Romans 9:3

1 I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.

2 I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

4 the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

5 Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Here the Bible tells a story about someone else. Ask yourself what it can say to us today. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,
KJV
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
WEB
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh
ASV
For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren`s sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
DARBY
for I have wished, I myself, to be a curse from the Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen, according to flesh;
BLB
For I could wish myself to be accursed, apart from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,
ÅB
For jeg skulle ønske at jeg selv var forbannet bort fra Kristus for mine brødre, mine landsmenn etter kjøttet,
OTB
For jeg kunne ønske at jeg selv var forbannet og skilt fra Kristus for mine brødres skyld, mine slektninger etter kjødet,
B1930
For jeg vilde ønske at jeg selv var forbannet bort fra Kristus for mine brødre, mine frender efter kjødet,

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Exodus 32:32

    Yet now, if You would only forgive their sin.... But if not, please blot me out of the book that You have written.”

    Read in context
  • Esther 8:6

    For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

    Read in context
  • Romans 11:14

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

    Read in context
  • Galatians 3:10

    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.”

    Read in context
  • 1 Corinthians 16:22

    If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!

    Read in context
  • Galatians 3:13

    Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”

    Read in context
  • Joshua 6:17–18

    Now the city and everything in it must be devoted to the LORD for destruction. Only Rahab the prostitute and all those with her in her house will live, because she hid the spies we sent.

    Read in context
  • Acts 7:23–26

    When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

    Read in context