King James Version

What Does Romans 10:3 Mean?

Romans 10:3 in the King James Version says “For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 10:3 · 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.

5

For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the law, That the man which doeth those things shall live by them.

Read Romans 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Israel's failure was epistemological (agnoeō, ἀγνοέω, "be ignorant of, not understand") and volitional (ou hypetagesan, οὐ ὑπετάγησαν, "did not submit"). Agnoeō indicates not mere lack of information but culpable ignorance that refuses truth (Acts 3:17; 1 Cor 14:38). Israel ignored dikaiosynē theou (δικαιοσύνη θεοῦ, "God's righteousness")—the divine provision of right standing through faith—and pursued idian dikaiosynēn (ἰδίαν δικαιοσύνην, "their own righteousness") through law-works.

The verb zēteō (ζητέω, "seek, go about establishing") implies diligent effort, echoing Romans 9:31-32 where Israel "pursued" the law of righteousness but stumbled over the stumbling stone. Human autonomy—establishing one's own righteousness—is the essence of sin, the project of Genesis 3. Submission (hypotagē, ὑποταγή) to God's righteousness is the opposite: receiving, not achieving; believing, not earning. This is the Reformation doctrine of sola fide—faith alone, Christ's righteousness alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's Pharisaic training under Gamaliel (Acts 22:3) gave him insider knowledge of Jewish soteriology. Rabbinic Judaism emphasized merit through Torah-obedience, good works, and the "righteous remnant" concept. The Mishnah (compiled c. AD 200 but reflecting earlier oral tradition) speaks of righteousness earned through deeds. Jesus' parables of the Pharisee and publican (Luke 18:9-14) and the elder brother (Luke 15:25-32) illustrate self-righteousness as older than first-century Judaism—it is the default human religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where are you "going about" to establish your own righteousness through performance, even in Christian discipleship?
  2. How does submission to God's righteousness free you from the anxiety of self-justification?
  3. What would it look like to preach the gospel to yourself daily about this one issue?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ἀγνοοῦντες1 of 18

“they being ignorant”

G50

not to know (through lack of information or intelligence); by implication, to ignore (through disinclination)

γὰρ2 of 18

“For”

G1063

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

τὴν3 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ4 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ5 of 18

“of God”

G2316

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

δικαιοσύνῃ6 of 18

“righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

καὶ7 of 18

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν8 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἰδίαν9 of 18

“their own”

G2398

pertaining to self, i.e., one's own; by implication, private or separate

δικαιοσύνῃ10 of 18

“righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

ζητοῦντες11 of 18

“going about”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

στῆσαι12 of 18

“to establish”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

τῇ13 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δικαιοσύνῃ14 of 18

“righteousness”

G1343

equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification

τοῦ15 of 18
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ16 of 18

“of God”

G2316

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

οὐχ17 of 18

“not”

G3756

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

ὑπετάγησαν·18 of 18

“have”

G5293

to subordinate; reflexively, to obey

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 10:3 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 10:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:9Luke 16:152 Corinthians 5:21Revelation 3:17-18Luke 18:9-12Romans 1:17

Test Your Knowledge

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

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