The Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness have obtained it, a righteousness that is by faith. But Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness has not attained it. Because they pursued it not by faith, but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone. As it is written, “See! I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble over and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame.”
Romans 9:30-32
Notice the difference between 9:30 and 9:31.
Some translations translate both words the same. “attain” / “attain”. That doesn’t help us to see that the words Paul uses are different.
The NIV which I have quoted above distinguishes between the two words. Using “obtain” for [katalambanō] and “attain” for [phthanō].
attained = καταλαμβάνω [katalambanō] / Obtained φθάνω [phthanō]
katalambanō to take eagerly, seize, possess, etc. (literally or figuratively): – apprehend, attain, come upon, comprehend, find, obtain, perceive, (over-) take.
[phthanō] to be beforehand, that is, anticipate or precede; by extension to have arrived at: – (already) attain, come, prevent.In the case of the Gentiles Paul makes the point they have made it theirs. They have obtained it, perceived it, comprehended it, found it and made it theirs. In the case of the Jews they haven’t attained to it, they haven’t arrived yet. There is a significant difference between the words used. Paul chooses his words carefully. He is a wordsmith.
Why did Israel miss out on the promise? Because they stumbling over the stumbling stone. Christ, the Messiah. When you don’t accept Christ then you reject the whole package and God has no other way. Be careful what you do with the Christ. As God has clearly told us in His Word, He is the stumbling stone, the rock of offense. Oh yes He is the Rock but He is also the rock of offense. Many don’t want to receive Christ and prefer to work out their salvation according to the Law. That was the mistake of the Jews.
In 405 AD Jerome mistranslated “rays” Ex.34:29 so artists drew horns on Moses! Before you draw horns on someone make sure its true!
Rick Warren
Nothing is easier than saying words. Nothing is harder than living them, day after day.
Arthur Gordon
What is behind you & what is ahead of you are tiny matters compared to what is WITHIN you.
Sid Mohede