Romans 11:2

KJV

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

KJV (with Strong's)

God {G2316} hath {G683} not {G3756} cast away {G683} his {G846} people {G2992} which {G3739} he foreknew {G4267}.{G2228} Wot ye {G1492} not {G3756} what {G5101} the scripture {G1124} saith {G3004} of {G1722} Elias {G2243}? how {G5613} he maketh intercession {G1793} to God {G2316} against {G2596} Israel {G2474}, saying {G3004},

Complete Jewish Bible

God has not repudiated his people, whom he chose in advance. Or don’t you know what the Tanakh says about Eliyahu? He pleads with God against Isra’el,

Berean Standard Bible

God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel:

American Standard Version

God did not cast off his people which he foreknew. Or know ye not what the scripture saith of Elijah? how he pleadeth with God against Israel:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:2 serves as a foundational declaration of God's unwavering faithfulness to His chosen people, Israel. Paul emphatically asserts that God has not permanently rejected or "cast away" the nation He foreknew, reinforcing this truth by drawing a powerful historical parallel to the prophet Elijah's experience, where even in widespread apostasy, God preserved a faithful remnant. This verse sets the stage for Paul's intricate theological argument concerning God's ongoing redemptive plan for Israel and the Gentiles.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:2 is nestled within Paul's profound theological discourse in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel"), where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's current unbelief and the implications for God's covenant promises. Having established Israel's historical privileges and their present spiritual blindness in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice") and [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Israel's Rejection of Christ"), Paul opens [Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - God Has Not Rejected Israel") with a rhetorical question, "Hath God cast away his people?" His immediate and emphatic answer, "God forbid!" sets the tone for the entire chapter. Verse 2 then provides the scriptural and historical basis for this declaration, using the familiar narrative of Elijah to demonstrate God's consistent method of preserving a faithful remnant, thereby proving His enduring commitment to His people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to a diverse church in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. The question of Israel's status was highly pertinent, as many Jewish people had rejected Jesus as Messiah, leading some Gentile Christians to assume God had entirely abandoned His original covenant people. This context made it crucial for Paul to clarify God's ongoing plan for Israel, addressing potential misunderstandings and preventing Gentile arrogance. The reference to Elijah would have resonated deeply with Jewish readers, as Elijah was a revered prophet whose story, particularly his lament in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Flight and God's Provision"), highlighted a period of severe national apostasy under Ahab and Jezebel. Paul skillfully leverages this well-known historical episode to illustrate a timeless principle of God's faithfulness and the existence of a hidden remnant, even in the darkest times.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, asserting that His covenant promises to Israel are irrevocable, irrespective of their corporate disobedience. His character is one of steadfastness, not fickle abandonment. Secondly, the phrase "which he foreknew" emphasizes **Divine Foreknowledge and Election**, highlighting that God's choice of Israel was not a reactive decision but part of His eternal, predetermined plan, a concept also seen in [Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - God's Foreknowledge and Predestination"). This foreknowledge ensures the security of His purpose. Thirdly, the Elijah illustration introduces the crucial **Remnant Principle**. Just as God preserved 7,000 in Israel who had not bowed to Baal during Elijah's time ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - The Seven Thousand Who Did Not Bow to Baal")), so too in Paul's day, there was a believing remnant of Israel who accepted Christ, demonstrating that God's election continues through a faithful minority, paving the way for the discussion of the "remnant according to the election of grace" in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **foreknew (Greek, _proginṓskō_):** This term (G4267) means "to know beforehand, i.e. foresee." In this context, it signifies more than mere intellectual awareness; it implies God's prior knowledge, pre-selection, and pre-determination of a relationship. It speaks to God's eternal purpose and sovereign choice regarding Israel, indicating that His relationship with them was established before their existence and is therefore not subject to their fluctuating obedience or disobedience. It underscores the unchangeable nature of God's divine plan for His people.
