Romans 10:21

KJV

But to Israel he saith, All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} to {G4314} Israel {G2474} he saith {G3004}, All {G3650} day long {G2250} I have stretched forth {G1600} my {G3450} hands {G5495} unto {G4314} a disobedient {G544} and {G2532} gainsaying {G483} people {G2992}.

Complete Jewish Bible

but to Isra’el he says,

“All day long I held out my hands
to a people who kept disobeying and contradicting.”

Berean Standard Bible

But as for Israel he says: “All day long I have held out My hands to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

American Standard Version

But as to Israel he saith, All the day long did I spread out my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 10:21 encapsulates God's profound and persistent sorrow over Israel's historical and ongoing rejection of His gracious overtures. Quoting from Isaiah, Paul highlights the divine lament over a chosen people who, despite continuous invitations and outstretched hands of welcome, remained stubbornly disobedient and actively resistant to His truth and salvific plan, culminating in their widespread refusal to embrace Jesus as the Messiah offered by faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 10:21 serves as the poignant conclusion to Paul's impassioned argument in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Righteousness by Faith"), which itself is part of a larger theological discourse spanning [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice") concerning God's faithfulness to Israel. In this chapter, Paul articulates Israel's failure to attain righteousness, not due to a lack of zeal, but because they sought it through their own efforts to keep the law rather than through faith in Christ. He contrasts the righteousness of the law with the righteousness that comes by faith, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. The preceding verses in [Romans 10:16-20](/romans/10-16-20 "Romans 10:16-20 - Israel's Unbelief") discuss how Israel, despite hearing the gospel, largely did not obey it, illustrating this failure through Old Testament prophecies that speak of their unbelief and God's turning to the Gentiles. Verse 21, by quoting [Isaiah 65:2](/isaiah/65-2 "Isaiah 65:2 - God's Persistent Call"), powerfully summarizes God's long-suffering patience and Israel's consistent pattern of rebellion throughout their history, setting the stage for the discussion of God's future plans for Israel in [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Plan for Israel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Romans 10:21 is the long and often tumultuous relationship between God and the nation of Israel, His chosen covenant people. From their deliverance from Egypt, through the wilderness wanderings, the establishment of the Law at Sinai, the period of the judges, the monarchy, and the prophetic warnings, Israel frequently demonstrated a pattern of rebellion, idolatry, and disobedience. The quote from [Isaiah 65:2](/isaiah/65-2 "Isaiah 65:2 - God's Grief Over Israel's Rebellion") itself originates from a period when Judah was steeped in apostasy, facing divine judgment. Culturally, first-century Judaism placed immense emphasis on the Mosaic Law as the path to righteousness and a distinguishing mark of their identity. Many Jews struggled to reconcile their understanding of righteousness through works with the radical concept of righteousness by faith in a crucified Messiah, a "stumbling block" to them as Paul notes in [1 Corinthians 1:23](/1_corinthians/1-23 "1 Corinthians 1:23 - Christ Crucified, a Stumbling Block"). Paul's use of Isaiah here is not merely an academic citation but a profound theological statement, demonstrating that Israel's rejection of Christ was not an unforeseen anomaly but a continuation of a historical pattern of "disobedience and gainsaying" that had grieved God for centuries.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **God's Persistent Grace and Patience**. The imagery of God "stretching forth His hands" vividly portrays His unwavering love, earnest invitation, and long-suffering desire for His people to return to Him, even in the face of their repeated failures. This divine patience is a hallmark of God's character throughout the Old Testament, from His dealings with rebellious Israel in the wilderness (e.g., [Numbers 14](/numbers/14 "Numbers 14 - Israel's Rebellion and God's Patience")) to the prophetic calls for repentance. Secondly, the verse highlights **Israel's Stubborn Unbelief and Disobedience**. The descriptions "disobedient and gainsaying" emphasize a deliberate, active, and persistent resistance to God's will and truth, not merely ignorance. This theme is central to Paul's argument in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice"), explaining why many in Israel failed to embrace the Messiah. Finally, the verse implicitly touches on the tension between **Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility**. While God sovereignly chooses and calls, humanity remains responsible for its response. God's outstretched hands signify His initiative, but Israel's gainsaying demonstrates their culpable rejection, affirming that salvation, though freely offered, requires a willing reception.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **stretched forth (Greek, _ekpetánnymi'_):** From the Greek `G1600`, meaning "to fly out, i.e. (by analogy) to extend." This word paints a vivid picture of an expansive, open gesture. In the context of "hands," it signifies a welcoming, inviting, and persistent posture. It implies an earnest, continuous effort on God's part to reach out, offer reconciliation, and draw His people to Himself, much like a parent reaching out to a child or a host welcoming a guest. This is not a fleeting or half-hearted gesture but a sustained, open invitation.
