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Romans 9:3

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

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}:

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,

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,

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

Commentary

Romans 9:3 reveals the Apostle Paul's profound and agonizing love for his Jewish kinsmen. In this powerful declaration, Paul expresses a hypothetical wish so extreme it underscores the depth of his sorrow and spiritual burden for Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.

Context

This verse opens a crucial section of Romans (chapters 9-11) where Paul addresses the perplexing question of Israel's present spiritual condition and their relationship to God's covenant promises. Having just concluded a glorious affirmation of God's unwavering love and faithfulness to believers (Romans 8:39), Paul immediately pivots to articulate his deep personal grief over the fact that many of his fellow Israelites, despite their unique privileges as God's chosen people, had not embraced Christ. His lament here sets the stage for a complex theological discussion on divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and God's plan for Israel.

Key Themes

  • Profound Selfless Love: Paul's statement is an ultimate expression of agape love, willing to sacrifice his own spiritual standing, even his salvation, for the sake of others. This mirrors the heart of Christ.
  • Vicarious Suffering: The wish to be "accursed from Christ" reflects a desire to bear the spiritual consequences for his people, akin to a substitute. This concept is central to Christian theology, exemplified by Christ's own sacrifice.
  • Burden for the Lost: It highlights the intense spiritual burden true believers can feel for those who are alienated from God, especially their own family and community.
  • Israel's Spiritual Condition: The verse implicitly underscores the dire spiritual state of those who reject the Gospel, prompting Paul's desperate desire for their salvation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "accursed" is anathema (ἀνάθεμα). In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), it often refers to something devoted to God for destruction, set apart from common use, often implying a curse or separation from divine favor. When Paul says "accursed from Christ" (anathema apo Christou), he means being utterly separated from Christ and His blessings, consigned to eternal damnation. This is a hyperbolic expression of his love, indicating a willingness to endure the worst possible spiritual fate if it could somehow bring salvation to his people. It is a profound parallel to how Christ Himself became a curse for us to redeem us from the law's curse.

Practical Application

Paul's heartfelt cry in Romans 9:3 challenges believers today to examine the depth of their own love and compassion for the lost. It reminds us:

  • The Power of Intercession: Just as Moses interceded for Israel (Exodus 32:32), Paul demonstrates a fervent, sacrificial prayer life for his kinsmen. We are called to pray with similar earnestness for family, friends, and communities who do not know Christ.
  • Selfless Love in Action: This verse sets a high bar for Christian love, urging us to prioritize the spiritual well-being of others, even at great personal cost.
  • Empathy for the Unbelieving: It encourages us to feel genuine sorrow and empathy for those who reject the Gospel, rather than judgment or indifference. Paul's burden for his "kinsmen according to the flesh" (ethnic Israelites) can be applied to our own "flesh and blood" who are spiritually distant.
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 (May 20, 2025) 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

  • Exodus 32:32 (12 votes)

    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 (6 votes)

    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 (5 votes)

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

  • Galatians 3:10 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Romans 11:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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 (2 votes)

    ¶ 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.