Romans 9:3
New International Version
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race,

New Living Translation
for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.

English Standard Version
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.

Berean Standard Bible
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,

Berean Literal Bible
For I could wish myself to be a curse, separated from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

King James Bible
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

New King James Version
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh,

New American Standard Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my countrymen, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

NASB 1995
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

NASB 1977
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Legacy Standard Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Amplified Bible
For [if it were possible] I would wish that I myself were accursed, [separated, banished] from Christ for the sake [of the salvation] of my brothers, my natural kinsmen,

Christian Standard Bible
For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For I could almost wish to be cursed and cut off from the Messiah for the benefit of my brothers, my own flesh and blood.

American Standard Version
For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Contemporary English Version
I would gladly be placed under God's curse and be separated from Christ for the good of my own people.

English Revised Version
For I could wish that I myself were anathema from Christ for my brethren's sake, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I wish I could be condemned and cut off from Christ for the sake of others who, like me, are Jewish by birth.

Good News Translation
for my people, my own flesh and blood! For their sake I could wish that I myself were under God's curse and separated from Christ.

International Standard Version
for I could wish that I myself were condemned and cut off from the Messiah for the sake of my brothers, my own people,

Majority Standard Bible
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,

NET Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed--cut off from Christ--for the sake of my people, my fellow countrymen,

New Heart English Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers' sake, my physical relatives according to the flesh,

Webster's Bible Translation
For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

Weymouth New Testament
For I could pray to be accursed from Christ on behalf of my brethren, my human kinsfolk--for such the Israelites are.

World English Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers’ sake, my relatives according to the flesh
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for I was wishing, I myself, to be accursed from the Christ—for my brothers, my relatives, according to the flesh,

Berean Literal Bible
For I could wish myself to be a curse, separated from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Young's Literal Translation
for I was wishing, I myself, to be anathema from the Christ -- for my brethren, my kindred, according to the flesh,

Smith's Literal Translation
For I myself was praying to be anathema from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For I wished myself to be an anathema from Christ, for my brethren, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Catholic Public Domain Version
For I was desiring that I myself might be anathemized from Christ, for the sake of my brothers, who are my kinsmen according to the flesh.

New American Bible
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and separated from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kin according to the flesh.

New Revised Standard Version
For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For I have prayed that I myself might be accursed because of Christ for the sake of my brethren and my kinsmen according to the flesh,

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For I have been praying that I myself might be destroyed from The Messiah, for the sake of my brethren and my kinsman, who are in the flesh,
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
for I could wish myself to be accursed from Christ, for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh;

Godbey New Testament
For I would pray, that I myself might be an offering from Christ; in behalf of my brethren, my kindred according to the flesh:

Haweis New Testament
For could I myself wish that an anathema should be from Christ upon my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh?

Mace New Testament
for I could wish to be as one anathematiz'd from the christian church for my brethren, who are of the same race as my self,

Weymouth New Testament
For I could pray to be accursed from Christ on behalf of my brethren, my human kinsfolk--for such the Israelites are.

Worrell New Testament
(for I was wishing myself to be a curse from Christ) for my brethren, my kinsmen according to flesh;

Worsley New Testament
for I could wish that I myself were made a curse after the manner of Christ, for my brethren, my kindred according to the flesh;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Concern for the Jews
2I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, 4the 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.…

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.”

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.”

Philippians 3:8
More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ

2 Corinthians 11:28-29
Apart from these external trials, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. / Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?

Acts 26:29
“Short time or long,” Paul replied, “I wish to God that not only you but all who hear me this day may become what I am, except for these chains.”

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

2 Corinthians 5:21
God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Matthew 23:37
O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!

1 John 3:16
By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.

1 Timothy 2:7
For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.

1 Corinthians 12:26
If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.

2 Timothy 2:10
For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Isaiah 53:12
Therefore I will allot Him a portion with the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He has poured out His life unto death, and He was numbered with the transgressors. Yet He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors.

Jeremiah 9:1
Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.


Treasury of Scripture

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh:

I could.

Exodus 32:32
Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.

were.

Deuteronomy 21:23
His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hanged is accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.

Joshua 6:17,18
And the city shall be accursed, even it, and all that are therein, to the LORD: only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all that are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent…

1 Samuel 14:24,44
And the men of Israel were distressed that day: for Saul had adjured the people, saying, Cursed be the man that eateth any food until evening, that I may be avenged on mine enemies. So none of the people tasted any food…

accursed.

