Bible Strands
Romans 9:32
Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the church in Rome, explaining why ethnic Israel failed to attain righteousness despite actively pursuing it. He addresses this failure at the moment of evaluating God’s sovereign election and human responsibility.
The words — The text centers on ἐκ πίστεως (ek pisteōs), literally "by faith," contrasted with ὡς (hōs), meaning "as if." The passage states that Israel’s pursuit was not grounded in trust but conducted as though it could be secured by human effort.
The thread — The motif of a rejected foundation causing spiritual reversal runs through Romans 9:33, 1 Corinthians 1:23, and Luke 2:34. It also connects to the warning that those who do not fall away on account of Christ will be blessed (Luke 7:23).
Why it lands — The passage requires a reader to identify whether their spiritual progress depends on divine promise or self-generated achievement. It demands the immediate rejection of works-based confidence and the exclusive reliance on the Messiah who causes both the rise and the fall of men.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 1:23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles,
- Luke 7:23 Blessed is the one who does not fall away on account of Me.”
- Luke 2:34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary: “Behold, this Child is appointed to cause the rise and fall of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against,
- Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
- Romans 11:11 I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.
- 1 Peter 2:8 and, “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense.” They stumble because they disobey the word—and to this they were appointed.
- Matthew 13:57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “Only in his hometown and in his own household is a prophet without honor.”
- John 6:27 Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”
- Acts 16:30 Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
- Romans 10:3 Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.