Romans 9:31 Meaning and Explanation
“But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Israel, pursuing righteousness by the law, did not reach it.
What Does Romans 9:31 Mean?
Paul sets the sober counterpart beside the previous verse. Israel did pursue righteousness, following hard after the law, yet did not attain to it. The very people most earnest about the commandments fell short of the goal. Their zeal was real, but zeal alone did not arrive, because they sought along a road that could not finally reach the destination.
This is a solemn warning that sincerity and effort are not enough if they are aimed the wrong way. One can be diligent, devout, and tireless and still miss the mercy of God by trusting the wrong thing. The next verse will name the reason. For now the lesson stands: it is possible to pursue righteousness with all one's strength and not arrive, if the pursuit leans on what we do rather than on what God gives.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 9:31
What does Romans 9:31 mean?
Israel, pursuing righteousness by the law, did not reach it.