Romans 11:20

KJV

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

KJV (with Strong's)

Well {G2573}; because of unbelief {G570} they were broken off {G1575}, and {G1161} thou {G4771} standest {G2476} by faith {G4102}. Be {G5309} not {G3361} highminded {G5309}, but {G235} fear {G5399}:

Complete Jewish Bible

True, but so what? They were broken off because of their lack of trust. However, you keep your place only because of your trust. So don’t be arrogant; on the contrary, be terrified!

Berean Standard Bible

That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

American Standard Version

Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:20 stands as a crucial warning within Paul's intricate theological argument concerning God's continuing plan for Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles. It directly addresses Gentile believers, cautioning them against spiritual arrogance and pride in their newfound standing, reminding them that their position is secured not by their own merit or inherent superiority, but solely through faith. The verse underscores the severe consequence of unbelief, which led to Israel's temporary "breaking off" from certain covenant blessings, and simultaneously calls Gentile believers to maintain a humble, reverent fear of God, recognizing the conditional nature of their own standing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's profound and often challenging discourse in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Sovereignty and Israel's Place"), where he grapples with the theological tension of Israel's unbelief and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Specifically, [Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Olive Tree Analogy") employs the vivid metaphor of an olive tree. The "natural branches" represent unbelieving Israel, which were "broken off" due to their rejection of Christ. The "wild olive branches" symbolize Gentile believers, who have been "grafted in" to partake in the spiritual nourishment of the root, which represents God's covenant with Abraham. Verse 20 serves as a direct admonition to these newly grafted-in Gentile branches, warning them against boasting over the original branches, a temptation arising from their privileged position.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, where tensions likely existed between the two groups. Jewish Christians might have felt marginalized by the growing Gentile majority, while Gentile Christians might have developed a sense of spiritual superiority, believing they had replaced Israel as God's chosen people. This verse directly confronts such Gentile arrogance, reminding them that their inclusion is an act of God's sovereign grace, not a result of their own inherent worth. The historical context of Israel's rejection of Jesus and the subsequent spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles forms the backdrop for Paul's theological explanation of God's ongoing redemptive plan.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 11:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it highlights the **consequence of unbelief**, demonstrating that even those with a privileged covenantal history can be "broken off" if they lack faith, as seen in [Hebrews 3:19](/hebrews/3-19 "Hebrews 3:19 - The Consequence of Unbelief"). Secondly, it powerfully asserts the principle of **standing by faith**, reinforcing Paul's consistent message that salvation and spiritual standing are by grace through faith in Christ alone, not by works or ethnic heritage, echoing the foundational truth in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Thirdly, the verse issues a stern warning against **spiritual pride and high-mindedness**, a recurring danger for believers who might mistakenly attribute their blessings to their own merit rather than God's grace, a theme also addressed in [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence"). Finally, the exhortation to "fear" emphasizes the importance of **reverent awe and humility** before God, recognizing His sovereignty, holiness, and the conditional nature of human privilege, which is often described as the [beginning of wisdom](/proverbs/9-10 "Proverbs 9:10 - The Fear of the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **unbelief (Greek, _apistía'_):** From G570, this term signifies "faithlessness," encompassing both a lack of Christian faith and active disobedience. In this context, it refers specifically to Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, which led to their temporary exclusion from the full benefits of God's covenant blessings, illustrating the critical role of faith as the means of access to God's grace.
* **highminded (Greek, _hypsēlophronéō'_):** From G5309, this compound word literally means "to be lofty in mind" or "to think highly of oneself." It denotes arrogance, spiritual conceit, or haughtiness. Paul uses it here to warn Gentile believers against developing a puffed-up attitude or a sense of superiority over the Jewish people, reminding them that their standing is not earned but gifted.
* **fear (Greek, _phobéō'_):** From G5399, this word, while sometimes meaning "to frighten" or "to be alarmed," in this context signifies "to be in awe of" or "to revere." It refers not to a paralyzing dread, but to a healthy, reverential respect for God's power, holiness, and justice, which naturally leads to humility, obedience, and a sober awareness of one's dependence on Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Well; because of unbelief they were broken off,"**: This clause acknowledges the reason for Israel's temporary exclusion from the "root and richness" of the olive tree (God's covenant blessings). Their "unbelief" (apistía) in rejecting Jesus as Messiah was the decisive factor. Paul concedes that this outcome is "well" (kalōs), meaning it is a valid and just consequence, though part of God's mysterious plan for salvation history.
* **"and thou standest by faith."**: This directly addresses the Gentile believer ("thou"), contrasting their standing with that of the "broken off" branches. Their position within God's covenant people is not based on ethnic privilege, works, or inherent worthiness, but solely on "faith" (pístis) in Jesus Christ. This reiterates Paul's core theological principle of justification by faith, emphasizing that their inclusion is a gift of grace.
* **"Be not highminded, but fear:"**: This is a direct, imperative command to the Gentile believers. "Be not highminded" (hypsēlophronéō) is a stern warning against spiritual arrogance, pride, or looking down upon the Jewish people. This pride would be a dangerous misunderstanding of their gracious inclusion. Instead, they are commanded to "fear" (phobéō), which means to cultivate a profound, reverential awe and respect for God. This "fear of the Lord" leads to humility, vigilance, and a recognition of God's sovereignty and their own dependence on His sustaining grace.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in [Romans 11:20](/romans/11-20 "Romans 11:20 - Warning Against Arrogance"). The most prominent is the **Metaphor** of the olive tree, which extends throughout [Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Olive Tree Analogy"). In this verse, the "broken off" branches and the "grafted in" wild branches are powerful visual representations of Israel's temporary rejection and the Gentiles' gracious inclusion. This metaphor allows Paul to convey complex theological truths about God's covenant faithfulness and the nature of salvation in an accessible way. Furthermore, Paul uses **Antithesis** or **Contrast** to highlight the opposing states: "unbelief" versus "faith," and being "broken off" versus "standest." This stark contrast emphasizes the fundamental difference in the basis of one's standing before God. Finally, the verse concludes with a direct **Imperative Mood** ("Be not highminded, but fear"), which functions as a strong, immediate command, underscoring the urgency and importance of the warning against spiritual pride and the call to humble reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:20 is deeply interconnected with the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, highlighting His sovereignty, justice, and mercy. It reinforces the universal principle that faith is the sole avenue for relationship with God, transcending ethnic or national boundaries. While Israel's unbelief led to a temporary "breaking off," this was not a final rejection but part of God's mysterious design to bring salvation to the Gentiles, ultimately aiming for the full restoration of Israel. The warning against pride is a timeless theological truth, reminding all believers that their standing is a gift of grace, not a deserved achievement, and thus demands humility and a constant, reverent awareness of God's holiness and power.