* **disobedient (Greek, _apeithéō'_):** From the Greek `G544`, meaning "to disbelieve (wilfully and perversely); not believe, disobedient, obey not, unbelieving." This term denotes more than a simple lack of understanding or a passive failure to comply. It describes an active, willful refusal to be persuaded, to believe, or to obey. It implies a hardened heart that resists conviction and rejects truth, stemming from a deep-seated unbelief that manifests as active defiance against God's commands and invitations.
* **gainsaying (Greek, _antilégō'_):** From the Greek `G483`, meaning "to dispute, refuse; answer again, contradict, deny, gainsay(-er), speak against." This word emphasizes vocal and active opposition. It describes a contentious spirit, a tendency to argue against, contradict, or resist verbally. When combined with "disobedient," it portrays a people not only refusing to obey but also actively speaking against God's messengers and message, challenging His authority and truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But to Israel he saith,"**: This introductory phrase, marked by the Greek particle `dé` (G1161), signals a transition or a contrast, here serving to direct the prophetic utterance specifically toward Israel. Paul introduces God's direct address to His chosen people, emphasizing that the following lament is not a general statement about humanity but a particular, poignant expression of divine sorrow over the nation with whom God had a special covenant relationship. The "he saith" refers to God, speaking through the prophet Isaiah, underscoring the divine origin and timeless relevance of the message.
* **"All day long I have stretched forth my hands"**: This clause vividly portrays God's enduring patience and persistent effort. "All day long" (Greek, `hólos hēméra`, G3650 G2250) signifies a continuous, unceasing, and long-suffering endeavor, not just an occasional or fleeting attempt. The anthropomorphic image of "stretched forth my hands" (Greek, `ekpetánnymi cheír`, G1600 G5495) conveys an earnest, open, and welcoming invitation. It is a gesture of appeal, reconciliation, and yearning for relationship, demonstrating God's unwavering love and desire for His people to turn to Him.
* **"unto a disobedient and gainsaying people."**: This final clause reveals the tragic response to God's persistent invitation. The terms "disobedient" (Greek, `apeithéō`, G544) and "gainsaying" (Greek, `antilégō`, G483) describe a people characterized by willful unbelief and active verbal opposition. They did not merely fail to understand or passively neglect God's call; they actively resisted, contradicted, and defied Him. This highlights the profound tragedy of human rebellion against divine grace, where God's boundless patience is met with persistent rejection.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 10:21 is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological impact. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, seen in the phrase "I have stretched forth my hands." This attributes human physical characteristics and actions (stretching out hands) to God, making His earnest desire for reconciliation relatable and vivid. It conveys God's personal, emotional investment and persistent overtures to Israel. Another key device is **Allusion/Quotation**, as Paul directly quotes [Isaiah 65:2](/isaiah/65-2 "Isaiah 65:2 - God's Persistent Call to Israel"). This serves to ground Paul's contemporary argument in the long-standing prophetic tradition, demonstrating that Israel's pattern of unbelief was not a new phenomenon but a historical continuity. By citing Isaiah, Paul validates his claims about Israel's spiritual condition and God's consistent character. Furthermore, the verse employs **Juxtaposition** by placing God's persistent, loving invitation ("stretched forth my hands") directly against Israel's stubborn, active rejection ("disobedient and gainsaying people"). This sharp contrast highlights the profound tragedy of the situation and underscores the human responsibility in the face of divine grace. The use of two strong, negative descriptors ("disobedient and gainsaying") also functions as **Parallelism** or **Emphasis**, reinforcing the depth and persistence of Israel's rebellion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 10:21 profoundly articulates the heart of God's enduring love and patience in the face of human rebellion. It reveals a God who actively pursues His creation, extending an open invitation for relationship and reconciliation, even when met with consistent rejection. This verse underscores the tragic reality of human sin and the profound responsibility that comes with hearing God's truth. It highlights that Israel's historical failure to embrace righteousness by faith, culminating in their rejection of the Messiah, was not due to God's lack of effort or faithfulness, but rather to their own persistent "disobedience and gainsaying." Theologically, it affirms God's unwavering covenant faithfulness, even as it mourns the human capacity for stubborn resistance, setting the stage for Paul's discussion in Romans 11 about God's future redemptive plan for Israel and the inclusion of the Gentiles.

