Although most modern translations understand the first verb in this verse in the same sense as the Good News Translation, were not faithful, it is possible to take this verb with the meaning of “did not believe” (see An American Translation* “has shown a lack of faith”). The context seems to support the interpretation given by the Good News Translation, since Paul is making a contrast between the Jews who were not faithful to the covenant they had made with God and God who was faithful in keeping the covenant. This seems quite evident from the choice of the Greek words which Paul uses in this passage.

This use of faithful in the first question of verse 3 may be understood either in the sense of “not preserving properly the message of God” or “not complying with the message of God.” Evidently this latter interpretation is in focus. It is thus important that the preceding statement in verse 2 agree with this interpretation of being faithful in following out the implications of the message.

In languages which cannot employ a question at this point it is possible to use a statement, either “some of the Jews were not faithful” or “it is true that some of the Jews were not faithful.” By means of the introductory expression “it is true” the structure of argument and counterargument is retained.

Does it mean that for this reason God will not be faithful? is literally “Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God?” (Revised Standard Version). It is possible, on the basis of the Greek, to take this question to mean, “Does it mean that for this reason faith in God is useless?” but no modern translations take Paul’s question in that sense. The Greek word rendered “nullify” in the Revised Standard Version is used also in 3.31, and it is there translated in the Good News Translation as do away with.

An introductory expression such as does it mean may be rendered in some languages as “do you think.” If a question form cannot be employed in the second part of verse 3, one can always say “this does not mean that for this reason God will not be faithful” or “you must not think that for this reason God will not be faithful.” The phrase for this reason may be made specific in some languages as “you must not think that God will not be faithful, just because some men are not faithful.”

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 .