Romans 11:5

KJV

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

KJV (with Strong's)

Even so {G3779} then {G3767} at {G1722} this present {G3568} time {G2540} also {G2532} there is {G1096} a remnant {G3005} according {G2596} to the election {G1589} of grace {G5485}.

Complete Jewish Bible

It’s the same way in the present age: there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

Berean Standard Bible

In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.

American Standard Version

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:5 serves as a crucial affirmation within Paul’s extended argument concerning God’s enduring faithfulness to Israel. Following his rhetorical question about God’s rejection of His people, Paul asserts that, even in his present time, a true and believing "remnant" of Israel exists. This remnant is not preserved by human merit or national identity, but solely by God's sovereign choice and unmerited favor, underscoring the foundational principle of salvation by grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:5 flows directly from Paul's impassioned defense of God's ongoing plan for Israel, which begins in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereignty and Israel"). Having established God's sovereign right to choose whom He wills (as seen in His choice of Jacob over Esau, discussed in [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - Jacob and Esau")), Paul addresses the apparent paradox of Israel's widespread rejection of the Messiah. In [Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - Has God Rejected Israel?"), he poses the rhetorical question, "Hath God cast away his people? God forbid." To substantiate his emphatic "God forbid," Paul first points to his own salvation as a Jew (a living example of God's continued work among Israel). He then immediately pivots to the Old Testament illustration of Elijah in [Romans 11:2-4](/romans/11-2-4 "Romans 11:2-4 - The Remnant in Elijah's Day"), where God revealed that He had preserved 7,000 faithful individuals even when Elijah felt utterly alone. Romans 11:5 directly applies this historical precedent to Paul's contemporary situation, asserting that just as God preserved a remnant in Elijah's day, so too does a remnant exist in Israel in the present time. This verse sets the stage for the subsequent explanation of the nature of this remnant's inclusion, which is "according to the election of grace," a concept further elaborated in [Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace vs. Works").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "remnant" (Hebrew: *she'ar*, *ye'ar*; Greek: *leîmma*) was deeply significant in Jewish thought, rooted in Old Testament prophetic tradition. Prophets like Isaiah ([Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant Shall Return")) and Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 23:3](/jeremiah/23-3 "Jeremiah 23:3 - Gathering the Remnant")) frequently spoke of a faithful minority who would survive divine judgment and be preserved by God for His redemptive purposes. This idea provided hope amidst national apostasy and exile. In Paul's time, the vast majority of the Jewish people had rejected Jesus as the Messiah, leading to questions about God's covenant faithfulness. Paul, a Pharisee by training, understood the Jewish expectation of national salvation based on lineage and adherence to the Law. However, he consistently redefines true Israel as those who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, through faith in Christ. Romans 11:5 addresses this tension by affirming that God's promises to Israel are not completely nullified, as a portion of His people—the remnant—has indeed responded to the Gospel. This remnant, however, is not defined by ethnic identity alone or by works of the Law, but by God's sovereign, gracious choice, a radical reinterpretation for many in Paul's audience.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 11:5 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Paul's letter to the Romans and broader Pauline theology. The primary theme is **God's Unwavering Faithfulness**, demonstrating that despite Israel's widespread unbelief, God remains true to His covenant promises and purposes, always preserving a people for Himself. This echoes passages like [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God's Faithfulness Endures"). Closely related is the theme of **The Remnant of Israel**, which signifies that not all of Israel has rejected Christ; a minority has responded to the Gospel, illustrating God's method of working through a faithful few. This concept is vital for understanding Paul's argument in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel"). Most crucially, the verse highlights the theme of **Election of Grace**. The phrase "according to the election of grace" is paramount, emphasizing that the inclusion of this remnant is not based on their works, merit, or national identity, but solely on God's sovereign choice and unmerited favor. This principle is further underscored in [Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace vs. Works"), which explicitly contrasts grace with works, asserting that if it is by grace, "then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace." This theme reinforces the core message of salvation by grace through faith, applicable to both Jew and Gentile, as articulated earlier in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **remnant (Greek, _leîmma'_):** From λείπω; a remainder. This term signifies a small, surviving portion of a larger group, often implying divine preservation amidst judgment or widespread apostasy. In the context of Israel, it refers to those who have remained faithful to God or have been divinely preserved through a period of national unfaithfulness. It underscores that God's purposes for Israel are not abandoned, but continue through a chosen few.
* **election (Greek, _eklogḗ'_):** From ἐκλέγομαι; (divine) selection, choice. This word emphasizes God's sovereign initiative and deliberate act of choosing. It points to a divine prerogative in selecting individuals or a group for a particular purpose, highlighting that the remnant's existence is not accidental or self-achieved but is the direct result of God's active and purposeful choosing.
