Romans 9:30

¶ What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

What {G5101} shall we say {G2046} then {G3767}? That {G3754} the Gentiles {G1484}, which {G3588} followed {G1377} not {G3361} after righteousness {G1343}, have attained {G2638} to righteousness {G1343}, even {G1161} the righteousness {G1343} which {G3588} is of {G1537} faith {G4102}.

So, what are we to say? This: that Gentiles, even though they were not striving for righteousness, have obtained righteousness; but it is a righteousness grounded in trusting!

What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith;

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who followed not after righteousness, attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith:

Commentary

Context of Romans 9:30

Romans chapter 9 begins a crucial section (chapters 9-11) where the Apostle Paul grapples with the challenging question of Israel's apparent rejection of Jesus as Messiah and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. After discussing God's sovereign choice (e.g., Jacob over Esau), Paul turns to the surprising reality of his day: the Gentiles, who were outside the Mosaic Law and not actively pursuing righteousness through its dictates, were embracing the Gospel and being declared righteous. This verse, "What shall we say then?", marks a rhetorical question, leading into a profound summary of this paradox, setting the stage for the explanation in the following verses about why Israel stumbled.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Righteousness by Faith: The core message is that true righteousness, which brings a right standing before God, is attained not through human effort or adherence to religious law, but through faith. This concept is central to Paul's theology and is expounded throughout Romans, particularly in Romans 3:21-22.
  • The Inclusion of Gentiles: This verse highlights the unexpected and gracious inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan of salvation. They "followed not after righteousness" in the way Israel did (through the Law), yet they "attained to righteousness" through faith in Christ.
  • God's Sovereignty and Grace: The fact that Gentiles attained righteousness without pursuing it by works underscores God's sovereign grace, which extends salvation freely to those who believe, regardless of their prior religious background or merit.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "righteousness" is dikaiosyne (δικαιοσύνη), which signifies a state of being right, just, or acquitted before God. Paul consistently contrasts this divine righteousness, which comes "of faith" (ek pisteōs), with human attempts to establish one's own righteousness through works of the law. The phrase "followed not after righteousness" implies that the Gentiles were not seeking a legal standing with God through adherence to the Law, unlike many Jews of the time who pursued a "righteousness which is of the law" (as seen in Romans 10:5).

Practical Application

Romans 9:30 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  1. Salvation is by Grace Through Faith: It reaffirms that salvation and a right relationship with God are not earned but freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. This truth should humble us and fill us with gratitude. As Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
  2. God's Unconventional Ways: God often works in ways that defy human expectation. Just as He brought Gentiles into His fold unexpectedly, He continues to reach out to those who may seem least likely to respond, challenging our preconceived notions of who is "worthy" of His grace.
  3. A Call to Examine Our Pursuit: This verse implicitly challenges us to examine what we are "following after." Are we seeking righteousness through our own efforts, good deeds, or religious observances, or are we relying solely on the perfect righteousness of Christ received through faith?
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 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:

  • Hebrews 11:7

    By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.

  • Romans 4:11

    And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

  • Galatians 2:16

    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

  • Romans 10:6

    But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down [from above:])

  • Romans 10:20

    But Esaias is very bold, and saith, I was found of them that sought me not; I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me.

  • Isaiah 51:1

    ¶ Hearken to me, ye that follow after righteousness, ye that seek the LORD: look unto the rock [whence] ye are hewn, and to the hole of the pit [whence] ye are digged.
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