Romans 11:20
What does Romans 11:20 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 11:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 11:20 means
Paul acknowledges the fact but corrects the spirit: true, branches were broken off—but it was because of unbelief. Gentiles stand only by faith. Therefore the right posture is not high-mindedness but fear—a reverent awareness of dependence on God’s grace. Faith, not pedigree, secures a place in the tree; arrogance undermines faith. The warning is practical: presumption can lead to the same judgment that befell unbelieving Israel. Spiritual security is found in humble, continuing trust in God, not in comparing oneself to others. Paul wants Gentile believers to tremble at the thought of turning grace into grounds for pride.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Truly, because they had no faith they were broken off, and you have your place by reason of your faith. Do not be lifted up in pride, but have fear;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862by unbelief they were broken off, and thou hast stood by faith; be not high-minded, but be fearing;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Well: because of unbelief they were broken off. But thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Right: they have been broken out through unbelief, and thou standest through faith. Be not high-minded, but fear:
Context
Following the boast of verse 19, verse 20 provides the corrective: the dividing line is belief versus unbelief. This sets up the next step in the warning, verse 21, which appeals to God’s past action toward the natural branches as a precedent. The argument progresses from principle (faith, not arrogance) to example (God’s severity toward unbelief), pressing Gentiles toward continued humility and perseverance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Luke 18:14
I say unto you, This man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; but he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
- Habakkuk 2:4
Behold, his soul is puffed up, it is not upright in him; but the righteous shall live by his faith.
- James 2:19
Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.
- 1 Peter 5:9
whom withstand stedfast in your faith, knowing that the same sufferings are accomplished in your brethren who are in the world.
- Isaiah 2:17
And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be brought low; and Jehovah alone shall be exalted in that day.
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