Romans 10:19

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἀλλὰ
But
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#2
λέγει
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#3
μὴ
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
#4
οὐκ
them that are no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#5
ἔγνω
Did
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
#6
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
#7
πρῶτος
First
foremost (in time, place, order or importance)
#8
Μωσῆς
Moses
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
#9
λέγει
I say
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#10
Ἐγὼ
I
i, me
#11
παραζηλώσω
to jealousy
to stimulate alongside, i.e., excite to rivalry
#12
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
#13
ἐπὶ
and by
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#14
οὐκ
them that are no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#15
ἔθνει
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#16
ἐπὶ
and by
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
#17
ἔθνει
nation
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
#18
ἀσυνέτῳ
a foolish
unintelligent; by implication, wicked
#19
παροργιῶ
I will anger
to anger alongside, i.e., enrage
#20
ὑμᾶς
you
you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Romans, this passage highlights salvation through rhetorical questioning that engages the reader. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Romans.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of Hellenistic epistolary literature with sophisticated theological argumentation shapes this text's meaning. Paul's systematic presentation built upon centuries of Jewish understanding about righteousness and divine justice Understanding a worldview shaped by both Jewish monotheism and Greco-Roman philosophical thought helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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