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

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}

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,

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

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

Romans 11:7 is a pivotal verse in Paul's profound discussion on God's ongoing plan for Israel, found in chapters 9-11 of his letter to the Romans. Here, Paul addresses the outcome of Israel's pursuit of righteousness and distinguishes between two groups within the nation.

Context

This verse directly follows Paul's assertion in Romans 11:1 that God has not completely rejected His people, Israel. He uses himself as an example of a faithful Israelite. In Romans 11:5, Paul introduces the concept of a "remnant according to the election of grace." Verse 7 then summarizes the spiritual condition of the wider nation: while the majority failed to grasp God's righteousness, a chosen few did.

Key Themes

  • Israel's Misguided Pursuit: The phrase "Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for" refers to their pursuit of righteousness, primarily through adherence to the Law and their own works, rather than through faith in Christ. This is a central theme Paul explores in Romans 9:31-32 and Romans 10:3.
  • Divine Election: "But the election hath obtained it" highlights God's sovereign choice. The Greek word for "election" (eklogē) signifies a divine choosing or selection. This refers to the faithful remnant within Israel whom God, by His grace, chose to believe and receive salvation. They obtained the righteousness and salvation that the rest of the nation sought in vain.
  • Spiritual Blindness: "And the rest were blinded" describes the spiritual state of the majority of Israel who did not believe. The Greek term for "blinded" (pōroō) means to harden or make callous, implying a spiritual insensitivity or dullness that prevented them from perceiving God's truth, specifically concerning Jesus as the Messiah. This hardening, while a consequence of their unbelief, is also presented as part of God's overarching plan, as further discussed in Romans 11:8.

Linguistic Insights

The term "election" (Greek: eklogē) underscores the theological concept of God's active choice in salvation, not based on human merit but on His divine purpose. The word "blinded" (Greek: pōroō) carries the sense of hardening or dulling, which is a significant theme throughout Scripture when discussing spiritual insensitivity to God's truth.

Practical Application

Romans 11:7 reminds us of several timeless truths. Firstly, salvation is not earned through human effort or adherence to rules, but is a gift received by faith, as seen in the "election" who obtained it. Secondly, it serves as a sobering warning about the dangers of spiritual hardening and resistance to God's revealed truth. When people reject God's chosen path to righteousness, they risk becoming spiritually insensitive. Finally, it reinforces the truth of God's sovereignty and His unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even when a majority may not respond. He always preserves a remnant and continues to work out His divine plan.

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 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.

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