Romans 3:29

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:

Complete Jewish Bible:

Or is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, he is indeed the God of the Gentiles;

Berean Standard Bible:

Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,

American Standard Version:

Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Is he^{G2228} the God^{G2316} of the Jews^{G2453} only^{G3440}? is he not^{G3780} also^{{G1161}{G2532}} of the Gentiles^{G1484}? Yes^{G3483}, of the Gentiles^{G1484} also^{G2532}:

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Commentary for Romans 3:29

Romans 3:29 is a part of the Apostle Paul's letter to the Christian community in Rome, which he wrote around AD 57. This verse comes at the end of a significant argument that Paul has been developing throughout Romans 1-3, where he emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles (non-Jews) are under the power of sin and that righteousness is available to all through faith in Jesus Christ.

The historical context of this verse is rooted in the tension between Jewish Christians, who often felt that their Jewish identity and adherence to the Mosaic Law were essential for salvation, and Gentile Christians, who were being incorporated into the Church without first becoming Jewish proselytes or adhering to the Law. Paul addresses this tension by affirming that God, who was historically seen as the God of Israel, is also the God of the Gentiles. This assertion challenges the ethnic and religious exclusivity of the time and underscores the universal scope of the Gospel.

In Romans 3:29, Paul asks two rhetorical questions, "Is he the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles also?" He then answers emphatically, "Yes, of the Gentiles also." This verse succinctly captures the theme of the universality of God's salvation plan. It declares that there is one God who desires a relationship with all people, regardless of their ethnic or religious background. This idea was revolutionary in a context where religious identity was often closely tied to national identity, and it laid the theological foundation for the inclusion of the Gentiles in God's covenant people without the requirement of becoming Jewish.

The broader implication of this verse is the affirmation of the equality of all people before God and the radical inclusivity of the Christian message. It speaks against any form of religious or ethnic exceptionalism and points to the unity of believers in Christ, who transcends all human divisions. Paul's teaching here is foundational for understanding the early Church's expansion beyond its Jewish roots to become a diverse, global movement.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: G2228
   There are 283 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἤ
   Transliteration: ḗ
   Pronunciation: ay
   Description: a primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than:--and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea. Often used in connection with other particles. Compare especially ἤδη, ἤπερ, ἤτοι.
   
2. Strong's Number: G2316
   There are 1172 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: θεός
   Transliteration: theós
   Pronunciation: theh'-os
   Description: of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially (with ὁ) the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very:--X exceeding, God, god(-ly, -ward).
   
3. Strong's Number: G2453
   There are 187 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: Ἰουδαῖος
   Transliteration: Ioudaîos
   Pronunciation: ee-oo-dah'-yos
   Description: from Ἰουδά (in the sense of Ἰούδας as a country); Judæan, i.e. belonging to Jehudah:--Jew(-ess), of Judæa.
   
4. Strong's Number: G3440
   There are 66 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: μόνον
   Transliteration: mónon
   Pronunciation: mon'-on
   Description: neuter of μόνος as adverb; merely:--alone, but, only.
   
5. Strong's Number: G3780
   There are 54 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: οὐχί
   Transliteration: ouchí
   Pronunciation: oo-khee'
   Description: intensive of οὐ; not indeed:--nay, not.
   
6. Strong's Number: G1161
   There are 2556 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: δέ
   Transliteration: dé
   Pronunciation: deh
   Description: a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).
   
7. Strong's Number: G2532
   There are 5212 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: καί
   Transliteration: kaí
   Pronunciation: kahee
   Description: apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:--and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.
   
8. Strong's Number: G1484
   There are 152 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ἔθνος
   Transliteration: éthnos
   Pronunciation: eth'-nos
   Description: probably from ἔθω; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan):--Gentile, heathen, nation, people.
   
9. Strong's Number: G3483
   There are 29 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: ναί
   Transliteration: naí
   Pronunciation: nahee
   Description: a primary particle of strong affirmation; yes:--even so, surely, truth, verily, yea, yes.