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Paul’s Concern for the Jews
In these verses, Paul speaks very personally and carefully. He describes deep sorrow for his fellow Israelites and then lists the great privileges God gave them, ending by saying that Christ came from them according to the flesh.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
Romans 9:1–5 is part of Paul’s letter and teaching. In this short passage, he begins with a solemn claim that he is telling the truth, then explains his grief for his own people and names the blessings that belong to Israel, including that Christ came from them in human descent.
Romans 9:1–5Main takeaway
This passage shows Paul’s deep grief for his fellow Israelites and his honour for the great gifts that belong to them, including Christ’s human descent from them.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul stresses that he is speaking truthfullyPaul opens with strong words about truth. He says he is telling the truth in Christ, that he is not lying, and that his conscience testifies with him in the Holy Spirit.
Explanation
Paul opens with strong words about truth. He says he is telling the truth in Christ, that he is not lying, and that his conscience testifies with him in the Holy Spirit. This gives the passage a serious tone and shows that what follows matters deeply to him.
02His sorrow is constant and personalPaul says he has great sorrow and unceasing pain in his heart. These words show that his concern is not small or passing.
Explanation
Paul says he has great sorrow and unceasing pain in his heart. These words show that his concern is not small or passing. He is describing an ongoing inner grief. The passage does not yet explain every detail, but it makes clear that this burden is very heavy.
03He speaks about his brothers and relativesPaul says he could wish that he himself were accursed from Christ for the sake of his brothers, his relatives according to the flesh.
Explanation
Paul says he could wish that he himself were accursed from Christ for the sake of his brothers, his relatives according to the flesh. “According to the flesh” here points to natural family and ethnic connection. His words underline how strongly he cares about his own people.
04Israel received many giftsPaul identifies his relatives as Israelites and lists their privileges: the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises.
Explanation
Paul identifies his relatives as Israelites and lists their privileges: the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises. He does not treat Israel lightly. He names these gifts one by one to show their significance and honour.
05From them Christ came according to the fleshPaul adds that the fathers belong to Israel and that from them Christ came as concerning the flesh.
Explanation
Paul adds that the fathers belong to Israel and that from them Christ came as concerning the flesh. This again speaks of human descent. He then ends with praise, saying that he is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen. The passage closes with honour directed to Christ.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does Paul begin by insisting that he is telling the truth?
Look at the repeated words about truth, lying, conscience and the Holy Spirit, and notice how they prepare us for the weight of his sorrow.
02What does Paul’s phrase ‘my relatives according to the flesh’ help us understand?
Use Paul’s own wording to see that he is speaking about his natural kinship with the Israelites.
03Which privileges of Israel does Paul list, and how does the final privilege about Christ give special weight to the list?
Read through the whole list carefully and then notice how Paul ends by saying Christ came from them according to the flesh.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Romans 9:1–5
1I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying, my conscience testifying with me in the Holy Spirit
2that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart.
3For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh
4who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service, and the promises;
5of whom are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God, blessed forever. Amen.