Romans 9:31
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
Original Language Analysis
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
G2474
Ἰσραὴλ
Israel
Strong's:
G2474
Word #:
1 of 10
israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)
διώκων
which followed
G1377
διώκων
which followed
Strong's:
G1377
Word #:
3 of 10
compare the base of g1169 and g1249); to pursue (literally or figuratively); by implication, to persecute
νόμον
after the law
G3551
νόμον
after the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
4 of 10
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιοσύνης,
of righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης,
of righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
5 of 10
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 10
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
νόμον
after the law
G3551
νόμον
after the law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
7 of 10
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
δικαιοσύνης,
of righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης,
of righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
8 of 10
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
Historical Context
First-century Judaism was largely works-oriented—Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes all sought righteousness through torah-obedience (though with different interpretations). Jesus condemned this (Matthew 23). Paul, the ex-Pharisee (Philippians 3:4-6), testifies that law-pursuit is futile for justification. Only faith-righteousness saves.
Questions for Reflection
- How can pursuing righteousness (a good thing) become a fatal error if done through works rather than faith?
- What is the difference between 'law of righteousness' as God's standard vs. as a method of justification?
- Why does religious zeal without faith in Christ result in failure to attain righteousness?
Analysis & Commentary
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness—the tragedy: Israel pursued nomon dikaiosynēs (νόμον δικαιοσύνης, 'law of righteousness') but didn't reach it. The double use of 'law' emphasizes their goal: to achieve righteousness through law-keeping. But ouk ephthasen (οὐκ ἔφθασεν, 'did not arrive/attain')—they failed despite zealous pursuit (10:2).
The reason: they sought righteousness as achievement rather than gift, by works rather than faith. The law was never meant to save (Galatians 3:21) but to drive sinners to Christ (Galatians 3:24). Israel used it wrongly—seeking to establish their own righteousness (10:3) rather than submitting to God's. This is the essence of religion vs. gospel: earning vs. receiving, works vs. grace, self-righteousness vs. Christ-righteousness. Election operates through the gospel, not the law.