Romans 11:31

Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

Even so ^{G3779} have ^{G544} these ^{G3778} also ^{G2532} now ^{G3568} not believed ^{G544}, that ^{G2443} through your ^{G5212} mercy ^{G1656} they ^{G846} also ^{G2532} may obtain mercy ^{G1653}.

so also Isra’el has been disobedient now, so that by your showing them the same mercy that God has shown you, they too may now receive God’s mercy.

so they too have now disobeyed, in order that they too may now receive mercy through the mercy shown to you.

even so have these also now been disobedient, that by the mercy shown to you they also may now obtain mercy.

Commentary on Romans 11:31 (KJV)

This verse is part of Paul's extended argument in Romans chapters 9-11 concerning God's plan for Israel and the Gentiles. Having described how the Gentiles received salvation through faith, partly because Israel stumbled in unbelief, Paul now flips the perspective.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul is writing to a church in Rome composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. There were likely tensions and misunderstandings regarding Israel's current state of unbelief and the inclusion of Gentiles into God's covenant family. Paul is explaining that Israel's temporary hardening is part of God's overarching plan to bring salvation to the world, and ultimately, to provoke Israel to jealousy and faith.

Key Themes and Messages

Israel's Unbelief: The phrase "these also now not believed" refers to the majority of the Jewish people at that time who did not accept Jesus as the Messiah. This unbelief was not God's final rejection of them but a temporary state allowing Gentiles to be included.
Gentile Mercy: "Through your mercy" highlights that the Gentiles received salvation ("mercy") through faith in Christ. This mercy shown to Gentiles is intended by God to have a further purpose.
Provocation and Restoration: The idea is that just as Israel's unbelief led to mercy for the Gentiles (Romans 11:11), the mercy shown to the Gentiles is intended to provoke Israel ("they also") to see the blessings of salvation and seek that same mercy through faith in Christ. It points to a future hope for the salvation of Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The word translated "mercy" (Greek: ἔλεος, eleos) signifies God's compassion and kindness towards the needy and undeserving. It is the active demonstration of pity, leading to help and salvation. It is used here for both the mercy received by the Gentiles and the mercy hoped for by Israel.

Cross-References

This verse echoes themes found earlier in the chapter, such as God using Israel's stumbling for the salvation of the Gentiles (Romans 11:11) and anticipating a future time when "all Israel will be saved" (Romans 11:25, Romans 11:26).

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers (both Jewish and Gentile) of God's intricate and patient plan of salvation. It encourages humility among Gentile believers, recognizing that their salvation is linked to God's ongoing purposes for Israel. It also fosters hope for Israel's future salvation and highlights God's ultimate desire to show mercy to all who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

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.

Romans 10:16

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?
Romans 11:15

For if the casting away of them [be] the reconciling of the world, what [shall] the receiving [of them be], but life from the dead?
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.