Devine Scripture

Romans 11:30

What does Romans 11:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:30 means

Paul reminds Gentile believers of their own story: once disobedient to God, they have now received mercy because of Israel’s disobedience. Israel’s rejection of the gospel led to its proclamation among the nations, where Gentiles were brought in. This frames Gentile inclusion not as a boast-worthy achievement but as a gift of mercy arising through surprising means. Remembering one’s past disobedience fosters humility and gratitude. It also illuminates the pattern of God’s work: He uses even human unbelief to advance His gracious purposes, without endorsing the unbelief itself.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For as you, in time past, were not under the rule of God, but now have got mercy through their turning away,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for as ye also once did not believe in God, and now did find kindness by the unbelief of these:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For as you also in times past did not believe God, but now have obtained mercy, through their unbelief:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For as indeed ye [also] once have not believed inGod, but now have been objects of mercy through the unbelief of these;

Context

Having affirmed God’s irrevocable call (verse 29), Paul begins a reciprocal comparison in verses 30–31. Verse 30 looks back at Gentiles’ past and present—once disobedient, now recipients of mercy through Israel’s trespass. Verse 31 will mirror this, indicating a similar dynamic at work for Israel’s future. The flow shows a divinely orchestrated exchange that displays mercy to both groups in turn.

v.29For the gifts and the calling of God are not repented of.

v.30This passage

v.31even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 2:12

    that ye were at that time separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world.

  • Ephesians 2:1

    And youdid he make alive, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins,

  • 1 Timothy 1:18

    This charge I commit unto thee, my child Timothy, according to the prophecies which led the way to thee, that by them thou mayest war the good warfare;

  • Titus 3:3

    For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

  • Ephesians 2:19

    So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God,

  • 1 Corinthians 7:25

    Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: but I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be trustworthy.

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