Romans 11 15

Romans 11:15 kjv

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?

Romans 11:15 nkjv

For if their being cast away is the reconciling of the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Romans 11:15 niv

For if their rejection brought reconciliation to the world, what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?

Romans 11:15 esv

For if their rejection means the reconciliation of the world, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?

Romans 11:15 nlt

For since their rejection meant that God offered salvation to the rest of the world, their acceptance will be even more wonderful. It will be life for those who were dead!

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 15 Meaning

Romans 11:15 presents a profound a fortiori argument from the Apostle Paul. It postulates that if Israel's temporary turning away and non-belief in Jesus the Messiah paradoxically resulted in the world (specifically, the Gentiles) being reconciled to God, then their future national acceptance and return to faith will inevitably lead to an even more glorious and universally impactful blessing, likened to spiritual "life from the dead." This verse underscores God's sovereign and intricate plan, using Israel's temporary partial hardening to extend salvation to Gentiles, and promising an unparalleled, life-giving spiritual renewal upon Israel's full restoration.

Romans 11 15 Context

Romans chapter 11 continues Paul's elaborate theological argument concerning Israel's place in God's redemptive plan, following the challenging chapters 9 and 10 which address their present unbelief. Paul is emphatically countering any notion that God has definitively rejected His covenant people. He illustrates this by first citing the "remnant" who believe (v.1-10) and then introducing the concept of Israel's partial hardening leading to the salvation of the Gentiles (v.11-14). Verse 15 builds directly upon this, acting as a pivotal rhetorical question that powerfully highlights the unparalleled blessings yet to come. It sets the stage for the famous olive tree analogy (v.17-24) and Paul's direct prophecy about the future salvation of "all Israel" (v.25-27), reinforcing that Israel remains central to God's ultimate eschatological plan. Historically, this discourse also served to caution Gentile believers in Rome against developing an attitude of pride or spiritual superiority over their Jewish brethren.

Romans 11 15 Word analysis

• For if (εἰ γὰρ - ei gar):

  • "For" serves as a conjunction, logically connecting this statement to Paul's preceding argument in Rom 11:11-12 about how Israel's trespass benefited Gentiles.
  • "If" introduces a protasis (conditional clause), establishing a given truth or premise, which sets up the compelling a fortiori conclusion that follows. It posits a clear cause-and-effect relationship in God's divine economy.

• their rejection (ἡ ἀποβολὴ αὐτῶν - hē apobolē autōn):

  • Apobolē (ἀποβολὴ): Literally signifies "a casting off," "rejection," or "loss." It reflects a temporary state where Israel, by its corporate unbelief, was "set aside" from its role as the primary channel of God's redemptive plan during this era. It is not an eternal damnation or absolute abandonment by God (see Rom 11:1), but a purposeful withdrawal of certain privileges for a time.
  • "Their": Refers to the nation of Israel, those whom Paul previously described as stumbling over Christ.
  • Significance: This emphasizes Israel's active non-reception of Christ, which God, in His sovereignty, permitted to further His broader purposes of reconciling the Gentile world.

• is the reconciliation (καταλλαγὴ κόσμου - katallagē kosmou):

  • Katallagē (καταλλαγὴ): Means "reconciliation," specifically the restoration of estranged parties to a state of peace and favor. Here, it refers to humanity being brought back into right relationship with God.
  • Kosmou (κόσμου): "Of the world," specifically indicating the non-Jewish, Gentile world.
  • Significance: Paul highlights a divine paradox: Israel's temporary deviation became the instrument through which God extended His reconciling grace to the unlikeliest of recipients – the Gentiles. This reveals the breadth of God's redemptive love.

• what will their acceptance be (τὶς ἡ πρόσληψις - tis hē proslēmpsis):

  • Tis (τὶς): "What," indicating a rhetorical question that anticipates an answer of overwhelmingly greater significance.
  • Proslēmpsis (πρόσληψις): Means "acceptance," "reception," "taking on," or "admission." It is the direct semantic antonym to apobolē (rejection) and forecasts Israel's future return to divine favor and belief.
  • "Their": Again points to the nation of Israel, foreseeing a widespread spiritual and national turning back to God and His Messiah.
  • Significance: This foresees a grand future spiritual renewal and recognition of the Messiah by the nation of Israel, which will trigger events of universal benefit.

