Romans 10:6-8
Saith thus ( ουτως λεγε ). Paul personifies "the from faith righteousness" ( η εκ πιστεως δικαιοσυνη ). A free reproduction from De 30:11-14. Paul takes various phrases from the LXX and uses them for "his inspired conviction and experiences of the gospel" (Denney). He does not quote Moses as saying this or meaning this.Say not in thy heart ( μη ειπηις εν τη καρδια σου ). Second aorist active subjunctive with μη like De 8:17. To say in the heart is to think (Mt 3:9).
That is, to bring Christ down ( τουτ' εστιν Χριστον καταγαγειν ). Second aorist active infinitive of the common verb καταγω, to bring or lead down. It is dependent on the preceding verb αναβησετα (shall ascend). Τουτ' εστιν (that is) is what is called Midrash or interpretation as in 9:8. It occurs three times here (verses 6-8). Paul applies the words of Moses to Christ. There is no need for one to go to heaven to bring Christ down to earth. The Incarnation is already a glorious fact. Today some men scout the idea of the Deity and Incarnation of Christ.
Into the abyss ( εις την αβυσσον ). See Lu 8:31 for this old Greek word ( α privative and βυσσος ) bottomless like sea (Ps 106:26), our abyss. In Re 9:1 it is the place of torment. Paul seems to refer to Hades or Sheol (Ac 2:27, 31), the other world to which Christ went after death.
To bring Christ up ( Χριστον αναγαγειν ). Second aorist active infinitive of αναγω and dependent on καταβησετα (shall descend). Christ has already risen from the dead. The deity and resurrection of Christ are precisely the two chief points of attack today on the part of sceptics.
But what saith it? ( αλλα τ λεγει? ). That is "the from faith righteousness."
The word of faith ( το ρημα της πιστεως ). The gospel message concerning faith (objective genitive). Only here. In contrast to the law.
Which we preach ( ο κηρυσσομεν ). The living voice brings home to every one the faith kind of righteousness. Paul seizes upon the words of Moses with the orator's instinct and with rhetorical skill (Sanday and Headlam) applies them to the facts about the gospel message about the Incarnation and Resurrection of Christ.
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