* [Hebrews 10:38](/hebrews/10-38 "The Just Shall Live by Faith")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [Philippians 2:12](/philippians/2-12 "Work Out Your Salvation with Fear and Trembling")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:20 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a vital safeguard against spiritual complacency and pride. It compels us to remember that our inclusion into God's family is an unmerited gift, sustained by an ongoing, active faith. We are called to cultivate a deep sense of humility, recognizing that any spiritual blessing or position we hold is solely by God's grace, not by our own merit or superiority over others. This humility should extend to our interactions with those outside the faith, preventing us from looking down upon them or boasting in our own spiritual standing. Instead, it should foster compassion, patience, and a fervent desire for their reconciliation with God. The command to "fear" God is an invitation to live with a healthy, reverent awe, acknowledging His absolute sovereignty, holiness, and justice, which in turn motivates us to walk circumspectly, faithfully, and obediently, always dependent on His sustaining power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your spiritual life might you be tempted to be "highminded" or proud, perhaps comparing yourself favorably to others?**
* **How does understanding that your standing is "by faith" alone deepen your appreciation for God's grace and foster humility?**
* **What does "fear" mean in your practical walk with God, and how can cultivating a reverent awe of Him protect you from spiritual arrogance?**
* **How might this verse influence your attitude and actions towards those who do not yet believe, or those who have seemingly "fallen away" from faith?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "broken off" in this verse?**

Answer: When Paul says "they were broken off," he is referring to the "natural branches" of the olive tree metaphor, which represent the majority of the Jewish people who, at that time, rejected Jesus as their Messiah. This "breaking off" signifies their temporary exclusion from the full, present enjoyment of God's covenant blessings and the spiritual richness found in Christ, due to their "unbelief." It's crucial to understand that Paul does not imply a permanent or total rejection of Israel, as he goes on to explain God's future plan for their restoration in [Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Mystery of Israel's Salvation"). It's a consequence of their corporate unbelief, allowing for the grafting in of Gentiles, but God's faithfulness to His promises to Israel remains.

**Why is it so important for Gentile believers not to be "highminded"?**

Answer: It is critically important for Gentile believers not to be "highminded" (arrogant or proud) because their inclusion into God's covenant people is entirely an act of unmerited grace, not a result of their own superiority or inherent worthiness. Paul warns against this pride because it distorts the nature of salvation (which is by faith alone, not works), dishonors God (who alone is worthy of glory), and creates division and animosity (especially towards the Jewish people). Such arrogance would also put the Gentile believers themselves at risk, as it mirrors the very unbelief and self-reliance that led to the "breaking off" of the natural branches. The warning serves as a perpetual reminder that spiritual standing is always contingent on humble faith and reverent fear of God, as highlighted in [1 Corinthians 10:12](/1_corinthians/10-12 "1 Corinthians 10:12 - Warning Against Overconfidence").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:20, while a warning to Gentile believers, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in revealing the nature of God's saving work and the foundation of all true standing before Him. The "unbelief" that led to Israel's breaking off underscores that salvation has always been, and continues to be, by faith in God's provision. Christ is the ultimate object of this saving faith, the "root" of the olive tree into whom both Jew and Gentile are grafted. The Gentile's ability to "stand by faith" is a direct result of Christ's atoning work, which opened the way for all who believe, as proclaimed in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation"). The command "Be not highminded, but fear" points to the humility modeled by Christ Himself, who, though divine, "emptied himself" and took on the form of a servant, as described in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility"). True fear of God, a reverent awe, is cultivated through a deeper understanding of Christ's holiness and His sacrifice, which reveals both God's immense love and His righteous judgment. Thus, this verse, by warning against pride and calling for humble faith, ultimately directs believers to the One in whom all grace, standing, and true humility are found: Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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

Romans 12:16

[Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

2 Corinthians 1:24

Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.

1 Corinthians 10:12

Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

1 Peter 1:17

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:

Philippians 2:12

¶ Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

Romans 11:18

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Colossians 2:7

Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.