Romans 10:3
New International Version
Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

New Living Translation
For they don’t understand God’s way of making people right with himself. Refusing to accept God’s way, they cling to their own way of getting right with God by trying to keep the law.

English Standard Version
For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Berean Literal Bible
For being ignorant of the righteousness of God and seeking to establish the own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of God.

King James Bible
For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.

New King James Version
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

New American Standard Bible
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

NASB 1995
For not knowing about God’s righteousness and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

NASB 1977
For not knowing about God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Legacy Standard Bible
For not knowing about the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Amplified Bible
For not knowing about God’s righteousness [which is based on faith], and seeking to establish their own [righteousness based on works], they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Christian Standard Bible
Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Because they disregarded the righteousness from God and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to God’s righteousness.

American Standard Version
For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Contemporary English Version
what makes people acceptable to him. So they refuse to trust God, and they try to be acceptable by obeying the Law.

English Revised Version
For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They don't understand [how to receive] God's approval. So they try to set up their own way to get it, and they have not accepted God's way for receiving his approval.

Good News Translation
They have not known the way in which God puts people right with himself, and instead, they have tried to set up their own way; and so they did not submit themselves to God's way of putting people right.

International Standard Version
For they are ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God while they try to establish their own, and they have not submitted to God's means to attain righteousness.

Majority Standard Bible
Because they were ignorant of God?s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God?s righteousness.

NET Bible
For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking instead to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to God's righteousness.

New Heart English Bible
For being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

Webster's Bible Translation
For they, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Ignorant of the righteousness which God provides and building their hopes upon a righteousness of their own, they have refused submission to God's righteousness.

World English Bible
For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they didn’t subject themselves to the righteousness of God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for not knowing the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of God.

Berean Literal Bible
For being ignorant of the righteousness of God and seeking to establish the own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of God.

Young's Literal Translation
for not knowing the righteousness of God, and their own righteousness seeking to establish, to the righteousness of God they did not submit.

Smith's Literal Translation
For not knowing the justice of God, and seeking to establish their own justice, they have not been subjected to the justice of God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For they, not knowing the justice of God, and seeking to establish their own, have not submitted themselves to the justice of God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For, being ignorant of the justice of God, and seeking to establish their own justice, they have not subjected themselves to the justice of God.

New American Bible
For, in their unawareness of the righteousness that comes from God and their attempt to establish their own [righteousness], they did not submit to the righteousness of God.

New Revised Standard Version
For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For they know not the righteousness of God, but seek to establish their own righteousness, and because of this, they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For they have not known the righteousness of God, but they have sought to establish their own righteousness, and therefore they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For being ignorant of God's plan of justification, and seeking to establish their own plan of justification, they have not submitted to God's plan of justification.

Godbey New Testament
for being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

Haweis New Testament
For being ignorant of the righteousness which is of God, and seeking to establish a righteousness of their own, they have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

Mace New Testament
because being ignorant of the justice which is of God, and going about to establish a justification of their own, they have not submitted themselves to that which is of God.

Weymouth New Testament
Ignorant of the righteousness which God provides and building their hopes upon a righteousness of their own, they have refused submission to God's righteousness.

Worrell New Testament
for, being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God;

Worsley New Testament
For being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness which is of God.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Word Brings Salvation
2For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. 3Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. 4For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.…

Cross References
Philippians 3:9
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

Galatians 2:16
know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Galatians 3:10-11
All who rely on works of the law are under a curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” / Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.”

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Jeremiah 23:6
In His days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is His name by which He will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Isaiah 53:11
After the anguish of His soul, He will see the light of life and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 16:15
So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.

Romans 3:20-22
Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. / But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. / And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction,

Romans 9:30-32
What then will we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith; / but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it. / Why not? Because their pursuit was not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Isaiah 45:24-25
Surely they will say of Me, ‘In the LORD alone are righteousness and strength.’” All who rage against Him will come to Him and be put to shame. / In the LORD all descendants of Israel will be justified and will exult.

Jeremiah 9:23-24
This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. / But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD, who exercises loving devotion, justice and righteousness on the earth—for I delight in these things,” declares the LORD.

John 1:17
For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.


Treasury of Scripture

For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.

God's righteousness.

Romans 1:17
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

Romans 3:22,26
Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: …

Romans 5:19
For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

to establish.

