Romans 9:31

But Israel which followed after the Law of righteousnesse, hath not attained to the Law of righteousnes.
- King James Version (1611) - View 1611 Bible Scan

but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at {that} law.
- New American Standard Version (1995)

but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, did not arrive at `that' law.
- American Standard Version (1901)

But Israel, going after a law of righteousness, did not get it.
- Basic English Bible

But Israel, pursuing after a law of righteousness, has not attained to [that] law.
- Darby Bible

But Israel, who followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
- Webster's Bible

while the descendants of Israel, who were in pursuit of a Law that could give righteousness, have not arrived at one.
- Weymouth Bible

but Israel, following after a law of righteousness, didn't arrive at the law of righteousness.
- World English Bible

But Israel suynge the lawe of riytwisnesse, cam not parfitli in to the lawe of riytwisnesse.
- Wycliffe Bible

and Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, at a law of righteousness did not arrive;
- Youngs Literal Bible

Wesley's Notes for Romans 9:31

9:29 As Isaiah had said before - Namely, #Isa 1:9|, concerning those who were besieged in Jerusalem by Rezin and Pekah. Unless the Lord had left us a seed - Which denotes, The present paucity: The future abundance. We had been as Sodom - So that it is no unexampled thing for the main body of the Jewish nation to revolt from God, and perish in their sin.

9:30 What shall we say then - What is to be concluded from all that has been said but this, That the gentiles, who followed not after righteousness - Who a while ago had no knowledge of, no care or thought about, it. Have attained to righteousness - Or justification. Even the righteousness which is by faith. This is the first conclusion we may draw from the preceding observations. The second is, that Israel - The Jews Although following after the law of righteousness - That law which, duly used, would have led them to faith, and thereby to righteousness. Have not attained to the law of righteousness - To that righteousness or justification which is one great end of the law

9:32 And wherefore have they not? Is it because God eternally decreed they should not? There is nothing like this to be met with but agreeable to his argument the apostle gives us this good reason for it, Because they sought it not by faith - Whereby alone it could be attained. But as it were - In effect, if not professsedly, by works. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone - Christ crucified.

9:33 As it is written - Foretold by their own prophet. Behold, I lay in Sion - I exhibit in my church, what, though it is in truth the only sure foundation of happiness, yet will be in fact a stumblingstone and rock of offence - An occasion of ruin to many, through their obstinate unbelief. #Isa 8:14|; Isa 28:16