Romans 11:7

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} then {G3767}? Israel {G2474} hath {G2013} not {G3756} obtained {G2013} that {G5127} which {G3739} he seeketh for {G1934}; but {G1161} the election {G1589} hath obtained it {G2013}, and {G1161} the rest {G3062} were blinded {G4456}

Complete Jewish Bible

What follows is that Isra’el has not attained the goal for which she is striving. The ones chosen have obtained it, but the rest have been made stonelike,

Berean Standard Bible

What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth regarding God's dealings with Israel, distinguishing between the nation's collective pursuit of righteousness and the divine outcome. Paul asserts that the majority of Israel, in their earnest but misguided pursuit, failed to attain the righteousness they sought, which was to be found through faith in Christ. In stark contrast, a divinely chosen remnant—"the election"—did indeed obtain it, while the remainder of the nation experienced a spiritual hardening or blinding, a condition that, while lamentable, serves a specific purpose within God's broader redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:7 stands as a pivotal summary statement within Paul's extended argument in Romans chapters 9-11, where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's present unbelief and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul has established that God has not utterly rejected His people, Israel, citing himself as a prime example of a believing Israelite ([Romans 11:1](/romans/11-1 "Romans 11:1 - God's Unwavering Faithfulness to Israel")). He then introduces the concept of a "remnant according to the election of grace" ([Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace")), drawing a parallel to Elijah's time when God preserved 7,000 who had not bowed to Baal. Verse 7, therefore, serves as a direct conclusion to this line of reasoning, articulating the two distinct responses within Israel: the success of the elect and the spiritual hardening of the rest. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion on the purpose of this hardening—to allow for Gentile inclusion—and the ultimate hope for Israel's future restoration ([Romans 11:11-32](/romans/11-11-32 "Romans 11:11-32 - The Mystery of Israel's Hardening and Future Restoration")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience, comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome, would have been intimately familiar with the Jewish people's fervent pursuit of righteousness, primarily through meticulous adherence to the Mosaic Law and the traditions of their ancestors. For centuries, Israel had understood its covenant relationship with God to be mediated through the Law, believing that obedience would lead to blessing and righteousness. However, by the time of Christ, many had developed a self-righteousness, trusting in their own works rather than in God's grace. The concept of "seeking" righteousness was deeply ingrained in their religious consciousness ([Romans 9:31-32](/romans/9-31-32 "Romans 9:31-32 - Israel's Pursuit of Righteousness by Works")). Paul's assertion that "Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for" directly challenges this deeply held cultural and religious paradigm, highlighting their failure to grasp the true nature of God's righteousness, which is by faith in Jesus Christ ([Romans 10:3-4](/romans/10-3-4 "Romans 10:3-4 - Christ, the End of the Law for Righteousness")). The "blinding" refers to a spiritual insensitivity that prevented many from recognizing Jesus as their promised Messiah, a tragic outcome for a people who had received God's oracles and promises.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully articulates several key themes pervasive throughout Romans 9-11 and indeed the entire epistle. Firstly, it underscores **Israel's misguided pursuit of righteousness**, emphasizing their failure to obtain it through works of the Law, a theme Paul elaborates on in [Romans 9:30-32](/romans/9-30-32 "Romans 9:30-32 - Righteousness by Faith vs. Works"). Secondly, it highlights the doctrine of **divine election**, asserting that a remnant within Israel obtained salvation not by their own merit or seeking, but by God's sovereign and gracious choice, as also seen in [Romans 9:6-13](/romans/9-6-13 "Romans 9:6-13 - God's Sovereign Choice of Jacob over Esau"). This "election of grace" is foundational to Paul's argument for God's faithfulness. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **spiritual hardening or blinding**, explaining the state of the majority of Israel who rejected the Messiah. This hardening, while a consequence of their unbelief, is also presented as part of God's mysterious plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles, as further explored in [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "Romans 11:25 - The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening"). These interconnected themes reveal God's complex and wise redemptive strategy, encompassing both judgment and mercy, for both Jew and Gentile.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **obtained (Greek, _epitynchánō_):** From G2013, meaning "to chance upon, i.e. (by implication) to attain." This word signifies the successful acquisition or achievement of something. In this context, it highlights that the "election" successfully grasped or received the righteousness and salvation that the broader nation of Israel sought but failed to attain. It implies a divine enablement or grace that allowed the elect to reach the desired spiritual state.