Romans 11:1
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Genesis 29:14
And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.

Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

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Accursed Anathema Behalf Brethren's Christ Curse Cursed Cut Desire Family Flesh Human Israelites Kindred Kinsfolk Kinsmen Race Relatives Sake Separated Wish Wished Wishing
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Accursed Anathema Behalf Brethren's Christ Curse Cursed Cut Desire Family Flesh Human Israelites Kindred Kinsfolk Kinsmen Race Relatives Sake Separated Wish Wished Wishing
Romans 9
1. Paul is sorry for the Jews.
7. All of Abraham not of the promise.
18. God's sovereignty.
25. The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold.
32. The cause of their stumbling.














For I could wish
The phrase "For I could wish" reflects the deep emotional intensity and personal sacrifice Paul is willing to consider. The Greek word used here, "εὐχόμην" (euchomai), conveys a strong desire or prayer. This is not a casual wish but a profound expression of Paul's heart. It underscores the depth of his love and concern for his fellow Israelites, showing a Christ-like willingness to sacrifice for others.

that I myself were cursed
The term "cursed" comes from the Greek word "ἀνάθεμα" (anathema), which means something devoted to destruction. In the Jewish context, being cursed was a severe state of separation from God's blessings. Paul is expressing an extreme willingness to endure the ultimate spiritual loss for the sake of his people. This reflects the sacrificial love that mirrors Christ's own sacrifice for humanity.

and cut off from Christ
"Cut off from Christ" indicates a complete separation from the source of salvation and life. The Greek word "ἀποχωρίζω" (apochorizo) means to sever or separate. Paul is expressing a hypothetical willingness to be separated from the very relationship that defines his existence, highlighting the gravity of his concern for the salvation of his fellow Jews. This phrase emphasizes the seriousness of the spiritual condition of those who do not know Christ.

for the sake of my brothers
"My brothers" refers to Paul's fellow Israelites, his kinsmen according to the flesh. The Greek word "ἀδελφῶν" (adelphon) signifies a close familial relationship. Paul identifies deeply with his Jewish heritage and expresses a familial love and responsibility towards them. This phrase underscores the communal and covenantal aspects of Jewish identity, which Paul still holds dear despite his mission to the Gentiles.

my own flesh and blood
This phrase, "my own flesh and blood," translates the Greek "συγγενῶν μου κατὰ σάρκα" (syngenon mou kata sarka), literally meaning "kinsmen according to the flesh." It emphasizes the physical and ethnic connection Paul has with the Jewish people. Despite his apostolic mission to the Gentiles, Paul never forgets his roots and the promises made to Israel. This highlights the tension and heartache he feels over their current spiritual state, and his deep desire for their salvation.

(3) I could wish . . .--Rather, I could have wished. The wish, of course, related to what was really impossible. Still it is a nobly generous impulse, at which some weak minds have been shocked, and out of which others have made sentimental capital. Let us leave it as it is.

Accursed from Christ.--Separated from Christ, and devoted to destruction. Does not the intensity of this expression help us to realise one aspect of the Atonement--"being made a curse for us" (Galatians 3:13)? (The Greek word for "curse" is different, but comes to be nearly equivalent.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
For
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

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.

could wish that
ηὐχόμην (ēuchomēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2172: To pray, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God.

I myself
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

were
εἶναι (einai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Active
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

cursed
ἀνάθεμα (anathema)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 331: A votive offering, a thing devoted to God; a curse, the thing cursed. From anatithemai; a ban or excommunicated.

[and] cut off from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

Christ
Χριστοῦ (Christou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 5547: Anointed One; the Messiah, the Christ. From chrio; Anointed One, i.e. The Messiah, an epithet of Jesus.

for the sake of
ὑπὲρ (hyper)
Preposition
Strong's 5228: Gen: in behalf of; acc: above.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

brothers,
ἀδελφῶν (adelphōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

own flesh and blood,
συγγενῶν (syngenōn)
Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 4773: Akin to, related; subst: fellow countryman, kinsman. From sun and genos; a relative; by extension, a fellow countryman.


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NT Letters: Romans 9:3 For I could wish that I myself (Rom. Ro)
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