Romans 10:19
New International Version
Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, “I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding.”

New Living Translation
But I ask, did the people of Israel really understand? Yes, they did, for even in the time of Moses, God said, “I will rouse your jealousy through people who are not even a nation. I will provoke your anger through the foolish Gentiles.”

English Standard Version
But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”

Berean Standard Bible
I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.”

Berean Literal Bible
But I ask, did Israel not know? First, Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those not a nation; I will anger you by a nation without understanding."

King James Bible
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

New King James Version
But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a nation, I will move you to anger by a foolish nation.”

New American Standard Bible
But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS WITH THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION, WITH A FOOLISH NATION I WILL ANGER YOU.”

NASB 1995
But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? First Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION, BY A NATION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WILL I ANGER YOU.”

NASB 1977
But I say, surely Israel did not know, did they? At the first Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION, BY A NATION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WILL I ANGER YOU.”

Legacy Standard Bible
But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS BY THAT WHICH IS NOT A NATION, BY A NATION WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING WILL I ANGER YOU.”

Amplified Bible
But I say, did Israel fail to understand [that the gospel was to go also to the Gentiles]? First Moses says, “I WILL MAKE YOU JEALOUS OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT A NATION (Gentiles); WITH A NATION THAT LACKS UNDERSTANDING I WILL MAKE YOU ANGRY.”

Christian Standard Bible
But I ask, “Did Israel not understand? ” First, Moses said, I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that lacks understanding.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But I ask, “Did Israel not understand?” First, Moses said: I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that lacks understanding.

American Standard Version
But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

Contemporary English Version
Did the people of Israel understand or not? Moses answered this question when he told that the Lord had said, "I will make Israel jealous of people who are a nation of nobodies. I will make them angry with people who don't understand a thing."

English Revised Version
But I say, Did Israel not know? First Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, With a nation void of understanding will I anger you.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Again I ask, "Didn't Israel understand [that message]?" Moses was the first to say, "I will make you jealous of people who are not a nation. I will make you angry about a nation that doesn't understand."

Good News Translation
Again I ask: Did the people of Israel not understand? Moses himself is the first one to answer: "I will use a so-called nation to make my people jealous; and by means of a nation of fools I will make my people angry."

International Standard Version
Again I ask, "Did Israel not understand?" Moses was the first to say, "I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that doesn't understand."

Majority Standard Bible
I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.”

NET Bible
But again I ask, didn't Israel understand? First Moses says, "I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; with a senseless nation I will provoke you to anger."

New Heart English Bible
But I ask, did not Israel know? First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is not a people. I will make you angry with a foolish nation."

Webster's Bible Translation
But I say, Did not Israel know? First, Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

Weymouth New Testament
But again, did Israel fail to understand? Listen to Moses first. He says, "I will fire you with jealousy against a nation which is no nation, and with fury against a nation devoid of understanding."

World English Bible
But I ask, didn’t Israel know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation. I will make you angry with a nation void of understanding.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says, “I will provoke you to jealousy by [that which is] not a nation, "" By an unintelligent nation I will anger you,”

Berean Literal Bible
But I ask, did Israel not know? First, Moses says: "I will provoke you to jealousy by those not a nation; I will anger you by a nation without understanding."

Young's Literal Translation
But I say, Did not Israel know? first Moses saith, 'I will provoke you to jealousy by that which is not a nation; by an unintelligent nation I will anger you,'

Smith's Literal Translation
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses says, I will make you jealous of not a nation, and by a shortsighted nation will I anger you.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But I say: Hath not Israel known? First, Moses saith: I will provoke you to jealousy by that which is not a nation; by a foolish nation I will anger you.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But I say: Has Israel not known? First, Moses says: “I will lead you into a rivalry with those who are not a nation; in the midst of a foolish nation, I will send you into wrath.”

New American Bible
But I ask, did not Israel understand? First Moses says: “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a senseless nation I will make you angry.”

New Revised Standard Version
Again I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says, “I will make you jealous of those who are not a nation; with a foolish nation I will make you angry.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses spoke thus, I will provoke you to jealousy by a people that are not my people, and I will make you angry by a reckless people.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But I say, “Did not Israel know beforehand?” Moses spoke thus: “I shall make you jealous by a people that is not a people and by a people that is disobedient I shall anger you.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But I say: Did not Israel know? First, Moses says: I will excite you to jealousy by that which is no nation; and by a foolish nation I will provoke you to wrath.