* **grace (Greek, _cháris'_):** From χαίρω; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude). This term denotes unmerited favor, a free and undeserved gift from God. When linked with "election," it powerfully conveys that God's selection of the remnant is based entirely on His benevolent, unearned favor, rather than on any human merit or performance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Even so then at this present time also":** This opening phrase, using the Greek `hoútō oûn kaí en tō nŷn kairō`, establishes a direct parallel and conclusion. "Even so then" (`hoútō oûn`) connects the present reality to the preceding illustration of Elijah, indicating that what was true in Elijah's day (God preserving a remnant) is equally true "at this present time" (`en tō nŷn kairō`). The inclusion of "also" (`kaí`) reinforces the continuity of God's method across different historical periods. Paul is drawing a direct, undeniable link between God's past actions and His current work among Israel.
* **"there is a remnant":** The Greek `gínomai leîmma` (literally, "a remnant comes into being" or "a remnant exists") affirms the undeniable reality of a faithful portion of Israel. This is not a hypothetical or wished-for scenario, but an active, present truth. Despite the national rejection of Christ by the majority, God has ensured that a "remainder" of His people has believed, demonstrating His ongoing commitment to His covenant. This remnant is not a statistical anomaly but a divinely preserved group.
* **"according to the election of grace.":** This concluding phrase, `katá eklogḗn cháritos`, is the theological heart of the verse and the entire argument. "According to" (`katá`) indicates the basis or standard by which the remnant exists. Their existence is not due to their own efforts, lineage, or adherence to the Law, but entirely "to the election of grace." This means their selection is a sovereign act of God's choice (`eklogḗ`), motivated purely by His unmerited favor (`cháritos`). This completely removes any human boasting or merit from the equation, firmly rooting salvation in God's gratuitous initiative.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in Romans 11:5 to strengthen his argument. The most prominent is **Analogy**, as he directly applies the historical precedent of God preserving 7,000 faithful individuals in Elijah's time (from [Romans 11:2-4](/romans/11-2-4 "Romans 11:2-4 - The Remnant in Elijah's Day")) to the contemporary situation of Israel. This analogy serves to validate his claim that a remnant exists "even so then" in his own day, demonstrating a consistent pattern in God's dealings with His people. Furthermore, Paul uses **Theological Argumentation**, building a logical case from a rhetorical question ([Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - Has God Rejected Israel?")), through historical illustration, to a definitive theological statement in verse 5. This structured reasoning aims to persuade his audience of God's unwavering faithfulness. Finally, there is a subtle **Contrast** implied between human effort and divine grace, which becomes explicit in the subsequent verse ([Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace vs. Works")). By stating the remnant exists "according to the election of grace," Paul implicitly contrasts this divine, unmerited basis with any notion of human works or merit, thereby elevating God's sovereignty and benevolence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:5 profoundly reinforces the biblical doctrine of divine election and the nature of salvation as a work of God's unmerited favor. It clarifies that God's covenant promises are not nullified by human unbelief, but rather fulfilled through a divinely chosen remnant. This highlights God's absolute sovereignty in salvation, asserting that His plan will always come to fruition, not based on human performance, but on His own gracious initiative. The verse serves as a powerful reminder that God always preserves a people for Himself, demonstrating His unchanging character and commitment to His redemptive purposes throughout history, whether in ancient Israel or in the Church today. This understanding fosters humility, recognizing that salvation is entirely a gift, and deepens gratitude for God's sovereign love.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [John 6:44](/john/6-44 "John 6:44 - No One Comes Unless Drawn by the Father")
* [1 Peter 1:2](/1_peter/1-2 "1 Peter 1:2 - Elect According to God's Foreknowledge")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:5 offers profound comfort and a vital theological grounding for believers in every age. It reminds us that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human response or performance. Even in times of widespread spiritual apathy, moral decline, or apparent apostasy within the visible church, this verse assures us that God always preserves a true, believing remnant. This truth provides immense hope, bolstering our faith that God's purposes will ultimately prevail and His kingdom will advance, regardless of the surrounding spiritual climate. Furthermore, the emphasis on "election of grace" should cultivate deep humility and profound gratitude within us. Our standing with God, our salvation, and our inclusion in His people are not achievements of our own will or effort, but pure, unmerited gifts of His sovereign love. This understanding frees us from the burden of earning God's favor and empowers us to live in joyful response to His overflowing grace, recognizing that every spiritual blessing flows from His divine initiative.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of a "remnant" challenge or affirm your understanding of God's faithfulness in contemporary society or within the Church today?**
* **In what ways does recognizing your salvation as "according to the election of grace" deepen your humility and gratitude towards God?**
* **How might the truth that God always preserves a people for Himself encourage you when you feel isolated in your faith or discouraged by the spiritual state of the world?**

