King James Version
What Does Romans 9:1 Mean?
“I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,”
Context
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(1-5) My heart bleeds for Israel, my country, that highly-privileged people. I could fain have changed places with them, and been myself cut off from Christ, if only they might have been saved.
(1) **I say the truth in Christ.**—The meaning of this expression seems to be, “From the bottom of my soul, in the most sacred part of my being, as a Christian man united to Christ, I make this solemn asseveration.”
**My conscience.**—Here, as in Romans 2:15, very much in the modern sense of the word, the introspective faculty which sits in judgment upon actions, and assigns to them their moral qualities of praise or blame. “This conscience of mine being also overshadowed with the Holy Spirit, and therefore incapable of falsehood or self-deception.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:1 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 9:1
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge