Romans 9 33

Romans 9:33 kjv

As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

Romans 9:33 nkjv

As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."

Romans 9:33 niv

As it is written: "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame."

Romans 9:33 esv

as it is written, "Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense; and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame."

Romans 9:33 nlt

God warned them of this in the Scriptures when he said, "I am placing a stone in Jerusalem that makes people stumble,
a rock that makes them fall.
But anyone who trusts in him
will never be disgraced."

Romans 9 verses

Romans 9 33 Meaning

Romans 9:33 summarizes God's paradoxical plan for humanity's salvation, rooted in ancient Old Testament prophecies. It declares that God sovereignly set in Zion His chosen Messiah, Jesus Christ, who would serve as both a "stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" for those who refuse to trust in Him, causing them to trip and fall from the path of righteousness. Yet, for all who place their active faith in Him, this same "stone" serves as a firm and unshakable foundation, guaranteeing that they will never be put to shame, experience disappointment, or face condemnation. This verse delineates the two distinct responses to Christ that determine one's eternal destiny.

Romans 9 33 Context

Romans chapter 9 delves into the profound question of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises concerning Israel, especially given that many within Israel rejected their Messiah. Paul is wrestling with why a nation with such rich spiritual heritage, including the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the Law, the temple service, and the promises (Rom 9:4), largely failed to recognize and receive their Anointed One. Romans 9:33 serves as the culminating explanation for Israel's "stumbling" (Rom 9:32), pinpointing their pursuit of righteousness by works of the Law rather than by faith as the root cause. This verse places Christ at the center of God's plan, asserting that while He was a "stumbling block" to a works-righteousness system, He remains the sole foundation for true salvation available to all, whether Jew or Gentile, through faith. Historically, Paul addresses the challenge of understanding God's dealings with Israel in the face of their widespread unbelief, setting the stage for his discussion of God's enduring purpose for Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles in subsequent chapters (Romans 10-11).

Romans 9 33 Word analysis

• "As it is written": (Greek: kathōs gegraptai, καθὼς γέγραπται) – A formal introductory phrase signaling a direct quotation from Old Testament Scripture. It underlines Paul's reliance on divine revelation and prophecy to validate his theological arguments, affirming the divine authority and preordained nature of God's plan concerning Christ.
• "Behold": (Greek: idou, ἰδοὺ) – An interjection used to capture attention, often preceding a significant pronouncement or revelation. Here, it highlights the solemn and crucial nature of God's declaration about the "stone."
• "I lay": (Greek: tithēmi, τίθημι) – This verb signifies a deliberate, sovereign act by God. It implies divine intention and active placement. God Himself is the architect and executor of this foundational "stone" in His redemptive plan.
• "in Zion": (Greek: en Siōn, ἐν Σιών) – Refers to Jerusalem, the city associated with God's presence, the Temple, and the Jewish people. This indicates that the Messiah was purposed to come to Israel, making His appearance and ministry central to Israel's destiny and spiritual heritage.
• "a stone of stumbling": (Greek: lithon proskommatos, λίθον προσκόμματος) – A "stone to trip over." It implies an obstacle that causes one to falter, trip, or fall spiritually. For those unwilling to accept God's chosen way (faith in Christ), He became an insurmountable barrier, exposing their legalism and self-righteousness.
• "and a rock of offense": (Greek: kai petran skandalou, καὶ πέτραν σκανδάλου) – An intensified metaphor building on "stone of stumbling." "Petra" suggests a larger, more significant rock. "Skandalou" refers to a trap, snare, or that which causes profound moral or spiritual indignation, leading to a severe downfall. Christ became an "offense" because His humble ministry, teachings, and crucifixion challenged the conventional expectations of a triumphant Messiah.
• "and whoever believes": (Greek: pas ho pisteuōn, πᾶς ὁ πιστεύων) – A declaration of universal invitation and access. It underscores that salvation is not restricted by ethnicity, background, or previous works, but is freely available to anyone who expresses personal, active, and continuous trust in the specified object. "Pisteuōn" (believes) is a present participle, implying ongoing reliance and confidence.
• "in Him": (Greek: ep' autō, ἐπ' αὐτῷ) – Crucially identifies Jesus Christ as the specific and sole object of saving faith. Faith is not a general positive outlook, but a focused trust directed towards Christ and His atoning work.
• "will not be put to shame": (Greek: ou kataischynthēsetai, οὐ καταισχυνθήσεται) – A strong, emphatic assurance. "Kataischynō" means to disgrace, disappoint, or make one ashamed. This promise guarantees that those who trust in Christ will not experience public disgrace, disappointment in their hope, or ultimate condemnation on the day of judgment. Instead, they will be vindicated, justified, and honored by God.

Words-group analysis:

• "As it is written: 'Behold, I lay in Zion...'" – This opening segment emphasizes the divine origin and foreordained nature of Christ's role. It confirms that the Messiah's appearance and the specific outcomes of His advent were part of God's pre-revealed plan in the Old Testament. God's act of "laying" the stone underscores His sovereignty and intentionality.
• "'a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense,'": This potent imagery reveals the dual impact of Christ's advent. For those who approach God on their own terms (e.g., through works of law, national identity), Christ is an unavoidable obstacle that exposes their insufficient righteousness and pride. His very person and message become a source of contention and ultimate downfall because they refuse to submit to His terms.
• "'and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.'": This concluding clause offers the divine alternative to stumbling: faith. It presents a universal pathway to salvation, open to anyone, irrespective of background. The promise of "not being put to shame" guarantees complete vindication, acceptance, and salvation before God. It means believers will never regret their trust in Christ, their hope will be fulfilled, and they will be eternally secure.

Romans 9 33 Bonus section

• The Paradox of Rejection and Revelation: This verse underscores the divine paradox where Christ's coming simultaneously hardened some hearts to reveal God's justice, and extended boundless mercy to those who embraced Him, showcasing God's gracious love. His advent wasn't just to save, but also to expose and divide.
• Active Choice Demanded: The presence of the "stumbling stone" demands an active, decisive choice from every individual encountering Christ. One cannot remain neutral; either one falls over the stone in unbelief, or falls on the stone in submission and finds salvation.
• Foundational Hope: For believers, Christ is not just a source of forgiveness but the very cornerstone of their hope and eternal security. The promise of "no shame" affirms God's unfailing commitment to those who trust Him, guaranteeing their ultimate triumph and acceptance.

Romans 9 33 Commentary

Romans 9:33 is a foundational truth within Paul's discourse on God's sovereignty and His plan for salvation. Drawing directly from Old Testament prophecies in Isaiah, Paul asserts that God, in His infinite wisdom, purposed Christ to be both the decisive criterion by which humanity is judged and the singular means by which they are saved. Christ, the "stone," was deliberately "laid in Zion" by God Himself, indicating His divine origin and preeminence in Israel's history. For those who sought to establish their own righteousness through strict adherence to the Law, Christ's humble birth, unconventional ministry, and ignominious death on the cross did not align with their expectations of a glorious Messiah. Consequently, He became for them a "stone of stumbling" and a "rock of offense," over whom they tripped and fell into unbelief. This was not an accident but part of God's intricate design to reveal the inadequacy of human self-effort. Conversely, for "whoever believes in Him"—anyone, Jew or Gentile, who places their complete trust and reliance upon Jesus Christ for their salvation—that same "stone" becomes their secure, unshakeable foundation. This promise carries the profound assurance that such believers "will not be put to shame," meaning they will never be disgraced, disappointed in their hope, or condemned before God. They find their vindication, acceptance, and eternal security in Him, highlighting that God's salvation is found solely by grace through faith in Christ, bypassing all human merit.