Romans 3:29
Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
the God
G2316
θεὸς
the God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
G1484
ἐθνῶν
of the Gentiles
Strong's:
G1484
Word #:
9 of 12
a race (as of the same habit), i.e., a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-jewish) one (usually, by implication, pagan)
Cross References
Colossians 3:11Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all.Zechariah 2:11And many nations shall be joined to the LORD in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee, and thou shalt know that the LORD of hosts hath sent me unto thee.Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Galatians 3:14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.Jeremiah 16:19O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.Romans 10:12For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.Romans 1:16For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Historical Context
Judaism's strict monotheism was its distinguishing mark among pagan polytheism. Paul uses this against works-righteousness: if there is one God, there must be one way of salvation for all peoples. The scandal: Israel's unique privilege (Torah) is not the means of salvation but the testimony to the coming Savior who saves apart from Torah.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's oneness require one way of salvation—challenging both Jewish exclusivism and pluralistic inclusivism?
- What does it mean practically that God is "also of the Gentiles"—how should this shape mission and church life?
- How do you balance celebrating Israel's unique role in salvation history with affirming one gospel for all?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also. Paul anticipates an objection: if justification is by faith apart from Torah, doesn't this make God exclusively the God of Gentiles who never had Torah? Ē Ioudaiōn ho theos monon (Ἢ Ἰουδαίων ὁ θεὸς μόνον, "Or is God the God of Jews only?"). Ouchi kai ethnōn (οὐχὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν, "Is he not also of Gentiles?"). Nai kai ethnōn (ναὶ καὶ ἐθνῶν, "Yes, also of Gentiles").
The argument: if salvation were through Torah-keeping, God would be tribal deity of Israel only. But the Shema confesses: "Hear O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). God's oneness demands one way of salvation for all humanity. Justification by faith alone, apart from Torah, demonstrates God's universal sovereignty and impartial justice. The very monotheism Jews confessed requires the gospel Paul preaches.