Romans 10:19

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by [them that are] no people, [and] by a foolish nation I will anger you.

But {G235} I say {G3004}, Did {G1097} not {G3378} Israel {G2474} know {G1097}? First {G4413} Moses {G3475} saith {G3004}, I {G1473} will provoke {G3863} you {G5209} to jealousy {G3863} by {G1909} them that are no {G3756} people {G1484}, and by {G1909} a foolish {G801} nation {G1484} I will anger {G3949} you {G5209}.

“But, I say, isn’t it rather that Isra’el didn’t understand?”

“I will provoke you to jealousy over a non-nation,
over a nation void of understanding I will make you angry.”

I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.”

But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

Context of Romans 10:19

In Romans chapter 10, the Apostle Paul passionately argues for the necessity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation, contrasting it with Israel's pursuit of righteousness through the law. He expresses his deep desire for Israel's salvation (Romans 10:1-4) but acknowledges their general unbelief. Having established that faith comes by hearing the word of God, Paul anticipates an objection: "Did Israel not hear?" He responds by demonstrating that Israel indeed heard the message, but failed to obey. Romans 10:19 further addresses a deeper question: "Did not Israel know?" meaning, did they not understand God's plan to extend salvation beyond them, even through the Gentiles? Paul affirms they did, quoting from the Old Testament, specifically the Song of Moses in Deuteronomy, to show that God's intention to provoke Israel to jealousy by blessing other nations was prophesied long ago.

Key Themes in Romans 10:19

  • Divine Foreknowledge and Prophecy: This verse highlights God's sovereign plan, revealed through Moses centuries before Christ. The inclusion of Gentiles was not an afterthought but part of God's ancient design to deal with Israel's unfaithfulness.
  • Israel's Responsibility: Paul emphasizes that Israel had access to God's word and prophecies, making their rejection of the Messiah and their misunderstanding of God's broader salvation plan inexcusable. They "knew" or should have known what was coming.
  • Provoking to Jealousy: God's strategy, as quoted from Deuteronomy 32:21, was to use the "no people" (the Gentiles) and a "foolish nation" to stir Israel to jealousy. The idea is that seeing God bless those they considered inferior or outside the covenant might prompt Israel to desire God's favor and return to Him. This theme is further explored in Romans 11:11.
  • Gentile Inclusion: The "no people" and "foolish nation" unequivocally refer to the Gentiles, those who were not part of the Abrahamic covenant or the Mosaic Law. Their inclusion in God's saving plan is a major theme throughout Romans, demonstrating God's impartial love and universal call to salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "no people" (KJV) or "not a people" (ESV) refers to the Gentiles, emphasizing their status outside of God's covenant relationship with Israel. They were not considered God's chosen people in the same unique sense. Similarly, "a foolish nation" underscores this distinction, implying that from Israel's perspective, these nations lacked the wisdom and divine revelation that Israel possessed through the Law. God uses these seemingly insignificant and unprivileged groups to demonstrate His power and grace, thereby aiming to provoke Israel to spiritual envy and desire for God's blessings, hoping to bring them back to faith.

Practical Application

Romans 10:19 reminds us that God's ways are often surprising and extend beyond our conventional expectations. Just as God used the Gentiles to provoke Israel, He can use unexpected people or circumstances to bring about His purposes in our lives and in the world. This verse encourages humility, reminding us not to limit God's work to those we deem "worthy" or "wise." It also highlights God's persistent love for all people, including those who have strayed. His desire is always for repentance and salvation, even employing unconventional methods like "jealousy" to draw His people back to Him. We should be open to how God works, even when it challenges our preconceived notions about who deserves His grace or how His plan unfolds.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Deuteronomy 32:21

    They have moved me to jealousy with [that which is] not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with [those which are] not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

  • Romans 11:11

    I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

  • Romans 11:14

    If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.

  • 1 Peter 2:10

    Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • Titus 3:3

    For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • Psalms 115:5

    They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:

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