Romans 10:3

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

For {G1063} they being ignorant {G50} of God's {G2316} righteousness {G1343}, and {G2532} going about {G2212} to establish {G2476} their own {G2398} righteousness {G1343}, have {G5293} not {G3756} submitted themselves {G5293} unto the righteousness {G1343} of God {G2316}.

for, since they are unaware of God’s way of making people righteous and instead seek to set up their own, they have not submitted themselves to God’s way of making people righteous.

Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Context of Romans 10:3

In Romans 10:3, the Apostle Paul continues his impassioned discussion about the spiritual condition of his fellow Israelites. Chapters 9-11 of Romans delve into God's sovereign plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Following the declaration in Romans 10:2 that Israel had a "zeal of God, but not according to knowledge," this verse explains the precise nature of their misunderstanding. Paul highlights their diligent but ultimately misguided efforts to achieve righteousness through their own human endeavors, rather than embracing God's revealed way.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Ignorance of God's Righteousness: The verse states that "they being ignorant of God's righteousness." This ignorance was not a lack of general knowledge about God, but a fundamental misunderstanding of how God declares people righteous. They did not grasp that God's righteousness is a gift to be received by faith, not a status to be earned by works.
  • Attempting Self-Righteousness: The phrase "going about to establish their own righteousness" points to the human tendency to rely on personal merit, good deeds, adherence to religious laws, or moral living as a means of earning favor with God. This approach stands in direct opposition to God's method of salvation.
  • Failure to Submit: The critical conclusion is that they "have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." Submission implies acknowledging God's authority and wisdom in defining the path to righteousness. It requires humility to lay aside one's own efforts and accept God's perfect provision through Christ. This highlights the core tension between righteousness by faith versus righteousness by works.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "righteousness" used here is dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη). In Pauline theology, this term is multifaceted. It refers not merely to moral uprightness, but significantly to a legal standing before God – being declared "not guilty" and "right" in His sight. It encompasses both God's attribute of being just and His act of making humans just. The phrase "righteousness of God" (dikaiosyne Theou) specifically refers to God's method of providing righteousness, which is through faith in Jesus Christ, as elaborated elsewhere in Romans (e.g., Romans 1:17, Romans 3:21-22).

Practical Application

Romans 10:3 holds profound relevance for believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that true salvation and right standing with God are never achieved through human effort, self-improvement, or religious performance. Any attempt to "establish our own righteousness" ultimately leads to failure and a lack of submission to God's perfect plan. The path to God's righteousness is found solely through humble faith in Jesus Christ, acknowledging His atoning work on the cross as the complete and sufficient basis for our acceptance by God. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure our trust is placed entirely on God's grace, not on our own deeds or perceived goodness.

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.

  • Luke 16:15

    And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

  • Philippians 3:9

    ¶ And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

  • 2 Corinthians 5:21

    For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

  • Romans 5:19

    For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

  • Luke 18:9

    ¶ And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others:

  • Luke 18:12

    I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.

  • Romans 1:17

    For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
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