Romans 9:3

KJV

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} I {G1473} could wish {G2172} that myself {G846} were {G1511} accursed {G331} from {G575} Christ {G5547} for {G5228} my {G3450} brethren {G80}, my {G3450} kinsmen {G4773} according {G2596} to the flesh {G4561}:

Complete Jewish Bible

that I could wish myself actually under God’s curse and separated from the Messiah, if it would help my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

Berean Standard Bible

For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

American Standard Version

For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren’s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:3 unveils the profound and agonizing depth of the Apostle Paul's love for his Jewish kinsmen. In this powerful declaration, Paul expresses a hypothetical wish so extreme—to be separated from Christ—that it vividly underscores the immense sorrow and spiritual burden he carried for Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. This verse serves as a poignant introduction to Paul's intricate theological exploration of God's faithfulness to Israel despite their widespread unbelief, setting the stage for chapters 9-11 of Romans.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant transition in Paul's letter to the Romans. Having concluded a triumphant affirmation of God's unwavering love and the security of believers in Christ in [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - No Condemnation in Christ"), Paul immediately pivots to address a deeply troubling issue: the spiritual condition of his own people, Israel. The glorious crescendo of [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's Inseparable Love") is abruptly followed by Paul's lament, setting the somber tone for the next three chapters ([Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel")), which delve into the complex questions of Israel's past election, present unbelief, and future restoration within God's redemptive plan. His personal anguish here establishes the sincerity and weight of the theological arguments that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, a devout Jew and former Pharisee, was writing to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The historical backdrop includes the widespread rejection of Jesus as Messiah by the majority of the Jewish people, leading to significant tensions within the early Christian movement and raising questions about God's covenant promises to Israel. Culturally, the concept of kinship and national identity was paramount for Jews, who saw themselves as God's chosen people with a unique covenant relationship. Paul's statement reflects the deep-seated cultural and religious ties he felt, even as he championed the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family. His lament is not just personal but also reflects the broader theological challenge posed by Israel's unbelief to the understanding of God's faithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 9:3 is foundational for several key themes explored in the broader context of Romans 9-11 and beyond. It highlights the theme of **Profound Selfless Love**, echoing the [agape love described in 1 Corinthians 13](/1_corinthians/13 "1 Corinthians 13 - The Superiority of Love"), where one is willing to sacrifice for the well-being of others. This verse also introduces the theme of **Vicarious Suffering** or substitution, as Paul expresses a desire to bear the spiritual consequences for his people, a concept profoundly exemplified by Christ's own sacrifice. Furthermore, it underscores the **Burden for the Lost** that true believers often carry, particularly for their own family and community who are alienated from God. Finally, the verse implicitly points to **Israel's Spiritual Condition**, revealing the dire state of those who reject the Gospel and prompting Paul's desperate desire for their salvation, a theme that will be meticulously unpacked in the subsequent chapters, particularly in [Romans 10:1-4](/romans/10-1-4 "Romans 10:1-4 - Israel's Zeal Without Knowledge").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wish (Greek, _eúchomai'_):** This word (G2172) means "to wish" or "to pray to God." Paul's use of this term indicates a profound, heartfelt desire or even a fervent prayer. It's not a casual thought but an intense longing that stems from the deepest part of his being, reflecting a spiritual burden.
* **accursed (Greek, _anáthema'_):** The term (G331) refers to a "religious ban" or something "devoted to destruction," often implying separation from divine favor or a curse. In the Septuagint, it frequently denotes something set apart for God, often for destruction. When Paul says "accursed from Christ," he means being utterly separated from Christ and His blessings, consigned to eternal damnation. It is the antithesis of salvation and union with Christ.
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** While "flesh" (G4561) can refer to human nature with its frailties or passions, here, in the phrase "kinsmen according to the flesh," it denotes ethnic or physical kinship. It emphasizes that Paul's deep concern is for his fellow Israelites, those who share his physical lineage and national identity, rather than a spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For I could wish":** This opening phrase reveals the intensely personal nature of Paul's statement. The "for" (G1063, _gár_) connects his lament to the preceding chapter, explaining why, despite the glorious assurance of salvation in Christ, he feels such profound sorrow. The phrase "I could wish" expresses a hypothetical, almost inconceivable desire, highlighting the extreme measure of his love and anguish.
* **"that myself were accursed from Christ":** This is the shocking core of Paul's wish. To be "accursed from Christ" means to be eternally separated from Him, to experience the ultimate spiritual damnation. Paul is expressing a willingness to forfeit his own salvation and all the blessings of Christ if, by some impossible means, it could secure the salvation of his people. This is a hyperbolic expression of love, demonstrating a willingness to endure the worst possible spiritual fate.
* **"for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:":** The object of Paul's extraordinary desire is explicitly stated: his "brethren," his "kinsmen according to the flesh." This clarifies that his burden is specifically for his ethnic Jewish people, those with whom he shares a common heritage and lineage. This emphasizes the national and ethnic dimension of his concern, setting the stage for the discussion of Israel's place in God's plan in the subsequent chapters.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [Romans 9:3](/romans/9-3 "Romans 9:3 - Paul's Anguish for Israel") is **Hyperbole**. Paul's statement that he could wish himself "accursed from Christ" is an extreme exaggeration used to convey the immense depth of his sorrow and the intensity of his love for his people. It is not a literal wish or a theological possibility, but a rhetorical device designed to powerfully communicate the measure of his anguish and the sacrificial nature of his burden. This hyperbole underscores the gravity of Israel's spiritual condition and the profound empathy Paul felt for their unbelief. The passage also employs **Pathos**, appealing strongly to the reader's emotions by revealing Paul's deep personal suffering and agonizing love, thereby eliciting sympathy and highlighting the earnestness of his subsequent theological arguments.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's agonizing wish to be accursed for his kinsmen profoundly echoes the very heart of the Gospel: vicarious suffering and substitutionary love. While Paul's hypothetical wish is humanly impossible and not a literal theological proposition, it powerfully mirrors the ultimate act of divine love where Christ Himself became a curse for humanity. This verse underscores the immense value God places on human souls and the lengths to which true love will go for the redemption of others. It also highlights the tension between God's sovereign election and human responsibility, a theme Paul will unpack in the chapters that follow, demonstrating God's faithfulness even in the face of human unbelief.

