King James Version

What Does Romans 10:19 Mean?

Romans 10:19 in the King James Version says “But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a f...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.”

Romans 10:19 · KJV

Context

17

So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18

But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

19

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

20

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.

21

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you—A second objection: perhaps Israel didn't understand? All' legō, mē Israēl ouk egnō? (ἀλλ' λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω; "But I say, did Israel not know/understand?"). Ginōskō (γινώσκω, "know, understand, perceive") implies comprehension, not just hearing. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:21, Moses' warning that God would provoke Israel to jealousy by making a non-people His people.

Parazēlōsō (παραζηλώσω, "provoke to jealousy") and parorgizō (παροργίζω, "provoke to anger") describe God's strategic use of Gentile salvation to awaken Israel. Them that are no people (ouk ethnei, οὐκ ἔθνει, "a non-nation") and a foolish nation (ethnei asynetō, ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ, "an unperceptive/foolish nation") refer to Gentiles—those outside covenant. The irony: Gentiles, who lacked Israel's privileges, are receiving salvation Israel rejected. This should provoke Israel to jealousy and repentance (Rom 11:11, 14).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Deuteronomy 32 (the Song of Moses) warned Israel that covenant unfaithfulness would bring judgment, including making them jealous by exalting Gentiles. This reversal occurred in AD 30-70: while the church exploded with Gentile converts, most Jews rejected Christ. After AD 70 and the temple's destruction, Gentile Christianity dominated numerically. Paul sees this as providential—God's mercy to Gentiles should drive Israel to recognize their Messiah (Rom 11:25-27). This "jealousy strategy" continues today.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Gentile church's experience of God's mercy serve God's purpose to save ethnic Israel?
  2. Are you living in such Spirit-empowered transformation that unbelievers are provoked to jealousy?
  3. What does it mean that God uses "a foolish nation" to accomplish His wise purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
ἀλλὰ1 of 20

“But”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

λέγει2 of 20

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

μὴ3 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

οὐκ4 of 20

“them that are no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔγνω5 of 20

“Did”

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

Ἰσραὴλ6 of 20

“Israel”

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

πρῶτος7 of 20

“First”

G4413

foremost (in time, place, order or importance)

Μωσῆς8 of 20

“Moses”

G3475

moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver

λέγει9 of 20

“I say”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Ἐγὼ10 of 20

“I”

G1473

i, me

παραζηλώσω11 of 20

“to jealousy”

G3863

to stimulate alongside, i.e., excite to rivalry

ὑμᾶς12 of 20

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἐπὶ13 of 20

“and by”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

οὐκ14 of 20

“them that are no”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔθνει15 of 20

“nation”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἐπὶ16 of 20

“and by”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἔθνει17 of 20

“nation”

G1484

a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)

ἀσυνέτῳ18 of 20

“a foolish”

G801

unintelligent; by implication, wicked

παροργιῶ19 of 20

“I will anger”

G3949

to anger alongside, i.e., enrage

ὑμᾶς20 of 20

“you”

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 10:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 10:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 32:21Romans 11:11Romans 11:141 Peter 2:10Titus 3:3Psalms 115:5-8

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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