Romans 11 5

Romans 11:5 kjv

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:5 nkjv

Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Romans 11:5 niv

So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

Romans 11:5 esv

So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

Romans 11:5 nlt

It is the same today, for a few of the people of Israel have remained faithful because of God's grace ? his undeserved kindness in choosing them.

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 5 Meaning

Romans 11:5 states that even in Paul's present time, a portion of Israel still believed in God, constituting a "remnant." This remnant exists not due to their own efforts or adherence to the Law, but purely by God's sovereign choice and unmerited favor. It asserts that God has not entirely rejected His people, but consistently preserves a faithful group based on His divine selection and grace.

Romans 11 5 Context

Romans 11:5 is situated within Paul's extensive argument concerning Israel's place in God's redemptive plan (Romans chapters 9-11). After demonstrating that God has not completely rejected His people (Rom 11:1), Paul recalls the historical example of Elijah's time (Rom 11:2-4), where God preserved 7,000 faithful individuals amidst widespread idolatry in Israel. This historical precedent sets the stage for Paul's assertion in verse 5: just as there was a remnant then, there is also a remnant now among ethnic Israel who have come to believe in Jesus, demonstrating God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant people, even when the majority remain in unbelief. The verse highlights that this preservation is not due to human merit or works of the law, but purely by divine grace and election, building upon Paul's consistent emphasis throughout the letter that salvation is by grace through faith.

Romans 11 5 Word analysis

• Even so then (houtōs oun - οὕτως οὖν): A logical connective phrase. Houtōs (so, thus) points back to the preceding example (Elijah and the 7,000 in Rom 11:2-4). Oun (therefore, then) introduces a conclusion or application. It indicates that the present situation is analogous to the past, emphasizing God's consistent pattern of working with His people.
• at this present time also (kai en tō nyn kairō toutō - καὶ ἐν τῷ νῦν καιρῷ τούτῳ): Kai (also, even) underscores the parallel, indicating continuity. En tō nyn kairō toutō (in this time, in the present time) explicitly states that the principle of a faithful remnant is applicable now, in Paul's contemporary context, encompassing those ethnic Jews who believed in Christ. It contrasts with a past time of general faithfulness, asserting that God's grace operates even in perceived apostasy.
• there is (gegonen - γέγονεν): Perfect active indicative of ginomai (to become, to be). The perfect tense implies a state that has come into existence and continues to exist. It's not merely that a remnant was, but that a remnant has come to be and still is present.
• a remnant (leimma - λεῖμμα): Refers to "that which is left over," a "residue." This term has deep Old Testament roots (e.g., Isa 1:9, 10:20; Zep 3:13), where it signifies the portion of Israel that remains faithful to God amidst apostasy, persecution, or judgment. It highlights God's preserving power and distinguishes between the entire nation and the faithful minority within it. This is not simply a biological lineage but a group distinguished by faith.
• according to (kata - κατά): Denotes "down from, according to, corresponding to." Here it signifies the basis or standard by which the remnant exists. It indicates that the remnant is defined by or in conformity with the principle that follows.
• the election (eklogēn - ἐκλογήν): This is "choice," "selection." It speaks of God's sovereign act of choosing, not based on human merit but on His divine purpose. The specific election here refers to God choosing particular individuals from Israel to be His believing people. It aligns with God's choosing of Israel as a whole, but now specifies His particular choice within Israel.
• of grace (charitos - χάριτος): "Favor," "undeserved gift." This word specifies the nature and origin of the "election." It underscores that God's choice is solely based on His benevolent, unmerited favor, independent of any human works or merit. It rejects the idea that this remnant achieved their position through their own righteousness.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Even so then, at this present time also there is a a remnant": This phrase directly connects the contemporary reality to the historical pattern. It shows God's consistent methodology of working through a chosen few, underscoring that His covenant promises are not nullified by widespread unbelief but are sustained through His preserving hand.
• "remnant according to the election of grace": This powerful phrase explicitly defines how this remnant exists and what characterizes it. It is not a natural sociological group, nor one based on strict adherence to the Law, but rather a group constituted solely by God's sovereign, gracious, and undeserved choice. This sets a clear theological boundary, rejecting any basis in human performance.

Romans 11 5 Bonus section

The concept of the "remnant" is deeply woven throughout the Bible, often appearing in times of spiritual decline or national judgment. Its re-emergence in Romans 11 emphasizes that God's covenant promises are immutable, even if temporarily limited to a smaller group due to broader disobedience. This particular remnant, chosen by grace, functions as living proof that God has not permanently rejected His people and offers a foretaste of a greater future ingathering for all Israel. It contrasts starkly with a self-appointed or works-based remnant, highlighting that genuine spiritual connection to God always originates from His divine initiative and mercy. The identification of this remnant also subtly suggests the continuity between Old Testament and New Testament revelation of God's redemptive plan.

Romans 11 5 Commentary

Romans 11:5 serves as a pivotal theological bridge in Paul's argument about God's faithfulness to Israel. Building on the Old Testament concept of a preserved remnant, Paul asserts its contemporary reality. Even though many in Israel rejected Jesus as Messiah, a segment embraced Him. This existence of a believing Jewish "remnant" testifies to God's enduring covenant promises and His active, sovereign work. Crucially, this remnant's standing is emphatically rooted in the "election of grace," thereby removing any notion of human merit, moral superiority, or adherence to the Law as its foundation. It underscores that God's choice is an unearned divine gift, reflecting His unchangeable character and unswerving faithfulness rather than human performance. This truth provides comfort that even in apparent national apostasy, God maintains a chosen, faithful witness through His divine initiative.