Romans 11:22

KJV

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

KJV (with Strong's)

Behold {G1492} therefore {G3767} the goodness {G5544} and {G2532} severity {G663} of God {G2316}: on {G1909} them which fell {G4098}{G3303}, severity {G663}; but {G1161} toward {G1909} thee {G4571}, goodness {G5544}, if {G1437} thou continue {G1961} in his goodness {G5544}: otherwise {G1893} thou {G4771} also {G2532} shalt be cut off {G1581}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So take a good look at God’s kindness and his severity: on the one hand, severity toward those who fell off; but, on the other hand, God’s kindness toward you — provided you maintain yourself in that kindness! Otherwise, you too will be cut off!

Berean Standard Bible

Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

American Standard Version

Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:22 profoundly reveals the dual nature of God as both good and severe, a critical balance in understanding His dealings with humanity. Paul presents this truth as a sober warning to Gentile believers, reminding them that their current standing in God's grace is contingent upon their continued faith and humility, lest they, like the unbelieving branches of Israel, also face the severity of divine judgment and be cut off from the blessings of the covenant.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:22 is a pivotal verse within Paul's extended theological discourse in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles"), where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's apparent rejection and God's unwavering faithfulness. Having established the universal need for salvation by grace through faith in [Romans 1-8](/romans/1 "Romans 1-8 - The Gospel of God's Righteousness"), Paul then addresses the specific issue of Israel's national unbelief. He employs the powerful and intricate [analogy of an olive tree](/romans/11-17-24 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Olive Tree Metaphor") to illustrate the relationship between believing Israel (the root and some natural branches), unbelieving Israel (broken-off branches), and believing Gentiles (wild olive shoots grafted in). Verse 22 functions as a direct admonition to these newly grafted-in Gentile branches, cautioning them against spiritual arrogance and self-sufficiency, reminding them that their privileged position is not inherent but conditional upon continued faith. It serves as a bridge, reinforcing the warning of [Romans 11:18-21](/romans/11-18-21 "Romans 11:18-21 - Warning Against Arrogance") and setting the stage for Paul's concluding doxology on God's inscrutable wisdom in [Romans 11:33-36](/romans/11-33-36 "Romans 11:33-36 - Doxology to God's Wisdom").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church in Rome, to whom Paul writes, was a diverse community comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This mixed composition often led to tensions and misunderstandings, particularly regarding the status of Israel in God's redemptive plan and the inclusion of Gentiles. Some Gentile Christians, perhaps feeling superior due to Israel's unbelief and their own inclusion, may have developed a sense of spiritual pride or triumphalism. Paul addresses this directly, warning against boasting over the natural branches ([Romans 11:18](/romans/11-18 "Romans 11:18 - Do Not Boast")). The concept of "cutting off" or "grafting in" would have been readily understood by an ancient audience familiar with agricultural practices, particularly the cultivation of olive trees, which were vital to the Mediterranean economy. The warning in this verse is therefore highly relevant to the specific socio-religious dynamics within the Roman church, aiming to foster humility and mutual respect between its Jewish and Gentile members.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 11:22 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **complex and balanced character of God**, emphasizing His **goodness** (His benevolence, mercy, and grace in offering salvation to all who believe) alongside His **severity** (His righteous judgment and strictness against unbelief and disobedience). This dual aspect underscores that God is neither solely permissive nor solely punitive, but perfectly just and loving. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **conditional standing and perseverance in faith**. While salvation is initiated by grace through faith, maintaining one's position within the sphere of God's active blessing requires ongoing faithfulness and a continued response to His goodness. This is not a call to earn salvation, but to live out the reality of one's faith, echoing warnings found in passages like [Colossians 1:23](/colossians/1-23 "Colossians 1:23 - Continuing in the Faith") and [Hebrews 3:12-14](/hebrews/3-12-14 "Hebrews 3:12-14 - Warning Against Unbelief"). Thirdly, it powerfully reinforces the theme of **humility and warning against spiritual arrogance**. The Gentile believers are cautioned against the very pride that led to Israel's temporary hardening, serving as a timeless reminder that all standing before God is by His grace alone, and none should boast in themselves or against others.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Behold (Greek, _eídō_):** This verb, often translated as "see" or "perceive," is used here in an imperative sense, "Behold!" or "Look!" (G1492). It functions as a call to attentive observation and deep consideration. Paul is urging his readers to carefully contemplate and understand the profound truth he is about to present regarding God's character and actions. It's not a casual glance, but an earnest, reflective gaze.
* **Goodness (Greek, _chrēstótēs_):** This term (G5544) signifies usefulness, moral excellence, kindness, benignity, and gentleness. When applied to God, it speaks of His benevolent disposition, His graciousness, and His active demonstration of mercy and favor, particularly in extending salvation to the Gentiles. It encompasses His desire to bless and His patience.
* **Severity (Greek, _apotomía_):** Derived from a word meaning "to cut off," this noun (G663) denotes decisiveness, rigor, strictness, and sharpness. In the context of God, it refers to His unwavering justice, His firm judgment against sin and unbelief, and His decisive action in "cutting off" those who reject Him. It highlights His holy intolerance of unrighteousness and His commitment to upholding His divine standards.
* **Cut off (Greek, _ekkóptō_):** This verb (G1581) literally means "to cut out," "to prune off," or "to hinder." In the olive tree metaphor, it vividly describes the act of removing a branch from the tree. Figuratively, it signifies removal from a position of spiritual privilege, blessing, and participation in God's covenant community due to a lack of faith or persistent disobedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God:":** Paul begins with an emphatic call to attention, urging the reader to consider two distinct, yet co-existent, attributes of God. This phrase sets the stage for a balanced understanding of divine character, presenting God as both merciful and just. The "therefore" links this statement to the preceding discussion of Israel's partial hardening and Gentile inclusion.
* **"on them which fell, severity;":** This clause clarifies the object of God's "severity." "Them which fell" refers to the majority of Israel who, through unbelief, rejected Christ and were consequently "broken off" from the olive tree of covenant blessing. God's severity is His righteous judgment and decisive action against their unbelief, leading to their temporary exclusion from the visible covenant community.
* **"but toward thee, goodness,":** In contrast to the severity shown to unbelieving Israel, God's "goodness" is directed "toward thee," referring to the Gentile believers who have been grafted into the olive tree. This highlights God's gracious and benevolent disposition, extending salvation and covenant blessings to those who were formerly outside the covenant.
* **"if thou continue in [his] goodness:":** This crucial conditional clause introduces a vital caveat to the Gentile believer's standing. The word "if" (Greek, _eán_, G1437) indicates a real condition. Their continued experience of God's goodness is contingent upon their perseverance ("continue," Greek, _epiménō_, G1961) in a state of faith and humility, which is itself a response to God's initial goodness. This is not about earning salvation, but about demonstrating the reality of one's faith through ongoing faithfulness.
* **"otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.":** This is the stern warning. If the Gentile believer does not "continue in his goodness"—that is, if they abandon faith, become arrogant, or fall into persistent unbelief—they too face the prospect of being "cut off" (Greek, _ekkóptō_, G1581) from their privileged position within God's covenant community. This reinforces the serious consequences of spiritual pride and apostasy, mirroring the fate of unbelieving Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 11:22 is rich in literary devices that enhance its persuasive power and theological depth. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as Paul juxtaposes "goodness" and "severity" to present a holistic view of God's character. This antithetical parallelism highlights the distinct ways God interacts with belief and unbelief. The verse also relies heavily on the extended **Metaphor** of the olive tree (introduced in [Romans 11:17](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17 - The Olive Tree Metaphor")), where "cut off" and "continue in his goodness" evoke the imagery of branches being removed or remaining connected to the life-giving root. This agricultural imagery makes the theological point tangible and relatable. Furthermore, the verse functions as a direct **Admonition** or **Warning**, employing imperative language ("Behold!") and conditional statements ("if... otherwise...") to impress upon the Gentile believers the seriousness of their spiritual standing and the need for humility and perseverance. This direct address underscores the pastoral concern and the stakes involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:22 is a foundational text for understanding the balanced nature of God's character, revealing that His love and justice are not contradictory but complementary attributes. His goodness is expressed in His gracious invitation to salvation for all who believe, while His severity is manifested in His righteous judgment against persistent unbelief and spiritual pride. This verse prevents a one-sided view of God, affirming that while He is infinitely merciful, He is also perfectly holy and will not tolerate unrighteousness indefinitely. It underscores the ongoing responsibility of believers to walk in humility and perseverance, recognizing that their standing is by grace and requires a continuous response of faith. This dynamic interplay between divine initiative and human response is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, shaping our understanding of discipleship and the security of the believer.

* [Psalm 145:9](/psalms/145-9 "Psalm 145:9 - The Lord is Good to All")
* [Hebrews 10:26-31](/hebrews/10-26-31 "Hebrews 10:26-31 - A Warning Against Deliberate Sin")
* [2 Peter 3:9](/2_peter/3-9 "2 Peter 3:9 - God's Patience and Desire for Repentance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:22 offers profound insights that call us to a deeper, more mature understanding of God and our walk with Him. It challenges any tendency to presume upon God's grace or to take our spiritual standing for granted. We are called to embrace both the comforting truth of His boundless goodness, which drew us to Himself, and the sobering reality of His righteous severity, which demands our reverence and obedience. This verse fosters a healthy fear of the Lord, not a fear of condemnation for those truly in Christ, but a reverential awe that inspires diligent perseverance in faith and a humble walk. It reminds us that while salvation is a free gift, it is also a call to a lifelong journey of discipleship, characterized by continued reliance on God's grace and a commitment to His will. We must guard against spiritual pride, recognizing that our position is entirely by His unmerited favor, and never look down on others, whether inside or outside the faith. This balanced perspective cultivates humility, fosters perseverance, and deepens our appreciation for the wisdom and justice of God's redemptive plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding both God's goodness and His severity shape your personal reverence and worship of Him?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to presume upon God's goodness or take His grace for granted?**
* **What practical steps can you take to "continue in His goodness" and cultivate a spirit of humble perseverance in your faith?**
* **How does this verse challenge any tendency towards spiritual pride or judgment of others within your own heart?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 11:22 teach that a true believer can lose their salvation?**

Answer: Romans 11:22 is a complex verse often debated in discussions about eternal security. It's crucial to interpret it within its immediate context of God's dealings with *corporate Israel and the Gentiles* as covenant communities, rather than solely focusing on the individual's eternal salvation. Paul is primarily addressing the Gentile church in Rome, warning them against the pride that led to Israel's temporary "cutting off" from their privileged position as the primary recipients of God's covenant blessings. The "cutting off" refers to removal from this position of visible blessing and participation in God's redemptive plan on earth, not necessarily the loss of eternal salvation for individuals who are genuinely regenerated by the Holy Spirit. While the verse certainly emphasizes the need for perseverance and warns against apostasy (a genuine turning away from faith), many Reformed theologians argue that true believers, those chosen by God and sealed by the Spirit, will indeed persevere by God's sustaining grace ([Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work"); [John 10:27-29](/john/10-27-29 "John 10:27-29 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). The warning thus serves as a means by which God preserves His elect, prompting them to continue in faith and humility.

**How can God be both "goodness" and "severity" at the same time? Aren't these contradictory?**

Answer: Far from being contradictory, God's goodness and severity are two perfectly harmonious aspects of His righteous character. His **goodness** (His love, mercy, and grace) is expressed in His desire to save, His patience, and His provision for humanity. His **severity** (His justice, holiness, and righteous judgment) is expressed in His intolerance of sin and His commitment to upholding His moral order. These attributes are not in tension but are mutually reinforcing. Without severity, God's goodness would be mere sentimentality, lacking moral backbone. Without goodness, His severity would be arbitrary and devoid of compassion. They are both necessary expressions of His perfect nature, demonstrating that He is both loving and just. This balance is most profoundly seen in the cross of Christ, where God's goodness provided salvation for sinners, and His severity poured out judgment on sin ([Romans 3:25-26](/romans/3-25-26 "Romans 3:25-26 - God's Righteousness Displayed Through Christ")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:22, with its stark contrast between God's goodness and severity, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's **goodness**, for it was through Him that the Father extended His boundless grace and mercy to a fallen world, offering salvation not by works but by faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Jesus, the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), willingly bore the full **severity** of God's wrath against sin on the cross, becoming a propitiation for our transgressions ([Romans 3:25](/romans/3-25 "Romans 3:25 - Christ Our Propitiation")). In His crucifixion, God's justice was perfectly satisfied, and His love was perfectly demonstrated, reconciling these two seemingly opposing attributes. Furthermore, the call to "continue in his goodness" is a call to abide in Christ, for He is the true vine, and we are the branches ([John 15:1-5](/john/15-1-5 "John 15:1-5 - Jesus the True Vine")). Our perseverance is not a self-generated effort but a gracious enablement through our union with Him, drawing life and strength from His indwelling Spirit ([Galatians 2:20](/galatians/2-20 "Galatians 2:20 - Christ Lives in Me")). Thus, Jesus Christ is both the perfect revelation of God's balanced character and the means by which believers are sustained in His goodness, preventing them from being "cut off" from the life 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

Hebrews 3:14

For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

1 Corinthians 15:2

By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

Hebrews 3:6

But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

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.

Revelation 2:5

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

Galatians 6:9

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

Romans 2:4

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?