King James Version

What Does Romans 9:30 Mean?

Romans 9:30 in the King James Version says “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.”

Romans 9:30 · KJV

Faith

Context

28

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. the work: or, the account

29

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

30

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

31

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

32

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone ;

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith—Paul poses the paradox: Gentiles who never pursued dikaiosynēn (δικαιοσύνην, 'righteousness') obtained it; Israel who pursued it failed. The phrase katalambanō (καταλαμβάνω, 'attained/obtained') suggests catching/seizing what wasn't sought. Dikaiosynēn de tēn ek pisteōs (δικαιοσύνην δὲ τὴν ἐκ πίστεως): 'righteousness which is from faith'—forensic justification by faith alone.

The irony magnifies grace: those furthest from God (Gentiles steeped in idolatry) received righteousness freely; those nearest (Jews with law and covenant) stumbled. Why? Faith vs. works. Gentiles, having no confidence in merit, embraced Christ by faith. This is sovereign grace: God chose the foolish, weak, despised things (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) to shame the wise. Election demolishes human pride—salvation goes to unlikely recipients to prove it's God's work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

By AD 57 the church was predominantly Gentile. The Jerusalem council (Acts 15, c. AD 49) settled that Gentiles need not become Jews to be saved. Paul's Gentile mission bore massive fruit while most Jews rejected the gospel. This reversal proved election transcends ethnicity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Gentiles who didn't pursue righteousness obtain it while Israel who did pursue it failed?
  2. How does faith-righteousness vs. works-righteousness explain the paradox of Gentile inclusion?
  3. What does God's choosing the 'unlikely' (Gentiles) teach about election's design to humble human pride?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Τί1 of 16

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 16

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐροῦμεν3 of 16

“shall we say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

ὅτι4 of 16

“That”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἔθνη5 of 16

“the Gentiles”

G1484

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

τὴν6 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

μὴ7 of 16

“not”

G3361

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

διώκοντα8 of 16

“followed”

G1377

compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute

δικαιοσύνην9 of 16

“after righteousness”

G1343

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

κατέλαβεν10 of 16

“have attained”

G2638

to take eagerly, i.e., seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively)

δικαιοσύνην11 of 16

“after righteousness”

G1343

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

δικαιοσύνην12 of 16

“after righteousness”

G1343

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

δὲ13 of 16

“even”

G1161

but, and, etc

τὴν14 of 16

“which”

G3588

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

ἐκ15 of 16

“is of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως16 of 16

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

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 9:30 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 9:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Philippians 3:9Hebrews 11:7Galatians 2:16Romans 4:11Ephesians 2:12Isaiah 51:1

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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