This is how relates back to what Paul has previously said, and the following scripture quotation serves to prove the truth of his statement. Paul believes that when the Gentile nations as a whole turn to God, this will also inspire the Jewish people as a whole to do so. Paul appeals to Scripture to support his argument: in verse 26-27a Paul refers to Isaiah 59.20-21 and in verse 27b to Isaiah 27.9. The quotations are fairly close to the Septuagint. The passive expression will be saved may be transformed into an active one—for example, “God will save all Israel.”

In a number of languages it is impossible to talk about “removing wickedness” or “taking away sins” other than in the sense of “to forgive.” This is essentially the meaning of these expressions in the scriptural context, and lines two and four of the quotation are parallel. The reference to the descendants of Jacob is in Greek literally “Jacob,” a familiar way of speaking of the Jewish people.

In order to make clear who is I, it may be necessary to introduce an expression of direct discourse—for example, “and God said, I will make this covenant with them.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .