Romans 11:25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

For {G1063} I would {G2309} not {G3756}, brethren {G80}, that ye {G5209} should be ignorant {G50} of this {G5124} mystery {G3466}, lest {G3363} ye should be {G5600} wise {G5429} in {G3844} your own conceits {G1438}; that {G3754} blindness {G4457} in {G575} part {G3313} is happened {G1096} to Israel {G2474}, until {G891}{G3739} the fulness {G4138} of the Gentiles {G1484} be come in {G1525}.

For, brothers, I want you to understand this truth which God formerly concealed but has now revealed, so that you won’t imagine you know more than you actually do. It is that stoniness, to a degree, has come upon Isra’el, until the Gentile world enters in its fullness;

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

For I would not, brethren, have you ignorant of this mystery, lest ye be wise in your own conceits, that a hardening in part hath befallen Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in;

Romans 11:25 is a pivotal verse in Paul's theological discourse concerning God's intricate plan for both Israel and the Gentiles. In this verse, Paul reveals a profound "mystery" that was previously hidden but now disclosed for the understanding of believers, particularly the Gentile Christians in Rome, to prevent them from developing spiritual pride or conceit regarding their place in God's salvation history.

Context

This verse is situated within a larger section of Romans (chapters 9-11) where the Apostle Paul grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's present rejection of Jesus as Messiah, despite being God's chosen people. Having established that God's promises remain true even if Israel has stumbled (Romans 9:6), Paul emphasizes that God has not entirely cast off His people (Romans 11:1). He illustrates this by pointing to a believing remnant within Israel. In Romans 11:17-24, he uses the vivid analogy of an olive tree, where wild olive branches (Gentiles) are grafted into the cultivated olive tree (Israel), warning against Gentile arrogance towards the natural branches that were broken off. Verse 25 directly addresses this potential conceit, revealing God's specific timetable for salvation history and the ultimate restoration of Israel.

Key Themes

  • The Divine Mystery: Paul terms this truth a "mystery" (Greek: mysterion), not something incomprehensible, but a divine secret now revealed. It concerns God's overarching redemptive strategy that involves both Jews and Gentiles, a plan previously hidden but now disclosed through the Gospel.
  • Partial and Temporary Blindness of Israel: The verse states that "blindness in part is happened to Israel." This is not a total or permanent rejection. "In part" signifies that not all Israel is hardened (a believing remnant exists), and the hardening itself is temporary. This spiritual hardening prevented the majority of Israel from recognizing Jesus as their Messiah, allowing God's primary focus to shift towards the Gentiles.
  • The Fullness of the Gentiles: This phrase, "until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in," refers to a specific period in God's redemptive plan. It signifies the completion or full number of Gentiles who are to be brought into the body of Christ through faith before God's primary focus returns to Israel. This period highlights the vast expansion of the Church primarily through Gentile converts.
  • God's Unwavering Faithfulness: Underlying this mystery is God's sovereignty and faithfulness. Even Israel's partial hardening serves a purpose within God's larger design to bring salvation to the world, ultimately leading to a future restoration for Israel itself (Romans 11:26).

Linguistic Insights

  • "Mystery" (mysterion): In the New Testament, this term refers to a truth previously hidden in God's counsel but now revealed, particularly through Christ and the apostles. It's not something unknowable, but a divine secret disclosed at the appointed time.
  • "Blindness" (porosis): This Greek word literally means "hardening" or "callousing." It describes a spiritual insensitivity or dullness of understanding, akin to a calloused heart or mind that cannot perceive spiritual truth.
  • "Fullness" (pleroma): This term denotes completion, abundance, or the full measure. In this context, it refers to the complete number or full complement of Gentiles that God intends to bring into salvation during this current age.

Practical Application

Romans 11:25 offers several profound applications for believers today:

  • Humility: The primary warning Paul issues is against Gentile conceit. Believers, regardless of their background, should remain humble, recognizing that their salvation is by grace and part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. We should not boast against those who have stumbled (Romans 11:18).
  • Understanding God's Sovereignty: This verse provides insight into God's intricate and wise plan for history. Even in apparent setbacks (Israel's hardening), God is working out His purposes, demonstrating His ability to bring good out of difficult circumstances and fulfilling His long-term promises.
  • Hope for Israel: While Israel's spiritual blindness is temporary, this verse lays the groundwork for the future hope of their restoration, a theme Paul elaborates on in the subsequent verses. This should encourage prayer and evangelism towards Jewish people, knowing that God's ultimate plan for them is salvation.
  • Global Mission: The concept of "the fullness of the Gentiles" underscores the importance of the global mission of the Church. God's heart is for all nations to hear the Gospel and come to salvation, aligning with the Great Commission to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).
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.

  • Luke 21:24

    And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:14

    But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 3:16

    Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.

  • Romans 16:25

    ¶ Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began,

  • Zechariah 8:20

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; [It shall] yet [come to pass], that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities:

  • Zechariah 8:23

    Thus saith the LORD of hosts; In those days [it shall come to pass], that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard [that] God [is] with you.

  • 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.
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