Romans 11:22
What does Romans 11:22 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 11:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 11:22 means
Paul invites his readers to contemplate both sides of God’s character as displayed in salvation history: His severity toward those who fell in unbelief, and His kindness toward those who stand by faith. Yet the kindness is conditional in this sense: it is experienced as we continue in it. If Gentiles turn from faith, they too will be cut off. This is not to deny security in Christ, but to insist that true security is found in persevering trust. The verse is a pastoral checkpoint—examine your stance, cherish grace, fear presumption. God’s holiness and mercy are not contradictions; they meet in His faithful dealings with sinners.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949See then that God is good but his rules are fixed: to those who were put away he was hard, but to you he has been good, on the condition that you keep in his mercy; if not, you will be cut off as they were.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Lo, then, goodness and severity of God--upon those indeed who fell, severity; and upon thee, goodness, if thou mayest remain in the goodness, otherwise, thou also shalt be cut off.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752See then the goodness and the severity of God: towards them indeed that are fallen, the severity; but towards thee, the goodness of God, if thou abide in goodness. Otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Behold then [the] goodness and severity ofGod: upon them who have fallen, severity; upon thee goodness ofGod, if thou shalt abide in goodness, since [otherwise] thou also wilt be cut away.
Context
Summarizing the warning of verses 18–21, verse 22 crystallizes Paul’s exhortation by holding together God’s goodness and severity. It calls Gentile believers to continue in grace. The next verses (23–24) balance the warning with hope for Israel, showing that the same God who cut off unbelief is able and willing to restore those who return in faith, especially the natural branches to their own tree.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 58:10
The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: He shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked;
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5
For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:8
for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
- John 8:31
Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples;
- Jude 1:20
But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit,
- Isaiah 66:14
And ye shall see it, and your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like the tender grass: and the hand of Jehovah shall be known toward his servants; and he will have indignation against his enemies.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Romans 11
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Romans 11.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About God’s Calling
Explore what it means to be called by God, whether to salvation, service, or a particular purpose in life.
Topic
Bible Verses About Covenant
God’s covenant is a sacred agreement between Him and His people, demonstrating His unchanging faithfulness and redemptive plan for humanity.
Topic
Bible Verses About Election
The Bible teaches that God, according to His sovereign will and grace, chooses individuals for salvation and service.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Fear of Failure
When the fear of failing is louder than the dream — verses to keep moving.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You Feel Hopeless
When the future has gone gray — verses that don't lecture, only hold.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.