Romans 9:33
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 19
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
τίθημι
I lay
G5087
τίθημι
I lay
Strong's:
G5087
Word #:
4 of 19
to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr
Σιὼν
Sion
G4622
Σιὼν
Sion
Strong's:
G4622
Word #:
6 of 19
sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)
προσκόμματος
G4348
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σκανδάλου
of offence
G4625
σκανδάλου
of offence
Strong's:
G4625
Word #:
11 of 19
a trap-stick (bent sapling), i.e., snare (figuratively, cause of displeasure or sin)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύων
believeth
G4100
πιστεύων
believeth
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
15 of 19
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ἐπ'
on
G1909
ἐπ'
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
16 of 19
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 19
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
Cross References
Isaiah 28:16Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.Romans 10:11For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.Psalms 118:22The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.Romans 5:5And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.Isaiah 45:17But Israel shall be saved in the LORD with an everlasting salvation: ye shall not be ashamed nor confounded world without end.Psalms 25:20O keep my soul, and deliver me: let me not be ashamed; for I put my trust in thee.1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.Philippians 1:20According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.Isaiah 54:4Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.Matthew 21:42Jesus saith unto them, Did ye never read in the scriptures, The stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?
Historical Context
Isaiah 28:16 was a cornerstone promise in messianic expectation. Peter preached it at Pentecost (Acts 4:11). The early church saw Christ as the stone the builders rejected who became chief cornerstone (Psalm 118:22). The stone is stumbling or salvation depending on one's response—a theme permeating Scripture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ function as both foundation-stone (for believers) and stumbling-stone (for unbelievers)?
- What does 'shall not be ashamed' promise to those who trust Christ despite opposition or persecution?
- How does the 'whosoever believeth' (pas ho pisteuōn) reconcile God's sovereignty in election with universal gospel invitation?
Analysis & Commentary
As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence—Paul conflates Isaiah 8:14 and 28:16. Lithos proskommatos kai petra skandalou (λίθος προσκόμματος καὶ πέτρα σκανδάλου)—both terms denote obstacle causing downfall. God himself (egō, ἐγώ, emphatic 'I') lays the stone in Zion—it's divinely appointed. The stone is Christ, laid in Zion (Jerusalem) as both foundation and stumbling-block. To believers he's the cornerstone (Ephesians 2:20); to unbelievers, a stone of judgment.
And whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed—pas ho pisteuōn ep' autō ou kataischynthēsetai (πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων ἐπ' αὐτῷ οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται). Isaiah 28:16's promise: the one trusting won't be put to shame/disappointed. Faith in Christ brings security, not shame. The pas (πᾶς, 'everyone/all') is crucial—Jew and Gentile alike, all who believe are saved (10:11-13). This summarizes chapter 9: election operates through faith in Christ. God's purpose stands—a remnant believes. Those who trust the stone are saved; those who stumble over it perish. Both outcomes glorify God: mercy in salvation, justice in judgment.