Devine Scripture

Romans 11:13

What does Romans 11:13 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:13 means

Paul directly addresses Gentile believers and explains why he magnifies his role as an apostle to the Gentiles. His ministry among the nations is not a slight to Israel; it is part of God’s design to bless the world and, through that blessing, to impact Israel. By exalting the grace given to Gentiles, Paul highlights the attractiveness of the gospel’s fruit. His aim is not to restrict mercy but to spread it in a way that will draw his own people to reconsider Jesus. The verse positions Paul’s Gentile mission as a strategic means in the larger plan of Israel’s eventual good.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But I speak to you that are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But I say to you, Gentiles, in so far as I am the Apostle of the Gentiles, I make much of my position:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For to you I speak--to the nations--inasmuch as I am indeed an apostle of nations, my ministration I do glorify;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For I say to you, Gentiles: As long indeed as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I will honour my ministry,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For I speak to you, the nations, inasmuch as I am apostle of nations, I glorify my ministry;

Context

After affirming the future riches tied to Israel’s fullness (verse 12), Paul clarifies his own role in God’s plan. Verse 13 signals a pastoral aside to Gentile readers, preparing for verse 14’s aim—to provoke Israel to jealousy and save some. This personal note bridges theology and mission, leading into the sweeping vision of verse 15, where Paul anticipates the world-shaking implications of Israel’s restoration.

v.12Now if their fall is the riches of the world, and their loss the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?

v.13This passage

v.14if by any means I may provoke to jealousy them that are my flesh, and may save some of them.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 9:15

    But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel:

  • Galatians 2:2

    And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

  • Acts 26:17

    delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom I send thee,

  • 1 Timothy 2:7

    whereunto I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth, I lie not), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.

  • Galatians 1:16

    to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood:

  • 2 Timothy 1:11

    whereunto I was appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher.

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