Romans 11 23

Romans 11:23 kjv

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

Romans 11:23 nkjv

And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

Romans 11:23 niv

And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

Romans 11:23 esv

And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.

Romans 11:23 nlt

And if the people of Israel turn from their unbelief, they will be grafted in again, for God has the power to graft them back into the tree.

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 23 Meaning

Romans 11:23 proclaims that the Jewish people, who are currently set apart due to their corporate "unbelief" in Christ, still possess the potential for spiritual restoration and re-inclusion into God's cultivated covenant family. This re-grafting is contingent upon their turning away from this unbelief and embracing faith in Jesus as their Messiah. The verse emphatically asserts God's ultimate power and ability to accomplish this restoration, underscoring His unwavering faithfulness to His ancient promises and His sovereign capacity to reverse their current state of alienation.

Romans 11 23 Context

Romans 11:23 is nestled within a larger theological discourse spanning Romans 9-11, where Paul meticulously addresses the question of Israel's present and future role in God's redemptive plan, following their widespread rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Specifically, chapter 11 asserts that God has not irrevocably cast off His people. Paul illustrates this through the metaphor of an olive tree (Rom 11:17-24), where the cultivated tree represents God's covenant people (Abraham, patriarchs, and their spiritual lineage). Natural branches (Jews who rejected Christ) were "broken off" due to their unbelief, allowing wild olive branches (Gentile believers) to be "grafted in," partaking of the root's nourishment. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reassurance, challenging any Gentile arrogance by affirming that the "natural branches" also have the potential for re-grafting. It directly opposes any notion that God's faithfulness to Israel has ended, setting the stage for Paul's culminating revelation in verses 25-27 about "all Israel" being saved. The historical context includes the growing Gentile church potentially feeling superior to or replacing Israel, which Paul sternly corrects.

Romans 11 23 Word analysis

• And they also (καὶ αὐτοί, kai autoi): "Kai" functions as a connective, linking back to the discussion about Gentile inclusion. "Autoi" specifically denotes the Jewish people, the original, "natural" branches of the olive tree mentioned in the preceding verses (Rom 11:21). It emphasizes that they, despite their current state, are not excluded from God's future plan.
• if they do not continue (ἐὰν μὴ ἐπιμείνωσιν, ean mē epimeinōsin): This phrase introduces a conditional clause. "Ean mē" denotes "if not." "Epimeinōsin," from epimenō, means to remain, abide, persist, or continue. This indicates that their state of unbelief is not fixed but is a condition that can be altered through a deliberate choice, underscoring human responsibility.
• in unbelief (τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, tē apistia): "Apistia" signifies faithlessness, distrust, or active unbelief, particularly concerning Jesus as Messiah and the message of the gospel. It is identified here as the sole barrier preventing their re-grafting into the spiritual covenant relationship.
• will be grafted in (ἐγκεντρισθήσονται, enkentristhēsontai): This is a future passive indicative form of enkentrizō, which is the technical term for grafting in agriculture. The future tense expresses certainty of a future event, while the passive voice highlights that God is the primary agent who performs this action.
• for God (δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θεὸς, dynatos gar estin ho theos): "Gar" introduces the reason or ground for the preceding statement. This phrase centers on God as the guarantor of the possibility, shifting the focus from human capability to divine power and intention.
• has the power (δυνατὸς... ἐστιν, dynatos... estin): "Dynatos" means able, powerful, strong, or mighty. It asserts God's omnipotence and limitless capability, removing any doubt about the feasibility of re-grafting the natural branches, regardless of the perceived difficulty. This power is rooted in His faithfulness to His covenants.
• to graft them in again (πάλιν ἐγκεντρίσαι αὐτούς, palin enkentrisai autous): "Palin" means "again," which is crucial. It signals a restoration to a previously held status or privilege within God's plan, reinforcing the continuity of God's purpose for Israel. The term "graft" reiterates the agricultural metaphor, illustrating spiritual inclusion.

Words-group analysis:

• "And they also, if they do not continue in unbelief": This entire conditional phrase defines the path to Israel's restoration. It specifies that the barrier is their persistent unbelief in the gospel, but implies that this barrier is surmountable if they change their stance. This condition echoes the call to repentance and faith applicable to all people, Jew or Gentile.
• "will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again": This combined statement emphatically affirms the certainty of Israel's future re-inclusion and the source of this certainty. The act of "grafting in" will undoubtedly occur because it is backed by the unlimited "power" of God. The reiteration of "graft them in again" highlights both the restoration of a prior spiritual relationship and God's sovereign hand in fulfilling His promises despite any current obstacles.

Romans 11 23 Bonus section

• The imagery of the olive tree (Rom 11:17-24) is a vivid representation of God's covenant family. The "root" represents the foundational promises and covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The "natural branches" symbolize the Jewish people. Their "being broken off" signifies the spiritual judgment on those who, corporately, rejected Jesus, while the "wild branches" are the Gentiles brought into covenant relationship through faith in Christ. This verse suggests a physical Jewish remnant that, upon belief, will be brought back into full spiritual favor, thereby participating fully in the blessings of the Abrahamic covenant through Jesus.
• This verse undergirds the concept of a future, widespread national or significant ethnic-group-wide spiritual turning to Christ for the Jewish people, not just individual conversions. This aligns with prophetic passages forecasting Israel's end-time repentance and salvation, preceding or coinciding with the second advent of Christ.
• The phrase "to graft them in again" explicitly points to a restoration. This is distinct from a mere conversion, which implies an initial inclusion. It speaks to returning to a state of spiritual privilege and identity previously held, emphasizing God's unbroken covenant with them despite their temporary spiritual hardening.
• God's power (dynatos) here is not merely an abstract force, but an active, sovereign capability linked directly to His divine attributes of faithfulness, covenant love, and justice, all working toward the ultimate fulfillment of His redemptive plan. His power ensures that His purpose for Israel will come to pass.

Romans 11 23 Commentary

Romans 11:23 offers profound theological assurance: Israel's spiritual alienation is not permanent. Their current status of "unbelief" concerning Jesus as Messiah is the precise impediment to their re-inclusion into the cultivated olive tree of God's covenant people. Crucially, this verse clarifies that their restoration is conditional—they must turn from their unbelief, implying acceptance of Christ by faith. However, the certainty of this potential re-grafting rests entirely upon God's boundless power and faithfulness to His word. It powerfully counters Gentile triumphalism, demonstrating God's continued, specific purpose for His chosen people, whose eventual return to Him is a matter of divine capability and unwavering promise. The re-grafting symbolizes their spiritual regeneration and reconnection to the rich blessings flowing from the patriarchs. This passage foreshadows God's ultimate eschatological plan for Israel, consistent with Old Testament prophecies, to demonstrate His mercy to both Jew and Gentile.

Practical usage:

• Cultivates persistent intercessory prayer for the spiritual awakening and salvation of the Jewish people.
• Inspires hope by reminding us of God's infinite power to save anyone, regardless of how long or deeply they have rejected Him.
• Fosters humility within believers, deterring any sense of spiritual superiority towards others, especially toward Israel.