King James Version

What Does Romans 10:2 Mean?

Romans 10:2 in the King James Version says “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”

Romans 10:2 · KJV

Context

1

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.

2

For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3

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.

4

For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge—Paul testifies (martyreō, μαρτυρέω, "bear witness") that Israel possesses zēlos (ζῆλος, "zeal, fervor") for God, but ou kat' epignōsin (οὐ κατ' ἐπίγνωσιν, "not according to full knowledge/recognition"). This is misdirected religious passion—sincere but fatally wrong. The Pharisee Saul of Tarsus exemplified this zeal (Phil 3:4-6; Gal 1:14), persecuting the church with genuine belief he was serving God (Acts 26:9-11; John 16:2).

Epignōsis implies not just intellectual knowledge but recognition and acknowledgment of truth. Israel's zeal lacked knowledge of God's righteousness revealed in Christ (v. 3), the end of the law (v. 4), and the simplicity of faith-righteousness (vv. 6-10). Sincerity does not equal truth—orthodoxy matters. Zeal without knowledge produces Pharisees, Crusaders, and religious terrorists. True worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism featured multiple zealous movements: Pharisees meticulously observing oral tradition, Essenes pursuing ritual purity in desert communities, and Zealots planning violent revolution. Paul knew this world intimately as "a Hebrew of Hebrews, concerning the law a Pharisee" (Phil 3:5). Religious zeal characterized Judaism's resistance to Roman occupation and led ultimately to the catastrophic war of AD 66-70.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can you cultivate theological <em>epignōsis</em> (full knowledge) to match your spiritual <em>zēlos</em> (zeal)?
  2. What modern expressions of "zeal without knowledge" do you see in the church—and in your own heart?
  3. How did Paul's pre-conversion zeal warn him to test all passion by Scripture (Acts 17:11)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
μαρτυρῶ1 of 11

“I bear”

G3140

to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)

γὰρ2 of 11

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

αὐτοῖς3 of 11

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὅτι4 of 11

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ζῆλον5 of 11

“a zeal”

G2205

properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or

θεοῦ6 of 11

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἔχουσιν7 of 11

“they have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἀλλ'8 of 11

“but”

G235

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

οὐ9 of 11

“not”

G3756

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

κατ'10 of 11

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐπίγνωσιν·11 of 11

“to knowledge”

G1922

recognition, i.e., (by implication) full discernment, acknowledgement

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 10:2 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 10:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 21:20Romans 9:31-32Philippians 1:9Romans 10:3Proverbs 19:2Philippians 3:6

Test Your Knowledge

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

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