* **Wot ye not (Greek, _eídō_):** The archaic KJV phrase "Wot ye not" translates the Greek word _eídō_ (G1492), which means "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." Here, it functions as a rhetorical question, "Do you not know?" or "Are you not aware?" Paul uses it to prompt his readers to recall familiar biblical history, specifically the narrative of Elijah, assuming their knowledge of the Old Testament Scriptures. It serves to draw the audience into the argument and to validate his point by appealing to a shared scriptural understanding.
* **maketh intercession (Greek, _entynchánō_):** This verb (G1793) means "to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against)." In the context of Elijah, it describes his fervent prayer and complaint to God *against* Israel, lamenting their apostasy and persecution of the prophets. This specific nuance of "intercession against" is crucial, as it highlights Elijah's perspective that Israel had entirely abandoned God, yet God's response revealed a hidden remnant, contrasting Elijah's limited view with God's broader, faithful plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew."**: This opening clause is a resounding affirmation of God's enduring faithfulness. The phrase "cast away" (Greek, _apōthéomai_) implies a permanent rejection or thrusting aside. Paul unequivocally denies this, asserting that God has not abandoned Israel, the people He chose and entered into a covenant relationship with from eternity past ("which he foreknew"). This foundational statement refutes the notion that Israel's current unbelief has nullified God's promises to them.
* **"Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?"**: Paul transitions from his direct assertion to a scriptural illustration. "Wot ye not" is a rhetorical question, challenging the reader to recall the well-known account of the prophet Elijah. By referencing "the scripture," Paul appeals to the authority of the Old Testament, grounding his theological argument in the historical precedent of God's dealings with Israel, specifically during a time of profound national apostasy.
* **"how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,"**: This clause specifies the particular aspect of Elijah's story Paul wants to highlight. Elijah's "intercession" was not on behalf of Israel, but "against" them, a lament and accusation to God about their unfaithfulness, their destruction of God's altars, and their killing of the prophets ([1 Kings 19:10](/1_kings/19-10 "1 Kings 19:10 - Elijah's Complaint")). This sets up the dramatic contrast between Elijah's perception of complete national apostasy and God's revelation of a preserved remnant, which Paul will elaborate on in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 11:2 employs several potent literary devices to convey Paul's message. The most prominent is **Rhetorical Question**, seen in "Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias?" Paul doesn't expect a literal answer but uses the question to engage the reader, prompt recollection of familiar biblical history, and establish a common ground of understanding. This is immediately followed by a profound **Allusion** to the narrative of Elijah in [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Encounter with God"). This allusion serves as a powerful **Analogy**, drawing a parallel between God's preservation of a faithful remnant during Elijah's time (the 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal) and His preservation of a believing remnant in Paul's own day, despite widespread Jewish unbelief. This analogy is central to Paul's argument for God's ongoing faithfulness to Israel. Furthermore, the concept of God "casting away" or "not casting away" His people can be seen as a mild form of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing human-like actions (rejection) to God, though immediately negated to emphasize His steadfastness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:2 serves as a critical bridge between Paul's lament over Israel's unbelief and his exposition of God's enduring plan for them. Theologically, it underscores the immutability of God's character and His covenant faithfulness. His "foreknowledge" implies an eternal, unwavering commitment that transcends human failure. The Elijah example demonstrates that God always operates with a "remnant," ensuring the continuity of His promises even when the majority turn away. This principle highlights God's sovereignty in election and His ability to preserve a people for Himself, even when it seems all hope is lost. It challenges any notion that God's plans are contingent on human performance, emphasizing His grace and sovereign initiative in salvation history.

