Romans 11 12

Romans 11:12 kjv

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?

Romans 11:12 nkjv

Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness!

Romans 11:12 niv

But if their transgression means riches for the world, and their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their full inclusion bring!

Romans 11:12 esv

Now if their trespass means riches for the world, and if their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full inclusion mean!

Romans 11:12 nlt

Now if the Gentiles were enriched because the people of Israel turned down God's offer of salvation, think how much greater a blessing the world will share when they finally accept it.

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 12 Meaning

The apostle Paul here explains the immense value and multiplied blessing that flows to the Gentiles because of Israel's stumbling. Their fall made salvation available to the Gentiles, and in turn, Israel's eventual reception of Christ will bring an even greater abundance of life from the dead. This is a core concept of God's redemptive plan, involving a complex interplay between Israel and the nations.

Romans 11 12 Context

This verse is part of Romans chapter 11, where Paul is addressing the relationship between God's chosen people, Israel, and the Gentile believers. The preceding verses explain that Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, while resulting in a hardening, has paved the way for the salvation of the Gentiles. This verse highlights the consequence of Israel's stumbling, emphasizing its positive impact on the world in terms of making salvation accessible to the Gentiles and promising future restoration for Israel. The overarching theme is God's sovereign plan and faithfulness, which includes both judgment and mercy, as well as a historical progression of salvation.

Romans 11 12 Word Analysis

• εἰς (eis): (preposition) unto, to, into. Indicates direction or purpose.
• τὸ ἐθνῶν (to ethnon): (article + noun) the nations, Gentiles. Refers to non-Jewish peoples.
• παράπτωμα (paraptoma): (noun, accusative singular) transgression, offence, trespass, stumble. This refers to Israel's collective "stumble" in not recognizing Jesus as their promised Messiah, leading to their temporary rejection by God for the sake of the Gentiles.
• ἐπηγαστο (epēgasto): (verb, 2nd aorist passive indicative, 3rd person singular) it came to pass, it accrued, it resulted in. Implies a consequence or a consequence flowing from an action or event.
• τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις (tois Ioudaiois): (article + noun, dative plural) to/for the Jews. This is in contrast to the Gentiles mentioned earlier in the sentence.
• πλοῦτος (ploutos): (noun, nominative singular) riches, wealth, abundance. Here, it signifies the immense spiritual benefits and salvation available to the Gentiles.
• αὐτῶν (auton): (pronoun, genitive plural) their. Referring back to the Gentiles.
• πλεονεκτεῖτε (pleonektheitē): (verb, 2nd person plural present indicative active) to have more, to overreach, to enrich, to gain advantage. In this context, Paul warns the Gentiles against pride or assuming they have superseded Israel. Instead, it points to a benefit they have gained through Israel's fall.
• σωτηρία (sōtēria): (noun, nominative singular) salvation. The deliverance from sin and death through Jesus Christ.
• εἰς (eis): (preposition) unto, to, into. Indicates direction or purpose.
• τὸ ἔθνος (to ethnos): (article + noun, accusative singular) the nation, the Gentiles. Here referring to the Gentile nations collectively.
• ἐπηρέθισεν (eperethisen): (verb, 2nd aorist indicative active, 3rd person singular) to provoke to jealousy, to stir up to emulation, to irritate. Paul uses this verb to describe how the Gentile success in receiving the gospel provokes Israel to jealousy, ultimately leading to their salvation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "To the Gentiles hath this stumble brought riches": This phrase powerfully links Israel's failure with a positive outcome for the nations. The "stumble" (paraptoma) is directly correlated with the "riches" (ploutos) of salvation being poured out upon the Gentiles. This isn't accidental; it's a calculated outworking of God's plan.
• "their transgression (for they were made rich)": The parenthetical statement clarifies that Israel's "transgression" or "fall" resulted in their own loss of immediate blessing, but paradoxically, made possible the enrichment of the Gentiles.
• "that the Gentiles might be jealous of them": This explains the mechanism by which Israel's future restoration is envisioned. The success and blessing enjoyed by the Gentiles would, by God's design, stir a sense of jealousy or longing in Israel.
• "their redemption/salvation": The ultimate aim of this provocative jealousy is Israel's own salvation, their full re-inclusion into God's plan of redemption.

Romans 11 12 Bonus Section

The concept of God using human failing for redemptive purposes is a recurring theme in Scripture. For instance, Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery led to him becoming a savior to his family in Egypt (Genesis 50:20). Likewise, Jesus’ crucifixion, a human act of betrayal and violence, was the very means of salvation for all humanity. Paul emphasizes this divine prerogative to turn the "worst" into a platform for His glory and the spread of His Kingdom. The mention of Israel being "provoked to jealousy" has profound implications for evangelism and interfaith dialogue, suggesting that the visible blessing on believers can be a powerful witness.

Romans 11 12 Commentary

Paul masterfully weaves a theological tapestry demonstrating God's intricate plan. Israel’s fall, often viewed solely as a tragedy, becomes an instrument for Gentile salvation, enriching them with the Gospel. This influx of blessing is intended not to belittle Israel, but to provoke them to emulation. Their temporary hardening, while sorrowful, creates an opportunity for the Gentiles, and the Gentile blessing ultimately serves to draw Israel back to their Messiah. This shows God's faithfulness is not nullified by Israel's disobedience; rather, their sin leads to a wider reach of salvation, a divine strategy for global redemption. It is a testament to God’s ability to use every circumstance, even failure, for ultimate good.