Godbey New Testament
But I say, Whether does not Israel know? Moses first says, I will provoke you to jealousy with that which is no nation, and with a nation void of understanding I will anger you.

Haweis New Testament
But I say, Did not Israel know? Moses first saith, “I will excite your jealousy by what is no nation, and by an ignorant people will I provoke you to wrath.”

Mace New Testament
but still I ask, did not Israel know this? first, Moses saith, "I will provoke you to jealousy, by those that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you."

Weymouth New Testament
But again, did Israel fail to understand? Listen to Moses first. He says, "I will fire you with jealousy against a nation which is no nation, and with fury against a nation devoid of understanding."

Worrell New Testament
But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says, "I will provoke you to rivalry by that which is no nation; by a nation void of understanding will I provoke you to anger."

Worsley New Testament
But I say again, Did not Israel know this? when first Moses saith, "I will move you to jealousy by those who are not a people, I will provoke you to anger by a foolish nation:"

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Word Brings Salvation
18But I ask, did they not hear? Indeed they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” 19I ask instead, did Israel not understand? First, Moses says: “I will make you jealous by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation without understanding.” 20And Isaiah boldly says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me; I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me.”…

Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:21
They have provoked My jealousy by that which is not God; they have enraged Me with their worthless idols. So I will make them jealous by those who are not a people; I will make them angry by a nation without understanding.

Isaiah 65:1
“I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’

Isaiah 65:2
All day long I have held out My hands to an obstinate people who walk in the wrong path, who follow their own imaginations,

Romans 11:11
I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous.

Romans 11:14
in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.

Acts 13:46
Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.

Acts 18:6
But when they opposed and insulted him, he shook out his garments and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

Matthew 21:43
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

1 Corinthians 1:27
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

1 Corinthians 10:22
Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?

Luke 14:16-24
But Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. / When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ / But one after another they all began to make excuses. The first one said, ‘I have bought a field, and I need to go see it. Please excuse me.’ ...

John 1:11
He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him.

John 10:16
I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them in as well, and they will listen to My voice. Then there will be one flock and one shepherd.

Hosea 2:23
And I will sow her as My own in the land, and I will have compassion on ‘No Compassion.’ I will say to those called ‘Not My People,’ ‘You are My people,’ and they will say, ‘You are my God.’”


Treasury of Scripture

But I say, Did not Israel know? First Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you.

I say.

Romans 10:18
But I say, Have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world.

Romans 3:26
To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.

1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

First.

Romans 11:11
I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

See on

Deuteronomy 32:21
They have moved me to jealousy with that which is not God; they have provoked me to anger with their vanities: and I will move them to jealousy with those which are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation.

Hosea 2:23
And I will sow her unto me in the earth; and I will have mercy upon her that had not obtained mercy; and I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.

1 Peter 2:10
Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

foolish.

Romans 1:21,22
Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened…

Psalm 115:5-8
They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: …

Isaiah 44:18-20
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that they cannot understand…

Jump to Previous
Anger Angry Devoid Envy Fail Fire First Foolish Fury Israel Jealous Jealousy Moses Moved Nation Provoke Understand Understanding Unintelligent Void
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Anger Angry Devoid Envy Fail Fire First Foolish Fury Israel Jealous Jealousy Moses Moved Nation Provoke Understand Understanding Unintelligent Void
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.














But I ask
This phrase introduces a rhetorical question, a common technique used by Paul to engage his audience and provoke thought. The Greek word for "ask" here is "λέγω" (legō), which can also mean "to say" or "to speak." Paul is not merely inquiring but is making a pointed statement to challenge the assumptions of his readers, particularly the Jewish audience, about their understanding of God's plan.

did Israel not understand?
The term "Israel" refers to the Jewish people, God's chosen nation. The Greek word for "understand" is "γινώσκω" (ginōskō), which implies a deep, experiential knowledge. Paul is questioning whether Israel truly grasped the implications of God's message and His plan for salvation, which was not limited to them alone but extended to the Gentiles as well.

First, Moses says
Paul references Moses, a central figure in Jewish history, to lend authority to his argument. By doing so, he connects his message to the Torah, the foundational text of Judaism. This reference is strategic, as it shows that the inclusion of the Gentiles was not a new concept but rooted in the Jewish Scriptures themselves.

