And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Read it in contextGentiles warned against boasting
Start reading at Romans 11:11 (Romans 11:11 to Romans 11:24).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The branches illustration places Gentile believers under a warning: they stand by faith and must continue in God's goodness rather than presume on it.
11:11I 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.
11:12Now 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?
11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
11:15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
11:16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
11:17And 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;
11:18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
11:19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
11:21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
11:22Behold 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.
11:23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
11:24For 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?
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 9:1–11:36): Paul addresses the Roman believers about Israel and the Gentiles, explicitly speaking to Gentiles in 11:13. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Gentiles warned against boasting. Read Romans 11:11 through Romans 11:24 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The branches illustration places Gentile believers under a warning: they stand by faith and must continue in God's goodness rather than presume on it. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Gentiles warned against boasting (Romans 11:11 to Romans 11:24).
Start reading at Romans 11:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 11
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects the conclusion that God has simply abandoned His people, appealing to his own identity and the scriptural example of a remnant.
Connection to the wholeThe branches illustration places Gentile believers under a warning: they stand by faith and must continue in God's goodness rather than presume on it.
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.