Romans 11:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if {G1487} by grace {G5485}, then is it no more {G2089}{G3765} of {G1537} works {G2041}: otherwise {G1893} grace {G5485} is {G1096} no more {G2089}{G3765} grace {G5485}. But {G1161} if {G1487} it be of {G1537} works {G2041}, then is it {G2076} no more {G2089}{G3765} grace {G5485}: otherwise {G1893} work {G2041} is {G2076} no more {G2089}{G3765} work {G2041}.

Complete Jewish Bible

(Now if it is by grace, it is accordingly not based on legalistic works; if it were otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.)

Berean Standard Bible

And if it is by grace, then it is no longer by works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.

American Standard Version

But if it is by grace, it is no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:6 is a foundational theological declaration by the Apostle Paul, asserting the absolute and irreconcilable distinction between divine grace and human works as the basis for salvation. It meticulously argues that if God's favor is truly unmerited (grace), it cannot simultaneously be earned through human effort (works), and vice-versa, for to combine them would fundamentally redefine and negate the essence of both concepts.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's profound theological discourse in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and Gentiles"), where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's rejection of the Messiah and God's continuing faithfulness to His covenant people. Specifically, [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Mercy on Israel") addresses the remnant of Israel, clarifying that God has not completely cast off His people. Paul points to a "remnant according to the election of grace" in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace"), and verse 6 serves as a crucial theological clarification of *how* this election operates: it is purely by grace, thereby precluding any notion of human merit. This argument is consistent with Paul's broader theological framework established earlier in the epistle, particularly his exposition on justification by faith apart from works of the Law in [Romans 3:21-28](/romans/3-21-28 "Romans 3:21-28 - Righteousness Through Faith").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience included both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, and the tension between righteousness by Law (works) and righteousness by faith (grace) was a central issue in the early church. For centuries, Jewish identity and piety were intrinsically linked to adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, dietary laws, and Sabbath observance. Many Jewish believers struggled to fully embrace a salvation that did not require these works, while some Gentiles might have been tempted to adopt them. Paul's emphatic declaration in [Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace Versus Works") directly confronts this deeply ingrained cultural and religious understanding, asserting that God's redemptive plan in Christ transcends and redefines the basis of relationship with Him. The cultural norm of earning favor through performance, whether religious or secular, is directly challenged by the radical concept of unmerited grace.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **mutual exclusivity of grace and works** as the foundation for salvation or divine favor. Paul argues that these two principles are antithetical and cannot be mixed; if one is operative, the other is necessarily excluded. This leads to the theme of **divine initiative**, emphasizing that salvation originates entirely from God's unmerited favor and sovereign choice, rather than from human effort or contribution. Consequently, a significant sub-theme is the **elimination of human boasting**. If salvation were based on works, it would provide grounds for human pride and self-glory. However, by establishing grace as the sole basis, all glory is rightly attributed to God, aligning with Paul's declaration in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith") that salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast." This verse underscores the radical nature of God's redemptive plan, which bypasses human merit entirely.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Grace (Greek, _cháris_):** This term (G5485) signifies unmerited favor, a gift freely given without any expectation of return or deservingness from the recipient. It encompasses divine influence upon the heart and its reflection in life, expressing God's benevolent disposition and generous act towards humanity, particularly in salvation.
* **Works (Greek, _érgon_):** This word (G2041) refers to toil, effort, deeds, or actions. In the context of Paul's theology, it often denotes human performance, particularly adherence to the Mosaic Law or any system of merit by which one attempts to earn righteousness or favor from God.
* **No more (Greek, _oukéti_):** This compound word (G2089, G3765) emphatically means "not yet," "still not," or "no longer." Its use here underscores the absolute cessation or incompatibility, stressing that once grace is the basis, works cease to be a factor, and vice-versa, highlighting the complete severance between the two principles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if by grace, then is it no more of works:"** Paul establishes a logical conditional statement. If the basis of God's favor (election, salvation) is truly grace—that is, unmerited favor—then it logically and necessarily follows that it cannot simultaneously be "of works," meaning it cannot be based on or derived from human effort or merit. The two are mutually exclusive.
* **"otherwise grace is no more grace."** This clause explains the consequence of attempting to combine grace and works. If human works contribute even partially to salvation, then grace ceases to be grace. Its essential nature as a free, unearned gift is corrupted and redefined into something earned or deserved, which is a contradiction in terms.
* **"But if it be of works, then is it no more grace:"** Paul reverses the conditional statement, reinforcing the same truth from the opposite angle. If the basis is "of works"—that is, dependent on human performance or merit—then it fundamentally cannot be "grace." The very act of earning or deserving negates the concept of unmerited favor.
* **"otherwise work is no more work."** Similar to the previous clause, this explains the consequence of mixing. If works are combined with grace, then "work" itself ceases to be a meritorious act. If a reward is given freely (by grace), then the "work" performed for it loses its character as a basis for earning, becoming something else entirely—perhaps an an expression of gratitude, but not a means to acquire favor.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful literary devices in [Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace Versus Works") to convey his absolute theological point. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, where he sets up a stark and direct opposition between "grace" and "works." These two concepts are presented as fundamentally incompatible, creating a clear logical dichotomy that leaves no room for compromise. Furthermore, Paul utilizes **Repetition** for emphatic effect. The phrases "no more grace" and "no more work" are repeated, underscoring the absolute and non-negotiable distinction between these two principles. This repetition hammers home the idea that attempting to blend them results in the corruption and nullification of both. Finally, the verse demonstrates **Deductive Reasoning**, where Paul presents a series of logical "if...then...otherwise" statements. He starts with a premise (if by grace), draws a necessary conclusion (no more of works), and then illustrates the absurdity of the alternative (otherwise grace is no more grace), thereby constructing an airtight theological argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:6 stands as a theological pillar, asserting a core truth about God's character and the nature of salvation that reverberates throughout Scripture. It fundamentally defines salvation as a divine act, not a human achievement, thereby magnifying God's sovereignty, mercy, and generosity. This verse safeguards the purity of the gospel message, preventing any dilution of grace with human merit. Theologically, it underscores humanity's utter inability to earn righteousness before a holy God, highlighting the necessity of a divine initiative for reconciliation. It reveals that any attempt to contribute to one's own salvation through works inevitably diminishes God's glory and misrepresents the very essence of His unmerited favor.

