[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
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}:
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;
Is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
Or is God the God of Jews only? is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yea, of Gentiles also:
-
Colossians 3:11
Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond [nor] free: but Christ [is] all, and in all. -
Zechariah 2:11
And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee. -
Romans 9:24
Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? -
Romans 9:26
And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. -
Galatians 3:14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. -
Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: -
Galatians 3:25
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
Romans 3:29 (KJV): "[Is he] the God of the Jews only? [is he] not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:"
Context
This verse is part of Paul's profound argument in the letter to the Romans, where he systematically demonstrates that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, both Jews and Gentiles. Having established universal sinfulness and the inability of the law to bring righteousness, Paul introduces the concept of righteousness coming through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). Verse 29 then directly challenges the notion that God's plan of salvation is exclusive to the Jewish people, posing a rhetorical question to affirm God's sovereignty over all humanity.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The contrast here is between Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaion), meaning "Jews," and ἐθνῶν (ethnon), meaning "Gentiles" or "nations." Paul's use of this direct contrast underscores the radical nature of the gospel message: God's saving activity, revealed in Christ, extends beyond the covenant community of Israel to encompass all the nations of the world. The rhetorical questions ("Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles?") serve to lead the reader to the undeniable conclusion stated plainly: "Yes, of the Gentiles also."
Related Scriptures
This verse is foundational to understanding the inclusivity of the Christian faith, a concept Paul elaborates on elsewhere. It connects closely with the idea that in Christ Jesus, there is neither Jew nor Gentile. The principle of God being God of all is echoed in passages like Romans 10:12, which states the same Lord is rich unto all that call upon him. The breaking down of the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile is a key theme in Ephesians 2:14.
Practical Application
Romans 3:29 reminds us that God's love and plan of salvation are vast and available to everyone, regardless of their background, ethnicity, or social status. It challenges any form of exclusivity or prejudice within the church. For believers today, this verse is a powerful call to mission, affirming that the gospel is relevant and necessary for all people groups worldwide. It also encourages unity among believers, recognizing that we are all part of one family under the one God, saved by the same faith in Christ.