Devine Scripture

Romans 11:31

What does Romans 11:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:31 means

Paul applies the pattern to Israel: they are now disobedient, but the mercy shown to Gentiles is meant to lead to their own reception of mercy. This does not deny individual Jewish believers already saved; rather, it sketches the corporate dynamic across salvation history. God’s aim is not to leave one group outside but to extend compassion to both, using each to bless the other. The Gentiles’ current experience of grace should become a beacon, drawing Israel to the same mercy in Christ. The verse sustains hope and calls Gentiles to live in a way that makes that mercy visible and attractive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So in the same way these have gone against the orders of God, so that by the mercy given to you they may now get mercy.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also these now did not believe, that in your kindness they also may find kindness;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So these also now have not believed, for your mercy, that they also may obtain mercy.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

so these also have now not believed in your mercy, in order that they also may be objects of mercy.

Context

Verse 31 parallels verse 30, completing the reciprocal picture of disobedience and mercy between Gentiles and Jews. It sets up the grand summary of verse 32, where Paul explains God’s purpose in allowing both groups to be shut up under disobedience—that He might have mercy upon all. This prepares the heart for the soaring praise of God’s wisdom that follows in verses 33–36.

v.30For as ye in time past were disobedient to God, but now have obtained mercy by their disobedience,

v.31This passage

v.32For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.

Cross references

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

  • Romans 11:15

    For if the casting away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

  • Romans 11:25

    For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;

  • Romans 10:16

    But they did not all hearken to the glad tidings. For Isaiah saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?

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.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Romans 11:31.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary