href="/acts/4-11.htm">Acts 4:11</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/1-23.htm">1 Corinthians 1:23</a>). <a href="/commentaries/romans/9-32.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Why [not]? διὰ (dia) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1223.htm">Strong's 1223: </a> A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through. Because [their pursuit was] ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. 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. but ἀλλ’ (all’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. as if [it were] ὡς (hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. by ἐξ (ex) 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. works. ἔργων (ergōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. They stumbled προσέκοψαν (prosekopsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4350.htm">Strong's 4350: </a> From pros and kopto; to strike at, i.e. Surge against; specially, to stub on, i.e. Trip up. over the τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine 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. stumbling προσκόμματος (proskommatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4348.htm">Strong's 4348: </a> A stumbling-block, an occasion for falling, a moral embarrassment. From proskopto; a stub, i.e. occasion of apostasy. stone, λίθῳ (lithō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3037.htm">Strong's 3037: </a> A stone; met: of Jesus as the chief stone in a building. Apparently a primary word; a stone. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/9-32.htm">Romans 9:32 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">NT Letters: Romans 9:32 Why? Because they didn't seek it (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/9-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 9:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 9:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/9-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 9:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 9:33" /></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>