King James Version
What Does Romans 9:33 Mean?
“As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ashamed: or confounded”
Context
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 ;
33
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. ashamed: or confounded
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(33) **Behold, I lay in Sion.**—A free combination of Isaiah 28:16—“Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone; . . . he that believeth shall not make haste”—and Isaiah 8:14, “And He shall be . . . for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel.” In the first of these passages the prophet refers to the foundation-stone of the Temple as a symbol of the divine faithfulness; in the second to God Himself. St. Paul, like the Jewish Rabbis, applied both passages to the Messiah; not wrongly, for they foretold the triumph of the theocracy which was fulfilled in the Messiah. The same two quotations appear in 1Peter 2:6-7, and with similar variation from the LXX., but they are there kept distinct.
**Shall not be ashamed.**—So, too, the LXX. The Hebrew is, “Shall not make haste.”
**Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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**Bible Hub
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 9:33 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 9:33
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge