Romans 11:17

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

And {G1161} if some {G1536} of the branches {G2798} be broken off {G1575}, and {G1161} thou {G4771}, being {G5607} a wild olive tree {G65}, wert graffed in {G1461} among {G1722} them {G846}, and {G2532} with {G4791} them {G1096} partakest {G4791} of the root {G4491} and {G2532} fatness {G4096} of the olive tree {G1636};

But if some of the branches were broken off, and you — a wild olive — were grafted in among them and have become equal sharers in the rich root of the olive tree,

Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,

But if some of the branches were broken off, and thou, being a wild olive, wast grafted in among them, and didst become partaker with them of the root of the fatness of the olive tree;

Romans 11:17 presents a pivotal part of Paul's intricate metaphor of the olive tree, explaining the relationship between believing Israel and the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. This verse highlights the profound grace extended to non-Jewish believers, who, like branches from a wild olive tree, have been grafted into the cultivated olive tree, thereby sharing in its rich root and nourishment.

Context

This verse is situated within Romans chapters 9-11, where the Apostle Paul grapples with the question of Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah and God's ongoing faithfulness to His covenant people. After explaining that not all Israel is true Israel (Romans 9:6), Paul introduces the olive tree analogy in Romans 11. He clarifies that Israel's stumble was not permanent or total (Romans 11:11), but served to bring salvation to the Gentiles. Verse 17 specifically describes the Gentile's inclusion by grace, setting the stage for a strong warning against arrogance in the verses that follow, particularly Romans 11:18.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Inclusion: The act of "graffing in" is God's initiative, demonstrating His divine power and plan to incorporate Gentiles into the blessings promised to Israel. This highlights the inclusion of Gentiles into the covenant community of God.
  • Continuity of God's Covenant: The "root and fatness of the olive tree" represent the spiritual heritage, covenant promises, and rich blessings that flow from Abraham through Israel. Gentiles are not creating a new tree, but are joined to the existing, ancient, and nourished spiritual lineage.
  • Grace and Dependence: The Gentiles are described as a "wild olive tree," emphasizing their natural unworthiness and their complete dependence on the cultivated root for life and nourishment. Their participation is purely by grace, not merit.
  • Warning Against Arrogance: While not explicit in this verse, the fact that Gentiles are grafted in implies a crucial warning against boasting over the natural branches, which Paul immediately addresses in subsequent verses.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "graffed in" is enekentristhēte (ἐνεκεντρίσθητε), which literally means "to be pricked in" or "to be inserted." In agriculture, grafting a wild branch onto a cultivated tree was an unusual practice in ancient times, as it was more common to graft a cultivated branch onto a wild root to improve its fruit. Paul's reversal of this common practice underscores the extraordinary and counter-intuitive nature of God's grace in bringing wild, Gentile branches into the rich, cultivated spiritual heritage of Israel. The "root and fatness" (rhizēs kai piotētos) signify the life-giving source and the spiritual richness derived from God's covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham and his descendants.

Practical Application

Romans 11:17 offers several profound implications for believers today:

  • Humility: Gentile believers should always remember that their place in God's family is a gift, not an earned right. This should foster humility and prevent spiritual pride against those of Jewish heritage (Romans 11:20).
  • Appreciation for Jewish Roots: Christians should recognize that their faith is deeply rooted in the history, Scriptures, and promises given to Israel. Understanding this connection enriches our understanding of God's faithfulness and His overarching plan.
  • Unity in Christ: Despite diverse backgrounds, both Jewish and Gentile believers are nourished by the same spiritual root, signifying a profound unity in Christ. We share in the spiritual blessings that came through Israel (Romans 15:27).
  • God's Unfailing Purpose: The metaphor assures us that God's plan is not thwarted by human unbelief. He is sovereignly working out His purposes, demonstrating His faithfulness even when some branches are broken off, and others are grafted in.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Ephesians 2:11

    ¶ Wherefore remember, that ye [being] in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

  • Ephesians 2:13

    But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

  • Ephesians 3:6

    That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:

  • Jeremiah 11:16

    The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, [and] of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.

  • Matthew 21:43

    Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.

  • John 15:2

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

  • Psalms 52:8

    But I [am] like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.

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