* [Isaiah 65:2](/isaiah/65-2 "Isaiah 65:2 - God's Persistent Call to Israel")
* [Proverbs 1:24-25](/proverbs/1-24-25 "Proverbs 1:24-25 - Wisdom's Rejected Call")
* [Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 10:21 presents a powerful mirror for self-reflection, inviting us to consider our own response to God's persistent call. Just as God stretched forth His hands to ancient Israel, He continues to extend His grace and truth to us today, through His Word, His Spirit, and the witness of His church. This verse challenges us to examine whether we, too, are prone to "disobedience and gainsaying" in areas of our lives. Are there truths we resist, commands we ignore, or invitations to deeper faith and obedience that we actively contradict? God's patience is immense, but it is not infinite; persistent rejection hardens the heart and can lead to spiritual insensitivity. Therefore, this verse serves as a sober reminder to cultivate a posture of humility, responsiveness, and eager obedience to God's revealed will, embracing His grace by faith and allowing His Spirit to transform our hearts from rebellion to joyful submission. It encourages us to be quick to hear, quick to believe, and quick to obey, lest we, like Israel, miss the profound blessings of God's outstretched hand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be "disobedient" or "gainsaying" to God's revealed will or the promptings of the Holy Spirit?**
* **How does the imagery of God "stretching forth His hands" deepen my understanding of His character and His desire for me?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more responsive and obedient heart to God's invitations and commands?**
* **How does Israel's historical pattern of rejection inform my understanding of the seriousness of unbelief and the preciousness of faith?**

### FAQ
**What does "All day long I have stretched forth my hands" mean in the context of God's character?**

Answer: This phrase is a profound anthropomorphism, attributing a human gesture to God to convey His deep emotional investment and persistent action. It signifies God's unwavering patience, earnest yearning, and continuous invitation to His people. "All day long" emphasizes the duration and consistency of His efforts, illustrating that God's desire for reconciliation and relationship is not fleeting but constant. It portrays Him as a loving Father who tirelessly calls His children to Himself, demonstrating His long-suffering nature and boundless grace, even in the face of their repeated rejection, as seen throughout the Old Testament narratives and prophetic appeals like [Isaiah 30:18](/isaiah/30-18 "Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord Waits to Be Gracious").

**Why does Paul quote Isaiah 65:2 in Romans 10:21?**

Answer: Paul quotes [Isaiah 65:2](/isaiah/65-2 "Isaiah 65:2 - God's Persistent Call to Israel") to underscore a crucial point: Israel's widespread rejection of Jesus as the Messiah was not an unforeseen or isolated event, but rather a continuation of a long-standing historical pattern of disobedience and rebellion against God's overtures. By drawing on this ancient prophecy, Paul demonstrates that God's lament over His people's stubbornness was not new to the apostolic age but had been a recurring sorrow throughout their history. This citation serves to validate Paul's argument about Israel's unbelief and to show that God's turning to the Gentiles (as discussed in [Romans 10:19-20](/romans/10-19-20 "Romans 10:19-20 - God Turns to the Gentiles")) was also foretold in the Scriptures, confirming God's sovereign plan despite human resistance.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 10:21, with its lament over Israel's "disobedient and gainsaying people," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in a cessation of God's outstretched hand, but in the very person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's persistent invitation, the Word made flesh who came to His own, yet "His own did not receive Him" ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - The Word Came to His Own")). Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus continually stretched forth His hands in healing, teaching, and inviting, calling Israel to repentance and faith in the Kingdom of God, even as He lamented over Jerusalem's unwillingness to gather under His protective wing ([Matthew 23:37](/matthew/23-37 "Matthew 23:37 - Jesus' Lament Over Jerusalem")). His crucifixion, the ultimate act of God's self-giving love, was a final, desperate stretching forth of hands, offering salvation even to those who nailed Him to the cross. Despite Israel's historical and contemporary rejection, God's plan of salvation was not thwarted. Instead, through Christ's death and resurrection, the way of righteousness by faith was opened to all, Jew and Gentile alike, demonstrating that God's "outstretched hands" ultimately led to the cross, where the Lamb of God bore the sins of the world, making reconciliation possible for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Jesus fulfills God's eternal purpose, becoming the means by which God's persistent love finally triumphs over human disobedience, offering a new covenant of grace where all who call on His name will be saved ([Romans 10:13](/romans/10-13 "Romans 10:13 - Salvation for All Who Call on the Lord")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 65:2

I have spread out my hands all the day unto a rebellious people, which walketh in a way [that was] not good, after their own thoughts;

Isaiah 65:5

Which say, Stand by thyself, come not near to me; for I am holier than thou. These [are] a smoke in my nose, a fire that burneth all the day.

Jeremiah 35:15

I have sent also unto you all my servants the prophets, rising up early and sending [them], saying, Return ye now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and go not after other gods to serve them, and ye shall dwell in the land which I have given to you and to your fathers: but ye have not inclined your ear, nor hearkened unto me.

Nehemiah 9:26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

Matthew 21:33

¶ Hear another parable: There was a certain householder, which planted a vineyard, and hedged it round about, and digged a winepress in it, and built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen, and went into a far country:

Matthew 21:43

Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

Proverbs 1:24

Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;