Romans 9:31,32
But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness…

Isaiah 57:12
I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works; for they shall not profit thee.

Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

submitted.

Leviticus 26:41
And that I also have walked contrary unto them, and have brought them into the land of their enemies; if then their uncircumcised hearts be humbled, and they then accept of the punishment of their iniquity:

Nehemiah 9:33
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

Job 33:27
He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;

Jump to Previous
Building Desiring Effect Establish God's Hopes Ignorant Provides Refused Righteousness Seeking Sought Subject Submission Submit Submitted Themselves
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Building Desiring Effect Establish God's Hopes Ignorant Provides Refused Righteousness Seeking Sought Subject Submission Submit Submitted Themselves
Romans 10
1. The difference between the righteousness of the law, and that of faith;
11. all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, shall not be shamed;
18. and that the Gentiles shall receive the word and believe.
19. Israel was not ignorant of these things.














Since they were ignorant
The phrase "they were ignorant" comes from the Greek word "agnoeo," which means to be unaware or to lack understanding. In the context of Romans, Paul is addressing the Jewish people who, despite having the Law and the Prophets, failed to recognize the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ. This ignorance is not merely a lack of information but a spiritual blindness that results from a hardened heart. Historically, the Jewish people had been given the oracles of God, yet their focus on the letter of the Law led them to miss the spirit of the Law, which pointed to Christ.

of God’s righteousness
"God’s righteousness" refers to the divine standard of holiness and justice that is inherent in God's character. In the Greek, "dikaiosyne" is used, which encompasses the idea of being in right standing with God. This righteousness is not something that can be achieved through human effort or adherence to the Law but is a gift from God, imparted through faith in Jesus Christ. The historical context here is crucial; the Jewish people were accustomed to a system of righteousness based on the Law of Moses, but Paul is emphasizing a righteousness that is apart from the Law, revealed in the Gospel.

and sought to establish their own
The phrase "sought to establish their own" highlights the human tendency to rely on self-righteousness. The Greek word "zeteo" means to seek or strive for, indicating an active effort to achieve something. The Jewish people, in their zeal for the Law, attempted to create a standard of righteousness based on their own interpretations and traditions. This self-made righteousness is contrasted with the righteousness that comes from God, which is received through faith. Historically, this reflects the Pharisaic emphasis on oral traditions and additional laws that were meant to safeguard the written Law but often led to legalism.

they did not submit
"Did not submit" comes from the Greek word "hypotasso," meaning to place oneself under authority or to yield. This phrase indicates a willful resistance to accept God's way of righteousness. Submission here is not about passive acceptance but an active choice to align oneself with God's will. The Jewish people, in their pursuit of self-righteousness, refused to acknowledge the righteousness that God provided through Christ. This refusal is a matter of the heart, where pride and self-reliance prevent one from embracing the grace of God.

to God’s righteousness
Finally, "to God’s righteousness" reiterates the source and nature of true righteousness. It is not a human construct but a divine gift. The righteousness of God is both a legal standing before Him and a transformative power that changes the believer's life. In the broader scriptural context, this righteousness is central to the message of the Gospel, as seen throughout Paul's letters. It is the righteousness that justifies, sanctifies, and ultimately glorifies the believer, all through faith in Jesus Christ. Historically, this was a radical departure from the Jewish understanding of righteousness, which was heavily tied to the Law and works. Paul’s message is clear: true righteousness is found only in submission to God’s provision through Christ.

(3) God's righteousness.--See Romans 1:17; Romans 3:21.

Their own righteousness.--A righteousness founded on their own works.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

they were ignorant
ἀγνοοῦντες (agnoountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 50: To do not know, be ignorant of, sometimes with the idea of willful ignorance.

of God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

righteousness
δικαιοσύνην (dikaiosynēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

sought
ζητοῦντες (zētountes)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2212: To seek, search for, desire, require, demand. Of uncertain affinity; to seek; specially, to worship, or to plot.

to establish
στῆσαι (stēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

[their]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

own,
ἰδίαν (idian)
Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2398: Pertaining to self, i.e. One's own; by implication, private or separate.

they did not submit
ὑπετάγησαν (hypetagēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 5293: From hupo and tasso; to subordinate; reflexively, to obey.

to
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

God’s
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

righteousness.
δικαιοσύνῃ (dikaiosynē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1343: From dikaios; equity; specially justification.


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