• but life from the dead? (ἀλλὰ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν - alla zōē ek nekrῶν):

  • Alla (ἀλλὰ): "But" or "rather," introducing the dramatically superior consequence of Israel's future acceptance.
  • Zōē ek nekrῶν (ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν): Literally translates as "life out of dead ones." This phrase is deeply rich in biblical imagery of resurrection and profound, vibrant spiritual quickening.
  • Significance: This imagery represents an event of incomparable glory and transformation, exceeding even the reconciliation of the Gentile world. It points towards:
    • Profound spiritual revival: An unprecedented outpouring of God's Spirit leading to an immense spiritual awakening across the globe.
    • Universal spiritual quickening: A life-giving movement that permeates nations, transcending previous salvations.
    • Eschatological climax: Potentially signifying the ushering in of the Messianic age's fullness, linking to themes of the general resurrection and the new heavens and new earth. The a fortiori logic demands a global and ultimate blessing.

• Word-Groups Analysis:

  • "if their rejection is the reconciliation of the world": This powerful conditional statement lays out the premise of God's redemptive paradox. It highlights that Israel's temporary unfaithfulness and self-imposed 'casting off' from their position as the direct instrument of the Gospel's spread was sovereignly used by God to bring salvation (reconciliation) to the Gentile nations. It signifies God's incredible capacity to bring ultimate good from human disobedience.
  • "what will their acceptance be but life from the dead?": This rhetorical question builds on the established premise with a resounding "how much more" argument. If Israel's stumble led to such widespread blessing for the Gentiles, their future embrace of Christ will surely initiate an even grander, more transformative, and globally encompassing event. "Life from the dead" symbolizes a comprehensive, vital, and spiritual resurgence, promising not just individual salvation but a deep, widespread, life-altering impact that renews the entire world and consummates God's redemptive purpose, far surpassing the current Gentile reconciliation.

Romans 11 15 Bonus section

The imagery of "life from the dead" is strongly connected to Old Testament prophetic themes of national restoration and spiritual renewal, particularly the vision of the dry bones in Ezek 37, where God promises to breathe life back into the nation of Israel. Paul expands this national expectation to an even grander, global scale in Romans 11:15, implying that Israel's future revival will be the catalyst for the world to experience an unmatched infusion of spiritual life. This perspective directly challenges any form of replacement theology by affirming Israel's enduring and climactic role in God's ongoing plan, not just as a historical testament but as an active participant in future redemption. This profound statement also reveals the intricate working of God's grace, transforming disobedience into opportunity and showcasing His unchanging love and commitment to His covenant people.

Romans 11 15 Commentary

Romans 11:15 encapsulates Paul's theological triumph over the perceived "failure" of Israel to embrace Christ. It serves as the apex of his a fortiori argument (from lesser to greater). Paul emphasizes that Israel's national, but temporary, "rejection" or setting aside from its primary salvific role resulted in a magnificent outcome: the reconciliation of the Gentile world to God. This already profound blessing pales in comparison to what will happen when Israel fully embraces its Messiah. "Their acceptance" points to a future, decisive turning of the nation of Israel to Christ, leading to a spiritual resurgence so vast it can only be described as "life from the dead." This refers to an extraordinary, unprecedented outpouring of spiritual life and revival globally, signifying the climax of God's redemptive history. This phrase goes beyond mere individual conversions to imply a worldwide quickening and transformation, pointing toward the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom on earth and potentially even the general resurrection that ushers in eternal glory. It powerfully reassures that God's plan for Israel is not abrogated but holds a magnificent, future consummation that will bless all of creation.

• Practical Usage Examples:
  • Divine reversal: Trust that God can use seemingly negative or disappointing events, even the failures of His people, for a far greater, unexpected good in His sovereign plan.
  • Hope for spiritual awakening: Just as Israel's "acceptance" is promised to bring "life from the dead" for the world, Christians should always pray and anticipate massive spiritual revivals and awakenings, locally and globally.
  • Intercessory prayer: It provides a compelling reason to pray for the salvation and restoration of Israel, recognizing that their future acceptance has global implications for the advance of God's kingdom.