Romans 10:19
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλὰ
But
G235
ἀλλὰ
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 20
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
λέγει
I say
G3004
λέγει
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὐκ
them that are no
G3756
οὐκ
them that are no
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
4 of 20
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔγνω
Did
G1097
ἔγνω
Did
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
5 of 20
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
6 of 20
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
Μωσῆς
Moses
G3475
Μωσῆς
Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
8 of 20
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
λέγει
I say
G3004
λέγει
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
9 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
παραζηλώσω
to jealousy
G3863
παραζηλώσω
to jealousy
Strong's:
G3863
Word #:
11 of 20
to stimulate alongside, i.e., excite to rivalry
ἐπὶ
and by
G1909
ἐπὶ
and by
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
13 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
οὐκ
them that are no
G3756
οὐκ
them that are no
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
14 of 20
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἔθνει
nation
G1484
ἔθνει
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
15 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
ἐπὶ
and by
G1909
ἐπὶ
and by
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἔθνει
nation
G1484
ἔθνει
nation
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
17 of 20
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:21They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.Romans 11:11I 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.Romans 11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.1 Peter 2:10Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.1 Corinthians 1:12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
Historical Context
Deuteronomy 32 (the Song of Moses) warned Israel that covenant unfaithfulness would bring judgment, including making them jealous by exalting Gentiles. This reversal occurred in AD 30-70: while the church exploded with Gentile converts, most Jews rejected Christ. After AD 70 and the temple's destruction, Gentile Christianity dominated numerically. Paul sees this as providential—God's mercy to Gentiles should drive Israel to recognize their Messiah (Rom 11:25-27). This "jealousy strategy" continues today.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the Gentile church's experience of God's mercy serve God's purpose to save ethnic Israel?
- Are you living in such Spirit-empowered transformation that unbelievers are provoked to jealousy?
- What does it mean that God uses "a foolish nation" to accomplish His wise purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you—A second objection: perhaps Israel didn't understand? All' legō, mē Israēl ouk egnō? (ἀλλ' λέγω, μὴ Ἰσραὴλ οὐκ ἔγνω; "But I say, did Israel not know/understand?"). Ginōskō (γινώσκω, "know, understand, perceive") implies comprehension, not just hearing. Paul quotes Deuteronomy 32:21, Moses' warning that God would provoke Israel to jealousy by making a non-people His people.
Parazēlōsō (παραζηλώσω, "provoke to jealousy") and parorgizō (παροργίζω, "provoke to anger") describe God's strategic use of Gentile salvation to awaken Israel. Them that are no people (ouk ethnei, οὐκ ἔθνει, "a non-nation") and a foolish nation (ethnei asynetō, ἔθνει ἀσυνέτῳ, "an unperceptive/foolish nation") refer to Gentiles—those outside covenant. The irony: Gentiles, who lacked Israel's privileges, are receiving salvation Israel rejected. This should provoke Israel to jealousy and repentance (Rom 11:11, 14).