'I will make you jealous
The word "jealous" comes from the Greek "παραζηλόω" (parazēloō), which means to provoke to jealousy or emulation. This is a divine strategy to stir Israel to reconsider their relationship with God by witnessing His blessings upon the Gentiles. It reflects God's desire for Israel to return to Him with renewed zeal and faithfulness.

by those who are not a nation
This phrase highlights the Gentiles, who were not considered a cohesive nation like Israel. The Greek term "ἔθνος" (ethnos) is used here, often translated as "nation" or "people." It underscores the idea that God's grace extends beyond the traditional boundaries of Israel, reaching those who were previously not recognized as His people.

I will make you angry
The Greek word "παροργίζω" (parorgizō) means to provoke to anger. This reflects the emotional response God anticipated from Israel upon seeing the Gentiles receiving His favor. It is a call for introspection and repentance, urging Israel to recognize their own shortcomings and return to God.

by a nation without understanding
The phrase "without understanding" comes from the Greek "ἀσύνετος" (asynetos), meaning lacking insight or wisdom. This description of the Gentiles emphasizes their previous spiritual ignorance and contrasts with Israel's privileged position of having received God's law. Yet, it is these very people, once considered foolish, who now embrace the wisdom of God through faith in Christ.

(19) Did not Israel know that the preaching of the gospel would be thus universal, and pass over from them to the Gentiles? Yes, certainly, for Moses had warned them of this.

First.--In the order of time and of Scripture.

I will provoke you.--In requital for the idolatries of the Jews, Moses prophesied that God would bestow his favour on a Gentile nation, and so provoke their jealousy; and the Apostle sees the fulfilment of this in his own day.

No people . . . a foolish nation.--Terms used by the Jews of their Gentile neighbours. They were "no people," because they did not stand in the same recognised relation to God. They were "a foolish nation," because they had not received the same special revelation, but, on the contrary, worshipped stocks and stones.

Verse 19. - But I say, Did not Israel know? (see explanation given above). First, Moses saith, I will provoke you to jealousy by them that are no nation; by a foolish nation I will anger you. It may be observed that in the Greek we have the same word, ἔθνει,, in both classes of the sentence, though, in order to bring out the supposed meaning in the first clause, it is there, in the Authorized Version, rendered "people," and in the second, "nation." The passage occurs in the song attributed to Moses in Deuteronomy 32:21, and expresses the idea of God, in consequence of the defaults of Israel, favouring those who were so far, as it were, no nation at all, so as to provoke Israel to jealousy. It is therefore aptly cited as an intimation in the Pentateuch itself of the calling of the Gentiles in place of unbelieving Israel. The idea involved in "provoke you to jealousy" - in the sense of moving to emulation, so that Israel itself as a nation might, through the calling of the Gentiles, in the end be saved - is pursued, as will be seen, in the chapter that follows.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
I ask
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

instead:
Ἀλλὰ (Alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

{Did} Israel
Ἰσραὴλ (Israēl)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474: Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

understand?
ἔγνω (egnō)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

First,
πρῶτος (prōtos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4413: First, before, principal, most important. Contracted superlative of pro; foremost.

Moses
Μωϋσῆς (Mōusēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3475: Or Moses, or Mouses of Hebrew origin; Moseus, Moses, or Mouses, the Hebrew lawgiver.

says:
λέγει (legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“I
Ἐγὼ (Egō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

will make you jealous
παραζηλώσω (parazēlōsō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3863: To make jealous, provoke to jealously, provoke to anger. From para and zeloo; to stimulate alongside, i.e. Excite to rivalry.

by [those who are]
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

a nation;
ἔθνει (ethnei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

I will make you angry
παροργιῶ (parorgiō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3949: To provoke to anger, exasperate. From para and orgizo; to anger alongside, i.e. Enrage.

by
ἐπ’ (ep’)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

a nation
ἔθνει (ethnei)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1484: Probably from etho; a race, i.e. A tribe; specially, a foreign one.

without understanding.”
ἀσυνέτῳ (asynetō)
Adjective - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 801: Unintelligent, without wisdom, unwise, undiscerning (implying probably moral defect). By implication, wicked.


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NT Letters: Romans 10:19 But I ask didn't Israel know? First (Rom. Ro)
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