Romans 11:32
What does Romans 11:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 11:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 11:32 means
Paul sums up the divine strategy: God has consigned all—Jew and Gentile alike—to disobedience so that He might have mercy upon all. The point is universality of need and availability of mercy, not automatic salvation for every individual. By leveling all under sin, God strips away boasting and makes salvation wholly of grace. Jew and Gentile stand on the same ground—guilty yet welcomed through mercy in Christ. This verse gathers the threads of the chapter into one tapestry: God’s wise, sovereign plan humbles the proud and exalts His compassion as the only hope for anyone to be saved.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For God hath shut up all unto disobedience, that he might have mercy upon all.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For God has let them all go against his orders, so that he might have mercy on them all.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for God did shut up together the whole to unbelief, that to the whole He might do kindness.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For God hath concluded all in unbelief, that he may have mercy on all.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890ForGod hath shut up together all in unbelief, in order that he might shew mercy to all.
Context
This is the theological climax of the argument begun in verse 1. It explains why God permitted Israel’s hardening and Gentile disobedience alike—to display mercy to both. With purpose declared, Paul’s reflection overflows into worship. Verses 33–36 will be a doxology, praising the depth of God’s wisdom, the inscrutability of His ways, His independence from all counselors, and His primacy over all things.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 1:7
The same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the light, that all might believe through him.
- Galatians 3:22
But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
- 1 Timothy 2:4
who would have all men to be saved, and come to the knowledge of the truth.
- John 12:32
And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself.
- Romans 3:22
even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ unto all them that believe; for there is no distinction;
- Romans 3:9
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we before laid to the charge both of Jews and Greeks, that they are all under sin;
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