Devine Scripture

Romans 11:5

What does Romans 11:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 11:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 11:5 means

Paul draws the parallel: just as in Elijah’s day, so now there is a remnant within Israel. Crucially, this remnant exists “according to the election of grace.” The determining factor is not human merit or national privilege but God’s gracious choice. The remnant are those whom God calls and sustains to believe, even while the wider nation resists. This verse affirms both continuity and mercy: God’s promises to Israel stand, and He keeps them by preserving a people who embrace His salvation. The existence of Jewish believers in Christ in Paul’s time proves that God has not cast off His people and that His grace is actively at work.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

In the same way, there are at this present time some who are marked out by the selection of grace.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

So then also in the present time a remnant according to the choice of grace there hath been;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Even so then, at this present time also, there is a remnant saved according to the election of grace.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus, then, in the present time also there has been a remnant according to election of grace.

Context

This statement is the hinge between the Elijah example (verses 2–4) and Paul’s doctrinal clarification about grace (verse 6) and hardening (verses 7–10). The flow moves from illustration to application: the remnant principle is not merely historical; it is present reality. Verse 5 asserts the theological basis—grace—before Paul contrasts grace and works in the next verse and explains why many in Israel remain hardened while a chosen remnant believes.

v.4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have left for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.

v.5This passage

v.6But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 1:5

    having foreordained us unto adoption as sons through Jesus Christ unto himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

  • Romans 11:28

    As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.

  • Romans 9:27

    And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel, If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:11

    for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

  • Romans 11:6

    But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

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