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Romans 11

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.

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a recompence unto them:

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.

I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.

O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counseller?

Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?

For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

What does Romans 11:34 mean?

Explanation

Romans 11:34 is a verse that challenges the reader to consider the sovereignty and omniscience of God.

This rhetorical question implies that no human being has the capability to fully comprehend the divine intellect of the Lord or advise Him.

It emphasizes that God's judgments and ways are beyond human understanding, highlighting the infinite gap between God's knowledge and human wisdom.

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Historical Context

This verse is part of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, written approximately 57 A.D. to a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome.

In chapter 11, Paul is addressing the mystery of salvation, focusing on the fate of Israel and elucidating the depths of God's wisdom, especially in terms of His plans for both Jews and Gentiles.

Theological Insights

Romans 11:34 is rich in theological implications.

For Calvinists, it reaffirms God's sovereignty and the doctrine of unconditional election.

Arminians might use it to emphasize God's foreknowledge and wisdom in allowing humans to exercise free will.

Catholic and Orthodox traditions might use it to point to the necessity of humility and submission to divine mystery.

Each perspective encourages trust and reverence for God's unfathomable judgments and plans.

Practical Applications

The teachings of this verse might encourage believers to practice humility, acknowledging the limits of human wisdom.

It could foster a sense of trust in God's ultimate plan and discourage the arrogance of trying to dictate or question His will.

In daily life, it can offer comfort and perspective, reminding individuals that uncertainty in life is under the direction of a higher, omniscient authority.

Cross-References

Isaiah 40:13-14 - "Who hath directed the Spirit of the LORD, or [being] his counsellor hath taught him?"
Job 15:8 - "Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?"
1 Corinthians 2:16 - "For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."

Language Study

The key words in this verse are "mind" (νοῦς, nous) and "counsellor" (συμβουλος, symboulos).

"Nous" refers to the intellectual faculty or understanding, indicating thought, intention, or purpose.

"Symboulos" has the connotation of an adviser or consultant, implying someone who offers guidance or counsel.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient times, many cultures had gods with human attributes, including the need for advisers.

In contrast, the Jewish-Christian God is presented as omniscient and omnipotent, not requiring counsel from anyone. This sets the God of the Bible apart from the pantheons of other ancient religions where gods often consult with each other.

Scientific Perspectives

Science seeks to understand the natural world through empirical evidence and rational inquiry.

This verse, however, speaks to the supernatural and the divine mind, areas outside the purview of scientific method.

Nevertheless, science can prompt awe and wonder at the universe's complexity, which may resonate with the sentiments of this scripture in marveling at the inscrutability of divine intelligence.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators often emphasize the context of divine grace and mercy in this verse.

Matthew Henry comments on God's wisdom being unsearchable and His judgments past finding out.

Others, such as John Calvin, underscore the greatness of God compared to the insignificance of man's understanding.

In contemporary exegesis, this verse has been discussed in the context of God's plan of redemption and the interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.

Romans 11

Romans 11

What does Romans 11:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Romans 11:34 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?