Romans 11 9

Romans 11:9 kjv

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:

Romans 11:9 nkjv

And David says: "Let their table become a snare and a trap, A stumbling block and a recompense to them.

Romans 11:9 niv

And David says: "May their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them.

Romans 11:9 esv

And David says, "Let their table become a snare and a trap, a stumbling block and a retribution for them;

Romans 11:9 nlt

Likewise, David said, "Let their bountiful table become a snare,
a trap that makes them think all is well.
Let their blessings cause them to stumble,
and let them get what they deserve.

Romans 11 verses

Romans 11 9 Meaning

Romans 11:9 is a quotation from Psalm 69:22, uttered by Paul to support his argument concerning Israel's partial hardening and God's sovereign plan. It means that the very provisions, blessings, and social/religious opportunities that should have been a source of strength or joy for the Israelites who rejected Jesus as Messiah would instead become agents of their downfall, ensnaring them, causing them to trip and fall, and ultimately serving as a just recompense for their unbelief. This prophetic declaration illustrates how divine grace, when resisted, can turn into an instrument of judgment, leading to spiritual blindness and an inability to perceive the truth of Christ.

Romans 11 9 Context

This verse is situated in Romans chapter 11, where Paul delves into God's ongoing plan for Israel. Following his discourse on Israel's rejection of Christ in chapters 9 and 10, Paul reassures that God has not entirely cast away His people (11:1-2). He highlights the presence of a "remnant" chosen by grace (11:5-6) while acknowledging that "the rest were hardened" (11:7). Verses 8-10, which include the quote from Psalm 69, serve as scriptural proof and prophetic foresight that this hardening was indeed part of God's design. This "hardening" (which leads to Gentiles' salvation, Rom 11:11) is presented not as a punitive end but as a temporary state with an ultimate redemptive purpose: to provoke Israel to jealousy and eventually lead to their full restoration. Historically, the rejection of Jesus as the Messiah by a significant portion of Israel at that time (the "many") fulfilled these prophecies, showing that while they clung to the law and their traditions, they missed the essence of God's redemptive plan.

Romans 11 9 Word analysis

• And David says: This phrase signals a direct citation of Old Testament scripture, specifically Psalm 69:22, which was traditionally attributed to King David and seen as Messianic in theme. Paul invokes the prophetic authority of a revered figure in Israel to explain the divine decree concerning their current spiritual state.
• Let their table:
  • "Table" (Greek: hē trapeza) in the ancient world was a central symbol for provisions, sustenance, fellowship, blessings, and security. It often represented feasting, prosperity, and even a shared religious life (like the temple sacrifices or the table of the Lord).
  • "Their table" implies that these were things or opportunities readily available to the Israelites, often perceived as blessings or foundations of their identity (e.g., the Law, the covenants, God’s promises). Paul's argument suggests these very blessings, due to their unbelief, become the means of their undoing.
• become: (Greek: genēthētō, from ginomai) Implies a transformation or a judicial decree. What was intended for good or sustenance is prophesied to change its nature and function as a negative force. It is not inherently negative but becomes so due to how it is received or rejected.
• a snare: (Greek: eis pagida) A hidden trap designed to catch and entangle. This suggests an unexpected danger, something concealed that captures unaware.
• and a trap: (Greek: kai eis thēran) A hunting trap, a net or a pit. While similar to a snare, thēra can also emphasize the active capture or the prey caught. It indicates the certainty of entanglement.
• a stumbling block: (Greek: eis skandalon) Originally the "trigger-stick" of a trap that springs it, later used for any object that causes one to trip, stumble, or fall morally and spiritually. It refers to something that leads to a moral offense or a spiritual downfall, hindering progress toward truth.
• and a retribution: (Greek: kai eis antapodoma) A repayment, recompense, or deserved penalty. This term indicates a just consequence, where individuals receive back according to their deeds. It underscores the justice of God's judgment upon those who stubbornly reject His provision.
• for them: Specifically refers to those among Israel who have been hardened in their unbelief toward Jesus Christ, fulfilling the ancient prophecy.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let their table become a snare and a trap": This group vividly depicts an inversion of purpose. What should have nourished and sustained becomes an instrument of capture and confinement. It implies that their own cultural or religious systems, apart from Christ, were not avenues of life but subtle dangers that would hold them captive.
• "a stumbling block and a retribution for them": This group describes the dual outcome: the act of falling and the consequence for it. The "stumbling block" shows a spiritual collapse or failure to grasp God's way (Christ). "Retribution" emphasizes the justice of God in responding to their rejection, making the consequences a deserved outcome. The verse signifies that even God's blessings, when scorned, turn into judgment and self-destruction.

Romans 11 9 Bonus section

• The quotation of Psalm 69:22-23 (which also continues into verse 10) should be understood in its full scope, as Paul combines it with Isa 29:10 ("spirit of stupor") and Deut 29:4 ("eyes that could not see") in Romans 11:8. This blend demonstrates that the "hardening" (or blindness/stupor) was a consistent prophetic theme regarding a portion of Israel's response to God.
• The nature of "retribution" (ἀνταπόδομα) is crucial. It’s not arbitrary punishment but a judicial returning of a deed for a deed. Because Israel rejected the source of their true spiritual nourishment, their own sources of perceived strength and security became their spiritual undoing.
• This specific instance of "hardening" is not presented as an irreversible, eternal condemnation for all Israel. Paul carefully argues later in Romans 11 that this hardening is partial and temporary ("until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in," Rom 11:25), ultimately leading to God's future and comprehensive plan for their salvation.

Romans 11 9 Commentary

Romans 11:9 is a poignant scriptural echo demonstrating divine foresight and justice concerning Israel's rejection of their Messiah. Paul utilizes Psalm 69, often seen as a prophetic lament about Christ, to explain why a portion of Israel, while pursuing righteousness, missed the path to salvation. The "table," a symbol of blessing, provision, and communal sustenance, tragically transforms into instruments of their downfall – a snare, trap, stumbling block, and retribution. This highlights that spiritual pride and self-righteousness, even rooted in a devotion to God's law without faith in Christ, can pervert what is meant for good. God's provisions become a means of self-condemnation for those whose hearts remain hardened. It’s not an act of divine capriciousness, but a just consequence for persistently rejecting the ultimate revelation of His grace. This process is complex: it's a judicial hardening from God, yet it arises from human unbelief and serves a broader redemptive purpose, ultimately facilitating the Gentile mission and provoking Israel to jealousy, leading to future restoration. This passage underscores the seriousness of rejecting God’s gracious provision, emphasizing that divine truth can illuminate some while simultaneously blinding others if received with a resistant spirit.