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

God has the power to restore them to His favor, just as He placed them into it.

Romans 11 23 Context

In Romans chapter 11, Paul is discussing the spiritual relationship between Jews and Gentiles concerning salvation through Jesus Christ. He addresses the disbelief of many in Israel, comparing their breaking off from the olive tree (representing God's covenant people) to the grafting in of Gentile believers. The core message is that while Israel, as a nation, rejected Christ, they are not permanently cut off. There is a hope for their eventual restoration. This verse serves as a crucial point of reassurance and caution, emphasizing God's power and faithfulness to His promises, while warning Gentile believers not to become arrogant because of their inclusion.

Romans 11 23 Word Analysis

• "And" (και - kai): A coordinating conjunction linking this statement to the preceding context.

• "even" (γε - ge): A particle used for emphasis.

• "they" (αὐτοί - autoi): Refers back to the natural branches, the Jewish people who were broken off.

• "if" (ἐὰν - ean): Introduces a conditional statement.

• "they" (αὐτοὶ - autoi): Again, referring to the Jewish people.

• "continue" (ἐπιμένωσιν - epimenōsin): From ἐπιμένω (epimenō), meaning to remain on, persist in, stay with. It implies steadfastness and perseverance.

• "not" (μὴ - mē): Negates the verb "continue."

• "in" (ἐν - en): Preposition indicating state or circumstance.

• "unbelief" (τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ - tē apistia): From ἄπιστος (apistos), meaning faithless, unbelieving. It signifies a state of rejecting faith in God's promises and Christ.

• "so" (οὕτως - houtōs): In this manner, thus.

• "much" (πολύ - poly): Much more.

• "more" (μᾶλλον - mallon): A comparative adverb.

• "shall" (δυνήσεται - dynēsetai): Future tense of δύναμαι (dynamai), to be able, to have power.

• "they" (αὐτοὺς - autous): Refers to the Jewish people.

• "be" (κατασταθήναι - katastathēnai): Aorist passive infinitive of καθίστημι (kathistēmi), to set up, establish, put in place. Here, in context, to be restored or grafted.

• "grafted" (ἐνκατασταθήσονται - enkatasthēsontai): Future passive indicative of ἐγκαθίστημι (enkathistēmi), to graft in, establish in. This is the specific verb used for being grafted into the olive tree.

• "in" (εἰς - eis): Preposition indicating direction or incorporation.

• "their" (τὴν ἑαυτῶν - tēn heautōn): Possessive pronoun, referring to themselves.

• "own" (ἐλαίαν - elaian): Olive tree.

Words/Phrases Group Analysis:

• "continue not in unbelief": This crucial phrase highlights the condition for Israel's restoration. It's not that they are irrevocably excluded, but their current state of disbelief must change. This speaks to a future repentance and acceptance of Christ by a remnant of Israel.
• "so much the more shall they be grafted in": The comparative "so much the more" links this back to the Gentiles being grafted in. If the Gentiles, who were naturally wild branches, could be grafted in by faith, then the natural branches have an even greater potential to be re-grafted into their original olive tree.
• "into their own olive tree": This signifies a re-entry into the covenant community of God. The olive tree symbolizes God's people and His covenant, which was originally rooted in Israel.

Romans 11 23 Bonus Section

The olive tree imagery is deeply rooted in Old Testament symbolism. The Old Testament prophets frequently referred to Israel as an olive tree or olive branches, representing their chosen status and God's covenant with them (e.g., Jeremiah 11:16, Hosea 14:6). Paul expertly employs this well-understood metaphor to illustrate God's work in grafting in Gentiles and the possibility of restoring Israel. The concept of being "grafted in contrary to nature" highlights the extraordinary nature of Gentile salvation – it's an act of divine grace that transcends natural heritage. The reference to the Spirit of grace (though not directly in this verse but in context) and the potential to insult Him speaks to the continuous call to walk in faith and gratitude, not presumptuously.

Romans 11 23 Commentary

This verse conveys a powerful message of hope and restoration for the Jewish people, grounded in God's consistent faithfulness. Paul is explaining that just as Gentiles were grafted into God's covenant family by faith, so too can the Jewish people, who were the original branches, be grafted back in if they cease from their unbelief. The natural order is that what was broken off can be reattached, especially when the power doing the grafting is God's. This emphasizes that God's mercy is not limited, and His covenants are enduring. The verse acts as a stern warning against Gentile arrogance and a beacon of hope for a future reconciliation of Israel with God. It underscores the theological principle that divine intervention can overcome natural limitations and states of separation.