Devine Scripture

Romans 11:1

What does Romans 11:1 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:1 means

Paul raises the hard question: has God cast off Israel? His immediate answer is a firm denial. He points to himself as living proof that God’s covenant mercy remains—he is an Israelite, descended from Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. If God had utterly rejected His people, there would be no believing Jews at all, and Paul could not be who he is. The verse affirms that God’s purposes toward Israel have not been canceled by their widespread unbelief. God’s plan includes both judgment and mercy, but not abandonment. Personal testimony and Israel’s continuing line are early signs that God keeps His promises despite human failure.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So I say, Has God put his people on one side? Let there be no such thought. For I am of Israel, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

I say, then, Did God cast away His people? let it not be! for I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

I say then: Hath God cast away his people? God forbid! For I also am an Israelite of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

I say then, HasGod cast away his people? Far be the thought. For I also am an Israelite, of [the] seed of Abraham, of [the] tribe of Benjamin.

Context

Having shown in chapters 9–10 that many in Israel rejected the righteousness of God in Christ, Paul anticipates the charge that God is finished with Israel. Verse 1 introduces the question and emphatic denial. It begins a defense of God’s faithfulness that unfolds through the themes of remnant, hardening, Gentile inclusion, and future restoration. The personal reference to Paul sets a concrete example before moving to scriptural precedent with Elijah in the next verses, which will show that God often works through a preserved remnant rather than through the majority.

v.1This passage

v.2God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 22:3

    I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, instructed according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as ye all are this day:

  • Psalms 94:14

    For Jehovah will not cast off his people, Neither will he forsake his inheritance.

  • Amos 9:8

    Behold, the eyes of the Lord Jehovah are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth; save that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith Jehovah.

  • 2 Kings 23:27

    And Jehovah said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and I will cast off this city which I have chosen, even Jerusalem, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.

  • Philippians 3:5

    circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

  • Romans 3:4

    God forbid: yea, let God be found true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy words, And mightest prevail when thou comest into judgment.

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