* [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Salvation by Grace Through Faith")
* [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Justification by Faith, Not Works")
* [Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Not by Works of Righteousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:6 offers immense liberation and clarity for believers today, dismantling the burden of performance-based religion and fostering a profound sense of gratitude. It assures us that our standing with God is not precarious, dependent on our fluctuating efforts or good deeds, but is instead firmly established on His unchanging character and the finished work of Christ. This understanding cultivates genuine humility, as all boasting is removed, and all glory is directed to God alone. It provides unwavering assurance of salvation, as our hope rests not on our own imperfect obedience, but on the perfect, unmerited favor of God. Furthermore, this truth transforms our motivation for good works: we do not perform good works *to earn* salvation, but *because of* salvation, as a grateful and joyful response to the boundless grace we have received. This frees us from legalism and the endless striving for acceptance, empowering us to live lives of love and service out of a transformed heart, knowing we are already fully accepted in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you still be subtly relying on your own efforts or performance to gain God's favor or approval?**
* **How does the absolute distinction between grace and works impact your assurance of salvation?**
* **If good works are not the basis for salvation, what then is their true purpose in the life of a believer?**
* **How can understanding Romans 11:6 free you from legalism or self-righteousness in your daily walk with God?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse mean that good works are unimportant for Christians?**

Answer: Absolutely not. Romans 11:6 clarifies that good works are not the *cause* or *basis* of salvation, but they are an inevitable *result* and *evidence* of genuine faith and transformation. Paul himself states in [Ephesians 2:10](/ephesians/2-10 "Ephesians 2:10 - Created for Good Works") that "we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Once saved by grace, believers are empowered by the Holy Spirit to live lives that reflect God's character, not to earn their salvation, but to express gratitude, serve others, and glorify God.

**How does this verse relate to the Old Testament Law and the Jewish people?**

Answer: For the Jewish people, the Law (Torah) was central to their covenant relationship with God. However, Paul consistently argues that the Law was never intended as a means to *earn* salvation, but rather to reveal God's righteousness, expose humanity's sin, and point to the need for a Savior ([Romans 3:20](/romans/3-20 "Romans 3:20 - The Law Reveals Sin")). Romans 11:6 directly confronts the misunderstanding that adherence to the Law could merit God's favor. It asserts that even the election of the remnant of Israel is based on God's unmerited grace, not on their perfect obedience to the Law. The Law serves a different, crucial purpose, but it cannot be combined with grace as a pathway to justification.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of God's grace, for it is through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection that God's unmerited favor is extended to humanity. The "grace" Paul speaks of is not an abstract concept, but a living reality made possible by Christ. His sacrifice on the cross was a divine act, utterly unearned by human "works," which fully satisfied the demands of God's righteousness, thereby making a works-based system for salvation obsolete ([Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Jesus did not merely offer a way to earn salvation; He *is* the salvation, freely given. He perfectly fulfilled the Law, not to establish a new set of works, but to bring an end to the Law as a means of righteousness for all who believe ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Romans 10:4 - Christ is the End of the Law")). Therefore, the "grace" of [Romans 11:6](/romans/11-6 "Romans 11:6 - Grace Versus Works") flows directly from Christ's finished work, ensuring that all glory belongs to God alone, as it is His Son who accomplished what humanity could never achieve through its own efforts ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). Our peace with God and access to His grace are solely "through our Lord Jesus Christ" ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace with God Through Faith")).

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

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Galatians 2:21

I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 3:27

Where [is] boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.

Romans 3:28

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.