Romans 10:2
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
Original Language Analysis
μαρτυρῶ
I bear
G3140
μαρτυρῶ
I bear
Strong's:
G3140
Word #:
1 of 11
to be a witness, i.e., testify (literally or figuratively)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
4 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ζῆλον
a zeal
G2205
ζῆλον
a zeal
Strong's:
G2205
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, heat, i.e., (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of god), or
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 11
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἔχουσιν
they have
G2192
ἔχουσιν
they have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
7 of 11
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
Cross References
Acts 21:20And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.Philippians 1:9And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;Proverbs 19:2Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.Philippians 3:6Concerning zeal, persecuting the church; touching the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.2 Corinthians 4:4In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.Galatians 1:14And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Historical Context
First-century Judaism featured multiple zealous movements: Pharisees meticulously observing oral tradition, Essenes pursuing ritual purity in desert communities, and Zealots planning violent revolution. Paul knew this world intimately as "a Hebrew of Hebrews, concerning the law a Pharisee" (Phil 3:5). Religious zeal characterized Judaism's resistance to Roman occupation and led ultimately to the catastrophic war of AD 66-70.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate theological <em>epignōsis</em> (full knowledge) to match your spiritual <em>zēlos</em> (zeal)?
- What modern expressions of "zeal without knowledge" do you see in the church—and in your own heart?
- How did Paul's pre-conversion zeal warn him to test all passion by Scripture (Acts 17:11)?
Analysis & Commentary
For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge—Paul testifies (martyreō, μαρτυρέω, "bear witness") that Israel possesses zēlos (ζῆλος, "zeal, fervor") for God, but ou kat' epignōsin (οὐ κατ' ἐπίγνωσιν, "not according to full knowledge/recognition"). This is misdirected religious passion—sincere but fatally wrong. The Pharisee Saul of Tarsus exemplified this zeal (Phil 3:4-6; Gal 1:14), persecuting the church with genuine belief he was serving God (Acts 26:9-11; John 16:2).
Epignōsis implies not just intellectual knowledge but recognition and acknowledgment of truth. Israel's zeal lacked knowledge of God's righteousness revealed in Christ (v. 3), the end of the law (v. 4), and the simplicity of faith-righteousness (vv. 6-10). Sincerity does not equal truth—orthodoxy matters. Zeal without knowledge produces Pharisees, Crusaders, and religious terrorists. True worship must be "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24).