Romans 9:32

KJV

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1302}? Because {G3754} they sought it not {G3756} by {G1537} faith {G4102}, but {G235} as {G5613} it were by {G1537} the works {G2041} of the law {G3551}. For {G1063} they stumbled {G4350} at that stumblingstone {G3037}{G4348};

Complete Jewish Bible

Why? Because they did not pursue righteousness as being grounded in trusting but as if it were grounded in doing legalistic works. They stumbled over the stone that makes people stumble.

Berean Standard Bible

Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

American Standard Version

Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by works. They stumbled at the stone of stumbling;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:32 succinctly explains why many in Israel failed to attain the righteousness they pursued, attributing their failure to a misguided approach: they sought it through human effort and adherence to the Law's demands rather than by faith. This fundamental error caused them to stumble over Jesus Christ, the very "stumblingstone" that God had set forth as the means of salvation. The verse underscores the divine principle that true righteousness is a gift received by grace through faith, not earned by works.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:32 is situated within Paul's profound and often challenging discourse in [Romans chapters 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Sovereignty and Israel's Future"), where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's rejection of their Messiah and God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant promises. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul has affirmed that Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it by faith, while Israel, who diligently pursued a law of righteousness, did not attain it ([Romans 9:30-31](/romans/9-30-31 "Romans 9:30-31 - Gentiles Attain Righteousness by Faith")). Verse 32 then provides the crucial explanation for this paradox, setting the stage for the prophetic quotations in [Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - The Stumbling Stone Prophecy") and the passionate plea for Israel's salvation in [Romans 10:1-4](/romans/10-1-4 "Romans 10:1-4 - Christ is the End of the Law").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** First-century Judaism, particularly among the Pharisees and many devout Jews, placed immense importance on adherence to the Mosaic Law and the oral traditions as the path to righteousness and covenant standing with God. There was a deep-seated belief that meticulous observance of the commandments, good deeds, and ritual purity would earn divine favor and secure their place in God's kingdom. The concept of a Messiah who would suffer and die, and whose righteousness would be imputed purely by faith, was a radical departure from these deeply ingrained expectations. They anticipated a conquering king who would liberate them politically and establish an earthly kingdom, not a "stumblingstone" who challenged their very understanding of righteousness and salvation. This cultural framework made it difficult for many to accept Jesus and His message of grace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes in Paul's theology. The primary theme is the **contrast between righteousness by faith and righteousness by works of the law**. Paul consistently argues that human effort, no matter how sincere or diligent, is insufficient to earn God's righteousness, which is freely given through belief in Christ ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Another key theme is the **sovereignty of God in salvation**, even as human responsibility for rejection is highlighted. While God has chosen a path of salvation through Christ, Israel's refusal to walk that path is attributed to their own misguided pursuit. Finally, the concept of **Christ as a "stumblingstone"** is a crucial theme, illustrating how the very person and work of the Messiah became an obstacle for those who sought righteousness on their own terms, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about His rejection ([Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling") and [Psalm 118:22](/psalm/118-22 "Psalm 118:22 - The Rejected Cornerstone")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **faith (Greek, _pístis'_):** (G4102) This term signifies persuasion, credence, or moral conviction, particularly reliance upon Christ for salvation. It denotes a confident trust in God and His promises, especially as revealed in Jesus Christ, leading to a system of religious truth (the Gospel). In this context, it stands in direct opposition to human effort or merit.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** (G2041) Meaning toil, effort, or occupation, and by implication, an act or deed. Here, it refers to the actions, observances, and obedience to the Mosaic Law that Israel pursued as a means to achieve righteousness. It represents human performance as a basis for divine acceptance.
* **stumblingstone (Greek, _próskomma'_):** (G4348) Derived from a word meaning "to strike at" or "to trip up," this term refers to an obstacle, a stub, or an occasion of apostasy. Combined with _líthos_ (G3037, stone), it forms the complete idea of a "stumbling-block" or "stumbling-stone," an object over which one trips and falls, leading to spiritual ruin or offense. It vividly portrays how Christ became an impediment to those seeking righteousness through other means.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith,"**: This opening question and immediate answer highlight the core reason for Israel's failure. The "it" refers to the righteousness that God offers. Their error was not in seeking righteousness, but in the *method* of their pursuit. They did not seek it through "faith," which implies a humble reliance on God's provision and promise in Christ. Instead, they relied on their own capacity and performance.
* **"but as it were by the works of the law."**: This clause directly contrasts their chosen method with the divine one. The phrase "as it were" (G5613, _hōs_) indicates that while they were indeed engaged in works of the law, their *approach* to these works was flawed – they treated them as a means to earn righteousness, rather than as a response to a righteousness already given by grace. Their focus was on external performance and legalistic adherence, believing that such actions would justify them before God.
* **"For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;"**: This final clause provides the inevitable consequence of their works-based pursuit. Because they refused the path of faith, they encountered Jesus Christ, the "stumblingstone" (a prophetic reference to the Messiah), not as the foundation of their salvation but as an obstacle. His message of grace, His crucifixion, and the call to believe rather than perform, became an offense to their self-righteous system, causing them to reject Him and, consequently, God's true path to righteousness.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Contrast**, setting "faith" against "the works of the law" as two fundamentally opposed paths to righteousness. This stark juxtaposition highlights the irreconcilable difference between divine grace and human effort. Secondly, **Metaphor** is central to the verse's conclusion, with Jesus Christ being referred to as "that stumblingstone." This vivid image, drawn from Old Testament prophecy, portrays Christ not merely as a person but as an obstacle or trap for those who refuse to believe in Him. Finally, the verse contains a strong **Allusion** to Old Testament prophecies concerning the Messiah, particularly those found in Isaiah and Psalms, which are explicitly cited in the subsequent verse ([Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "Romans 9:33 - The Stumbling Stone Prophecy")). This allusion grounds Paul's theological argument in the continuity of God's redemptive plan, showing that Israel's rejection was, in a sense, foretold.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:32 is a profound theological statement on the nature of salvation and human responsibility. It underscores the biblical truth that righteousness is not a human achievement but a divine gift, received solely through faith in Jesus Christ. The Jewish people's pursuit of righteousness through "works of the law" illustrates a universal human tendency to rely on self-effort and religious performance rather than on God's unmerited grace. This verse highlights the danger of legalism and self-righteousness, which invariably lead to "stumbling" over the very One who offers salvation. It reveals that human pride and a misunderstanding of God's righteous requirements can blind individuals to the simplicity and sufficiency of the Gospel. God's plan has always been centered on faith, from Abraham onward, and Christ Himself is the ultimate object and enabler of that saving faith.

* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith, Not Works")
* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ, the Stumbling Stone and Precious Cornerstone")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:32 serves as a timeless warning and a profound call to humility for all people, regardless of their religious background. It challenges us to examine the foundation of our hope for righteousness before God. Are we, like many in Israel, subtly or overtly relying on our good deeds, moral uprightness, religious observances, or even our theological understanding to earn God's favor? This verse reminds us that any attempt to add to Christ's finished work on the cross, or to seek righteousness through our own efforts, inevitably leads to "stumbling" over Him. True peace and assurance come only when we fully surrender our self-reliance and embrace the glorious truth that righteousness is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It calls us to rest completely in His perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice, acknowledging our utter inability to save ourselves. This humility fosters a deeper appreciation for God's boundless grace and mercy, transforming our lives from a striving for acceptance into a joyful response of love and obedience to the One who has already accepted us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be subtly relying on my own "works" or efforts for acceptance, rather than fully trusting in Christ's finished work?**
* **How does understanding Christ as the "stumblingstone" deepen my appreciation for His unique role in salvation and the importance of faith?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a deeper reliance on God's grace and a greater humility in my walk with Him?**

### FAQ
**Why did Israel, God's chosen people, stumble over the Messiah?**

Answer: Israel stumbled primarily because they sought righteousness through a flawed methodology: by "works of the law" rather than by "faith." Their understanding of the Law had become legalistic, viewing it as a means to earn salvation through human performance, rather than as a revelation of God's character and a guide for a life lived in grateful response to His covenant love. They expected a Messiah who would validate their system of righteousness and deliver them politically, rather than one who would challenge their self-righteousness and offer salvation as a free gift through belief in Him. Consequently, Jesus, with His message of grace and His crucifixion, became an offense and an obstacle to their preconceived notions of how God's salvation would come, fulfilling the prophecies that He would be a "stumblingstone" to those who did not believe ([Romans 9:33](/romans/9-33 "The Prophecy of the Stumbling Stone")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:32, though lamenting Israel's stumbling, powerfully points to Jesus Christ as the ultimate "stumblingstone" and, paradoxically, the only true foundation for righteousness. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies that foretold a Messiah who would be both a "stone of stumbling" for the disobedient and a "precious cornerstone" for those who believe ([Isaiah 8:14](/isaiah/8-14 "Isaiah 8:14 - A Stone of Stumbling") and [1 Peter 2:7-8](/1_peter/2-7-8 "1 Peter 2:7-8 - Christ the Cornerstone and Stumbling Stone")). Israel's error was in failing to recognize that the Law, rather than being a means to earn righteousness, was a tutor leading them to Christ ([Galatians 3:24](/galatians/3-24 "Galatians 3:24 - The Law as a Guardian Leading to Christ")). Jesus perfectly fulfilled the Law's demands, becoming the "end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ, the End of the Law")). His life, death, and resurrection provide the perfect righteousness that no human effort could ever achieve. Thus, while He was an offense to those who insisted on works, He is the sole object of saving faith, the one through whom God's righteousness is freely imputed to all who believe, demonstrating that salvation is entirely a work of divine grace through the person of Christ ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith in Jesus Christ")).

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

1 Corinthians 1:23

But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

1 Peter 2:8

And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, [even to them] which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.

Luke 7:23

And blessed is [he], whosoever shall not be offended in me.

Romans 11:11

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but [rather] through their fall salvation [is come] unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Matthew 13:57

And they were offended in him. But Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house.

John 6:27

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

John 6:29

Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.