* [1 Samuel 12:22](/1_samuel/12-22 "1 Samuel 12:22 - God Will Not Forsake His People")
* [Psalm 94:14](/psalms/94-14 "Psalm 94:14 - The Lord Will Not Forsake His People")
* [Jeremiah 31:37](/jeremiah/31-37 "Jeremiah 31:37 - Israel's Unbreakable Covenant")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:2 offers profound comfort and a powerful theological anchor for believers today. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not predicated on our perfect obedience or the faithfulness of any human group. Even when we stumble, or when the visible church seems to falter, God remains true to His character and His eternal purposes. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign foreknowledge and His ability to preserve a remnant, even when circumstances seem dire. It calls us to look beyond immediate appearances and to rest in the assurance that God is always at work, fulfilling His promises. For those who feel like a minority or isolated in their faith, the example of Elijah and the "remnant" provides solace and a reminder that God sees and sustains His faithful ones, often in ways unseen by the world. It also challenges us to consider our own role in God's ongoing plan, recognizing that His election is unto service and a demonstration of His grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's "foreknowledge" of His people impact your understanding of His faithfulness and your own security in Him?**
* **In what ways might we, like Elijah, sometimes have a limited perspective on God's work, failing to see the "remnant" He is preserving?**
* **How does the truth that God has not "cast away" His people encourage you in times of doubt or when you witness widespread spiritual decline?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live in light of God's unwavering faithfulness, even when your circumstances or the world around you seem to contradict it?**

### FAQ
**What does "God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew" mean in practical terms for Israel?**

Answer: This statement means that God's covenant with Israel is irrevocable and that He has not permanently abandoned them as a nation, despite their widespread rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. The phrase "which he foreknew" emphasizes that God's relationship with Israel was established by His sovereign, eternal choice, not based on their performance. While a majority of Israel at Paul's time did not believe in Christ, God still preserved a faithful "remnant" (as illustrated by Elijah's time), demonstrating that His promises to Israel would ultimately be fulfilled. Paul will go on to explain in [Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Salvation") that "all Israel will be saved" in the future, indicating a national restoration.

**Why does Paul use the example of Elijah in this verse?**

Answer: Paul uses Elijah's experience from [1 Kings 19](/1_kings/19 "1 Kings 19 - Elijah's Flight and God's Provision") to illustrate the "remnant principle." Elijah felt he was the only faithful prophet left, lamenting to God that Israel had completely abandoned Him. However, God revealed to Elijah that He had reserved 7,000 individuals who had not bowed to Baal ([1 Kings 19:18](/1_kings/19-18 "1 Kings 19:18 - The Seven Thousand Who Did Not Bow to Baal")). This historical precedent serves as a powerful analogy for Paul's contemporary situation: just as God preserved a faithful minority in Elijah's day despite widespread apostasy, so too in Paul's time, there was a believing remnant of Israel who accepted Jesus, proving that God's faithfulness to His promises endures through election by grace.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:2, while focusing on God's faithfulness to Israel, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The very concept of God not "casting away" His people is perfectly embodied in Christ, who is the faithful remnant of Israel, the true Israelite in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Jesus, as the Son of God, perfectly fulfilled the covenant requirements that Israel failed to keep, becoming the means by which God's foreordained plan of salvation is actualized for both Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 1:4-6](/ephesians/1-4-6 "Ephesians 1:4-6 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")). Moreover, the "intercession" of Elijah, though "against Israel," foreshadows the perfect, perpetual intercession of Christ, who now intercedes *for* His people before the Father ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") and [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Jesus Always Lives to Intercede")). Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Jesus ensures that God's people—those whom He foreknew and called to Himself from every tribe and nation—will never be cast away, but will be eternally preserved in Him ([John 6:37-40](/john/6-37-40 "John 6:37-40 - All the Father Gives Me Will Come to Me")). Thus, God's faithfulness to Israel, and indeed to all humanity, is ultimately secured and revealed in the person and work of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 94:14

For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.

Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Acts 3:17

And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did [it], as [did] also your rulers.

Romans 9:23

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

1 Peter 1:2

Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Genesis 44:15

And Joseph said unto them, What deed [is] this that ye have done? wot ye not that such a man as I can certainly divine?