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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 11:36 mean?

Explanation

Romans 11:36 is a doxology, a short hymn of praise to God, which appears at the close of a profound discussion in the letter to the Romans. It succinctly summarizes the Apostle Paul’s view of God’s sovereignty in creation, redemption, and the ultimate purpose of all things.

This verse proclaims that God is the source of all things ("of him"), the means by which all things are sustained ("through him"), and the ultimate end or goal of all things ("to him"). The statement concludes with an expression of eternal praise, underscoring the everlasting nature of God’s glory.

Top Rated Romans Books

Historical Context

Paul's letter to the Romans was written approximately in the mid-1st century (likely around 57 A.D.).

Rome was the epicenter of the vast Roman Empire, and the Christian community there was composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers.

The doctrinal teaching in Romans is comprehensive, addressing issues such as human sinfulness, justification by faith, sanctification, and God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles.

Romans 11:36 comes after an exposition of God's mercy to both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God's wisdom and knowledge are beyond human comprehension.

Theological Insights

The verse presents a monotheistic understanding of God’s relationship with the world, reflecting a Jewish-Christian perspective. It touches on aspects of God's omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence.

From a Christian theological viewpoint, the phrase “of him” indicates that God is the creator and source of all that exists.

“Through him” implies that God sustains all things and is actively involved in the world.

“To him” suggests that all creation is directed towards God’s glory and serves His divine purpose. The praise “to whom be glory for ever” locates God’s glory as being eternal, resonating with God's attributes of immortality and unchangeable perfection.

Practical Applications

This verse can serve to orient the believer's worldview and daily actions towards God.

In practical terms, this could mean acknowledging God as the origin and sustainer of one’s life and existence, seeking to undertake actions that are aligned with God's will, and aiming to bring glory to God in one's personal and community life.

Cross-References

Revelation 4:11 - "Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
Colossians 1:16-17 - "For by him were all things created... all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist."
1 Corinthians 8:6 - "But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him."

Language Study

In the original Greek text:

"Of him" (ἐξ αὐτοῦ) conveys the concept of origin or source.
"Through him" (δι’ αὐτοῦ) implies agency or means.
"To him" (εἰς αὐτὸν) suggests purpose or destination.
"Amen" is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for "truth" or "certainty," often used at the end of a prayer or doxology to affirm the truthfulness of what has been said.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religious texts, the idea that a deity is the source and sustainer of the universe is common. For instance, in Greek mythology, Zeus was often considered the ruler of the gods and the overseer of the cosmos.

However, Romans 11:36 differs by emphasizing a single, personal God who is not only sovereign over the universe but also its ultimate purpose and goal.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse transcends scientific inquiry as it speaks to metaphysical realities rather than empirical facts.

While science explores the mechanisms through which the universe operates, this verse stands as a statement of faith asserting God behind all causality.

It is not in the purview of science to evaluate the theological claims about purpose and the source of all things.

Commentaries

Diverse biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations:

Matthew Henry views it as a reminder that all our hopes and comforts originate from God, flow through Him, and aim to glorify Him.
Theologian John Stott sees it as an affirmation of the total sovereignty of God in the flow and events of history.
F.F.

Bruce notes that it encapsulates Paul's reverent submission to the mystery of God's wisdom and knowledge, just previously mentioned, and underscores the fact that all existence is contingent upon God.

Romans 11

Romans 11

What does Romans 11:36 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 11:36 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?