Romans 11:1

¶ I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin.

I say {G3004} then {G3767},{G3361} Hath {G683} God {G2316} cast away {G683} his {G846} people {G2992}? God forbid {G3361}{G1096}. For {G1063} I {G1473} also {G2532} am {G1510} an Israelite {G2475}, of {G1537} the seed {G4690} of Abraham {G11}, of the tribe {G5443} of Benjamin {G958}.

“In that case, I say, isn’t it that God has repudiated his people?” Heaven forbid! For I myself am a son of Isra’el, from the seed of Avraham, of the tribe of Binyamin.

I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin.

I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

Commentary

In Romans 11:1, the Apostle Paul addresses a profound theological question arising from his preceding arguments about Israel's widespread rejection of Jesus as Messiah: "Hath God cast away his people?" This verse begins a crucial chapter that clarifies God's ongoing plan for Israel.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's somber discussion in Romans chapters 9 and 10, where he lamented Israel's unbelief and their failure to obtain righteousness through faith in Christ. A natural inference for some might be that God had completely abandoned His covenant people. Paul emphatically refutes this idea with the strong Greek phrase mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο), translated as "God forbid" or "by no means." He then immediately offers himself as living proof, declaring his own Jewish heritage: "For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, [of] the tribe of Benjamin."

Key Themes

  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: The primary message is that God has not revoked His promises or utterly rejected the nation of Israel. Despite their present disobedience and unbelief, God remains faithful to His covenant. This echoes themes found in Romans 3:3-4, where Paul asserts that human unfaithfulness cannot nullify divine faithfulness.
  • Paul's Personal Testimony: Paul uses his own background as compelling evidence. As a devout Jew, a descendant of Abraham, and a member of the prestigious tribe of Benjamin (which produced Israel's first king, Saul, and was known for its warrior spirit), he embodies the very people some might think God had cast off. His conversion to Christ did not erase his Jewish identity but rather fulfilled it.
  • The Future of Israel: This verse sets the stage for the rest of Romans 11, which elaborates on God's mysterious and gracious plan to ultimately bring about the salvation of a remnant and eventually, the nation of Israel. It introduces the concept of a "remnant according to the election of grace," further explored in Romans 11:5.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God forbid" is a powerful translation of the Greek mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο). This idiom expresses a strong, emphatic rejection of a suggestion, implying "may it never happen" or "absolutely not." Paul uses this phrase frequently in his epistles, particularly in Romans, to express his abhorrence of a false conclusion or implication drawn from his teachings (e.g., Romans 3:4, Romans 6:2).

Practical Application

Romans 11:1 offers several timeless insights:

  • Trust in God's Faithfulness: Just as God has not abandoned His promises to Israel, we can trust that He will remain faithful to His promises to us, even when circumstances seem to suggest otherwise.
  • Beware of Presumption: We should be careful not to make theological conclusions about God's plans or intentions that contradict His revealed character or His word.
  • Value Personal Testimony: Paul's use of his own story demonstrates the power of personal testimony in affirming biblical truth and countering misconceptions.
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Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 11:22 (15 votes)

    ¶ Are they Hebrews? so [am] I. Are they Israelites? so [am] I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so [am] I.

  • 1 Samuel 12:22 (13 votes)

    For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

  • Philippians 3:5 (10 votes)

    Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, [of] the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;

  • Jeremiah 33:24 (8 votes)

    Considerest thou not what this people have spoken, saying, The two families which the LORD hath chosen, he hath even cast them off? thus they have despised my people, that they should be no more a nation before them.

  • Jeremiah 33:26 (8 votes)

    Then will I cast away the seed of Jacob, and David my servant, [so] that I will not take [any] of his seed [to be] rulers over the seed of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: for I will cause their captivity to return, and have mercy on them.

  • Acts 26:4 (7 votes)

    My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;

  • Acts 22:3 (6 votes)

    ¶ I am verily a man [which am] a Jew, born in Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, [and] taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.