* [Exodus 32:32](/exodus/32-32 "Exodus 32:32 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")
* [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Became a Curse for Us")
* [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humiliation and Exaltation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's heart-wrenching cry in [Romans 9:3](/romans/9-3 "Romans 9:3 - Paul's Anguish for Israel") serves as a profound challenge to believers today, urging us to examine the depth of our own love and compassion for those who are spiritually lost, especially our own family and community. It calls us beyond mere intellectual assent to the Gospel, inviting us into a place of genuine empathy and burdened intercession for those who do not know Christ. This verse reminds us that true Christian love is not passive but active, willing to endure personal cost for the spiritual well-being of others. It compels us to pray with fervent earnestness for the salvation of our "kinsmen according to the flesh," whether they be family members, friends, or broader communities, and to approach them with the same sacrificial love and compassion that characterized Paul, and supremely, Christ Himself.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How deeply do I feel the spiritual burden for those in my life who do not know Christ?**
* **In what ways can I practically demonstrate a selfless, sacrificial love for the lost, mirroring Paul's heart?**
* **What steps can I take to cultivate a more fervent and persistent prayer life for the salvation of my "kinsmen according to the flesh"?**
* **Does my empathy for unbelievers outweigh any judgment or indifference I might feel?**

### FAQ

**Did Paul literally wish to be eternally damned for his people?**

Answer: No, Paul's statement in [Romans 9:3](/romans/9-3 "Romans 9:3 - Paul's Anguish for Israel") is understood as a hyperbolic expression, a rhetorical device used to convey the extreme depth of his anguish and love. It's a way of saying, "My desire for their salvation is so intense that if it were humanly possible, I would even sacrifice my own eternal well-being for it." Theologically, salvation is a gift from God through Christ and cannot be transferred or forfeited in this manner. Paul is emphasizing the unimaginable extent of his burden and compassion, not proposing a literal theological possibility.

**Why is Paul's love for his kinsmen so significant in this context?**

Answer: Paul's profound love and anguish for his Jewish kinsmen are significant for several reasons. First, they establish the sincerity and pastoral heart behind the complex theological discussion that follows in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel"), demonstrating that his arguments are not cold theology but born out of deep personal concern. Second, it highlights the immense spiritual tragedy of Israel's widespread rejection of their Messiah, which was a stumbling block for many early Christians and a challenge to God's faithfulness. Third, it serves as a powerful example of selfless, Christ-like love for others, especially those who are spiritually lost, setting a high standard for all believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's extraordinary wish in [Romans 9:3](/romans/9-3 "Romans 9:3 - Paul's Anguish for Israel") finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Paul's desire to be "accursed from Christ" was a hypothetical expression of love, Christ truly and literally became a curse for us. The New Testament teaches that Jesus, though sinless, took upon Himself the sin of the world and endured the full wrath of God, becoming "accursed" on the cross, so that we might be reconciled to God. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") declares, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us." He, who knew no sin, was made sin for us, as [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us") states, "so that in him we might become the righteousness of God." Paul's agonizing empathy for his kinsmen, though profound, is but a faint echo of the Son of God's infinite love and self-sacrifice, who willingly descended from glory, embraced human flesh, and bore the ultimate separation from God on the cross to secure the salvation of His "brethren"—all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. His vicarious suffering is the foundation of our hope and the ultimate demonstration of God's unwavering love for humanity.

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

Exodus 32:32

Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin--; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

Esther 8:6

For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Romans 11:14

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

Galatians 3:10

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.

1 Corinthians 16:22

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

Romans 11:1

¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.

1 Samuel 14:24

¶ And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed [be] the man that eateth [any] food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted [any] food.