### FAQ
**Does "election of grace" mean that human free will plays no part in salvation?**

Answer: The phrase "election of grace" in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant of Grace") emphasizes God's sovereign initiative as the *ultimate* cause of salvation. It means that God's choice is not based on any foreseen human merit or decision, but purely on His unmerited favor. While the Bible also affirms human responsibility to believe ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")), Paul's primary emphasis here is to highlight that salvation is fundamentally God's work, a gift of His grace. The remnant exists because God chose them by grace, not because they first chose Him in a way that earned their election. This tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a complex theological topic, but Romans 11:5 clearly prioritizes God's electing grace as the foundation.

**Is this "remnant" exclusively Jewish, or does it include Gentiles?**

Answer: In [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant of Grace"), Paul is specifically referring to a remnant *of Israel*—that is, Jewish people who have believed in Jesus as the Messiah. His argument in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel") is largely concerned with God's ongoing relationship with ethnic Israel. However, the *principle* of "election of grace" applies universally to all who are saved, whether Jew or Gentile. Paul has already established in earlier chapters that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by grace through faith ([Romans 3:29-30](/romans/3-30 "Romans 3:29-30 - God is God of Gentiles Too") and [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). So, while the immediate context of Romans 11:5 is about the Jewish remnant, the theological truth it embodies—salvation by God's sovereign grace—is foundational for all believers in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:5, with its declaration of a "remnant according to the election of grace," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, and it is through Him that God's electing grace is fully realized. Jesus himself is the "true Israel," the perfectly obedient Son through whom all of God's promises are "Yes and Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). The remnant of Israel, and indeed all who are chosen by grace, are chosen *in Christ* before the foundation of the world ([Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ")). It is through His atoning sacrifice that the grace of God is poured out, enabling those chosen to respond in faith and be reconciled to God ([Colossians 1:19-20](/colossians/1-19-20 "Colossians 1:19-20 - Reconciliation Through Christ")). Therefore, the existence of a remnant by grace is not merely an arbitrary act of divine selection, but a testament to God's eternal plan to gather a people for Himself *through His Son*. Jesus is 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")), and it is His perfect obedience and sacrifice that perfectly fulfills the demands of God's righteousness, making the "election of grace" a reality for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile, united in Him as the new people of God ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in 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

Romans 9:27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

Ephesians 1:6

To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.

Romans 9:11

(For [the children] being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Romans 11:6

And if by grace, then [is it] no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if [it be] of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

Romans 11:7

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded

Romans 11:28

As concerning the gospel, [they are] enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, [they are] beloved for the fathers' sakes.