* **election (Greek, _eklogḗ_):** From G1589, meaning "(divine) selection (abstractly or concretely)." This term is crucial, denoting God's sovereign act of choosing or selecting individuals for His purposes. It emphasizes that the remnant's salvation is not due to their own efforts or superior seeking, but entirely to God's gracious and unmerited choice. This concept underscores the theological principle that salvation originates with God's initiative.
* **blinded (Greek, _pōróō_):** From G4456, meaning "to petrify, i.e. (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)." This powerful word describes a spiritual condition of hardness, dullness, or insensitivity, particularly to divine truth. It implies a state where the spiritual perception is dulled, preventing understanding and acceptance of God's revelation, specifically concerning Jesus as the Messiah. This blinding is not merely a lack of understanding but an active hardening of the heart.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What then?"**: This interrogative phrase serves as a rhetorical transition, signaling Paul's intention to draw a conclusion from his preceding arguments about God's faithfulness to Israel and the existence of a remnant. It anticipates the logical outcome of the discussion.
* **"Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for"**: This clause identifies the collective failure of the majority of the nation of Israel. Their earnest "seeking" was for righteousness and salvation, which they pursued through adherence to the Law and their own works. However, they failed to "obtain" it because they sought it on the wrong basis, rejecting the path of faith in Christ.
* **"but the election hath obtained it"**: This contrasting clause highlights the success of a distinct group within Israel. "The election" refers to the divinely chosen remnant, those who, by God's grace and sovereign choice, responded in faith to the gospel. They successfully "obtained" the righteousness and salvation that the rest of the nation missed, demonstrating God's faithful preservation of a believing core.
* **"and the rest were blinded"**: This final clause describes the spiritual condition of the majority of Israel who did not believe. "The rest" signifies those outside "the election." They experienced a "blinding" or hardening, a spiritual insensitivity that prevented them from recognizing and accepting Jesus as the Messiah. This hardening, while a consequence of their unbelief, is also presented as part of God's mysterious plan, leading to the inclusion of the Gentiles.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 11:7 employs several powerful literary devices. **Antithesis** is prominent, setting up a clear contrast between "Israel" (the majority) and "the election," and between their respective outcomes: "not obtained" versus "hath obtained it." This stark opposition emphasizes the divergent spiritual paths within the same nation. **Metaphor** is also evident in the word "blinded" (**_pōróō_**), which is a figurative description of spiritual insensitivity or dullness, rather than a literal physical impairment. This metaphor effectively conveys the spiritual inability of the majority of Israel to perceive divine truth. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **summary statement**, succinctly encapsulating Paul's complex theological argument from the preceding verses regarding God's election and Israel's present spiritual state.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:7 is a cornerstone for understanding the intricate relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation. It powerfully asserts that salvation is ultimately a work of God's grace, initiated by His sovereign election, rather than earned by human effort or merit. While Israel diligently "sought" righteousness through works, their failure to "obtain" it underscores the inadequacy of human striving apart from divine intervention. The "election" obtaining it by grace, and the "rest" being "blinded," reveals God's mysterious and purposeful dealings with humanity, demonstrating His faithfulness to His promises even amidst widespread unbelief. This verse sets the stage for Paul's further explanation of how Israel's partial hardening serves God's larger redemptive plan to bring salvation to the Gentiles, ultimately aiming for the full restoration of Israel.

* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - God Has Not Given Them a Heart to Perceive")
* [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - The Prophecy of Spiritual Hardening")
* [John 12:39-40](/john/12-39-40 "John 12:39-40 - Why They Could Not Believe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:7 offers profound insights for personal reflection and practical application in the life of a believer. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder that true righteousness and salvation are not attained through human striving, religious rituals, or adherence to a set of rules, but are a gracious gift received through faith in Christ, as demonstrated by "the election." This calls us to examine the basis of our own hope and assurance – is it in our efforts or in God's finished work? Secondly, the concept of "the rest were blinded" is a sobering warning against spiritual insensitivity and hardening of heart. When we repeatedly resist God's truth, ignore His promptings, or cling to self-righteousness, we risk becoming spiritually callous, unable to perceive His will or the beauty of His grace. This urges us to cultivate a tender heart, open to the Holy Spirit's conviction and guidance, and to continually seek humility before God. Finally, the verse reinforces the truth of God's sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His redemptive purposes, even when human responses are varied and often resistant. It encourages us to trust in His overarching plan, knowing that He works all things together for good, even using human failures to advance His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be "seeking" righteousness or approval through my own efforts rather than resting in God's grace through faith in Christ?**
* **Are there areas in my life where I have become spiritually "blinded" or hardened to God's truth or the Holy Spirit's promptings? How can I cultivate a more sensitive heart?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign election and His faithfulness to His promises encourage me in times of doubt or widespread spiritual apathy?**

### FAQ

**What does "Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for" mean?**

Answer: This phrase means that the majority of the nation of Israel, in their earnest pursuit of righteousness and salvation, failed to attain it because they sought it through adherence to the Law and their own works, rather than through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul explains this in [Romans 9:31-32](/romans/9-31-32 "Israel's Stumbling Block") and [Romans 10:3](/romans/10-3 "Ignorance of God's Righteousness"), highlighting their ignorance of God's true righteousness, which is revealed in Christ. They pursued a "righteousness of their own" instead of submitting to God's righteousness.

**Who is "the election" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The election" refers to a believing remnant within Israel whom God, by His sovereign grace, chose to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and thus receive salvation. This concept is introduced in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "The Remnant According to Grace"), where Paul states there is "a remnant according to the election of grace." This group obtained the righteousness and salvation that the rest of the nation failed to grasp, demonstrating that God always preserves a faithful core.

**What does it mean that "the rest were blinded"?**

Answer: This signifies that the majority of Israel who did not believe in Jesus experienced a spiritual hardening or dullness. The Greek word for "blinded" (pōróō) implies a state of insensitivity or callousness, preventing them from perceiving and accepting the truth about Jesus as the Messiah. This "blinding" is presented not only as a consequence of their unbelief but also as part of God's mysterious divine plan, which allowed for the inclusion of the Gentiles into the covenant people of God, as discussed further in [Romans 11:25](/romans/11-25 "The Mystery of Israel's Partial Hardening").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:7, while describing Israel's historical response, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in highlighting Jesus as the sole object and means of true righteousness and salvation. The "righteousness" that Israel sought but failed to obtain is perfectly embodied and freely offered in Christ, who is "the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes" ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ, the End of the Law")). The "election" who "obtained it" are those who, by God's grace, recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah and embraced Him by faith, demonstrating that salvation is not through human works but through divine grace in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Conversely, the "blinding" of "the rest" underscores the tragic consequence of rejecting Christ, the "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), and the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). This spiritual insensitivity to the gospel of Christ ultimately led to their inability to perceive God's redemptive plan unfolding in Him. Thus, the verse implicitly points to Jesus as the pivotal figure upon whom the destiny of both Israel and the nations hinges, revealing that only in Him can true righteousness and spiritual sight be found.

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 9:18

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Romans 11:5

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

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.

Romans 9:31

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.

Romans 9:32

Wherefore? Because [they sought it] not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;

2 Thessalonians 2:10

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.