31 but the people of Israel, who pursued the law as the way of righteousness, have not attained their goal.
31 But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.
31 but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness
31 And Israel, who seemed so interested in reading and talking about what God was doing, missed it.
31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.
31 But the people of Israel, who tried so hard to get right with God by keeping the law, never succeeded.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Romans 9:31
Commentary on Romans 9:30-33
(Read Romans 9:30-33)
The Gentiles knew not their guilt and misery, therefore were not careful to procure a remedy. Yet they attained to righteousness by faith. Not by becoming proselytes to the Jewish religion, and submitting to the ceremonial law; but by embracing Christ, and believing in him, and submitting to the gospel. The Jews talked much of justification and holiness, and seemed very ambitious to be the favourites of God. They sought, but not in the right way, not in the humbling way, not in the appointed way. Not by faith, not by embracing Christ, depending upon Christ, and submitting to the gospel. They expected justification by observing the precepts and ceremonies of the law of Moses. The unbelieving Jews had a fair offer of righteousness, life, and salvation, made them upon gospel terms, which they did not like, and would not accept. Have we sought to know how we may be justified before God, seeking that blessing in the way here pointed out, by faith in Christ, as the Lord our Righteousness? Then we shall not be ashamed in that awful day, when all refuges of lies shall be swept away, and the Divine wrath shall overflow every hiding-place but that which God hath prepared in his own Son.