Romans 11:8

KJV

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.

KJV (with Strong's)

(According as {G2531} it is written {G1125}, God {G2316} hath given {G1325} them {G846} the spirit {G4151} of slumber {G2659}, eyes {G3788} that they should {G991} not {G3361} see {G991}, and {G2532} ears {G3775} that they should {G191} not {G3361} hear {G191};) unto {G2193} this {G4594} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

just as the Tanakh says,

“God has given them a spirit of dullness —
eyes that do not see
and ears that do not hear,
right down to the present day.”

Berean Standard Bible

as it is written: “God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that could not see, and ears that could not hear, to this very day.”

American Standard Version

according as it is written, God gave them a spirit of stupor, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear, unto this very day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 11:8, a pivotal verse in Paul's discourse on Israel's status, explains the spiritual insensitivity of the majority of the Jewish people who rejected Jesus as Messiah. Citing Old Testament prophecies, Paul attributes their inability to perceive and understand the Gospel to a sovereign act of God, who "hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear," a condition that persisted "unto this day" in Paul's era. This verse underscores the mysterious interplay of divine sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 11:8 is situated within Paul's profound theological exploration in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel"), where he grapples with the apparent paradox of Israel's widespread unbelief despite being God's chosen people. Having established in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice") God's sovereign right to choose and reject, and in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Israel's Rejection of Righteousness") Israel's responsibility for rejecting the Gospel due to a lack of faith, Paul moves into [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - The Remnant and Restoration"). Here, he assures his readers that God has not completely abandoned Israel, as evidenced by a believing remnant chosen by grace ([Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace")). Verse 8 then serves to explain the spiritual condition of the non-believing majority, framing it as a divinely ordained consequence, drawing on Old Testament precedents to legitimize this difficult truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile Christians, making the question of Israel's place in God's plan highly relevant and sensitive. The Jewish people, as a nation, had largely rejected Jesus as their Messiah, leading to a significant shift in the early church's demographics, with Gentiles increasingly forming the majority. This rejection was deeply perplexing, given Israel's covenantal history and prophetic promises. Culturally, the Jewish people prided themselves on their Law and heritage, often struggling to accept a Messiah who was crucified and a Gospel that extended freely to Gentiles. Paul's explanation in this verse, rooted in Old Testament citations, would have resonated with Jewish readers familiar with the concept of divine hardening as a consequence of persistent rebellion, as seen in the narratives of Pharaoh or the wilderness generation. The phrase "unto this day" highlights the contemporary reality of this spiritual state during Paul's ministry.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 11:8 contributes significantly to several major themes within Romans and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Hardening**, asserting that God, in His mysterious wisdom, can orchestrate spiritual blindness for His purposes. This is not arbitrary but often a judicial act in response to human unbelief, as seen in [Isaiah 6:9-10](/isaiah/6-9-10 "Isaiah 6:9-10 - Hearts Hardened, Eyes Blinded"). Another key theme is **Spiritual Blindness and Deafness**, depicted metaphorically as an inability to perceive and respond to divine truth, a condition Jesus also lamented in His own ministry ([Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Why Jesus Spoke in Parables")). This verse also touches on the theme of **God's Unfailing Purpose**, demonstrating that even Israel's partial hardening serves a larger redemptive plan, ultimately leading to the inclusion of Gentiles and, eventually, the full restoration of Israel ([Romans 11:25-26](/romans/11-25-26 "Romans 11:25-26 - The Mystery of Israel's Salvation")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **given (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies "to give" in a very wide application, encompassing bestowing, granting, or even committing. In this context, it denotes a divine action of imparting or allowing a state to come upon them. It emphasizes God's active role in the spiritual condition described, not merely as a passive observer but as the one who "hath given" this spirit. This aligns with a theological understanding of God's sovereignty over all things, including the spiritual state of humanity.
* **slumber (Greek, _katányxis'_):** Derived from a word meaning "a prickling sensation," this term implies a state of stupor, lethargy, or deep insensitivity. It's more profound than mere apathy; it suggests a divinely induced dullness or numbness that prevents genuine spiritual perception. It's akin to a spiritual coma, where the senses are dulled and the mind is unresponsive to truth, specifically the truth of the Gospel.
* **day (Greek, _hēméra'_):** While literally referring to a 24-hour period, in this context, "day" signifies a period of time, specifically the ongoing present. The phrase "unto this day" indicates that the spiritual condition described by Paul, which he attributes to God's sovereign action, was not a past historical event but a continuing reality for the majority of Israel during his lifetime and beyond. It highlights the duration and persistence of this spiritual state.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber,":"** This opening clause immediately establishes the prophetic basis for Paul's assertion, signaling that he is quoting or alluding to Old Testament scriptures (primarily [Isaiah 29:10](/isaiah/29-10 "Isaiah 29:10 - Spirit of Deep Sleep") and [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - No Heart to Perceive")). The phrase "God hath given them" attributes the spiritual state of "slumber" directly to a divine act. This "spirit of slumber" (πνεῦμα κατανύξεως, _pneuma katanyxeos_) refers to a spiritual stupor or deep insensitivity, a divinely orchestrated dullness of perception that prevents them from grasping spiritual truth. It is a judicial hardening, a consequence of prior rejection and unbelief.
* **"eyes that they should not see,":"** This clause elaborates on the nature of the "spirit of slumber." The "eyes" are a metaphor for spiritual perception and understanding. The consequence of this spirit is an inability to "see," meaning to truly comprehend or recognize spiritual realities, particularly the identity of Jesus as Messiah and the truth of the Gospel. Despite physical sight, their spiritual vision is impaired, rendering them blind to God's revelation.
* **"and ears that they should not hear;)":"** Continuing the metaphor, "ears" represent the capacity to hear and respond to divine instruction. The inability to "hear" signifies a spiritual deafness, a profound unresponsiveness to the message of salvation. This reinforces the comprehensive nature of their spiritual insensitivity, where both visual and auditory avenues of spiritual understanding are closed off, preventing them from receiving and believing the truth.
* **"unto this day.":"** This concluding phrase emphasizes the ongoing nature of this spiritual condition. It was not merely a historical phenomenon but remained a reality for the majority of Israel in Paul's time. This highlights the persistence of their unbelief and the continued operation of God's sovereign hardening, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion on the partial and temporary nature of this hardening and God's future plans for Israel.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several powerful **Literary Devices** in Romans 11:8. The most prominent is **Quotation/Allusion**, as Paul explicitly states "According as it is written," drawing from Old Testament passages like [Isaiah 29:10](/isaiah/29-10 "Isaiah 29:10 - Spirit of Deep Sleep") and [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - No Heart to Perceive"). This intertextuality lends authoritative weight to his argument, demonstrating that Israel's spiritual condition is not a new phenomenon but a recurring pattern in their history, foretold by their own prophets. Furthermore, the verse makes extensive use of **Metaphor**, specifically "eyes that they should not see" and "ears that they should not hear." These vivid images are not literal physical blindness or deafness but represent a profound spiritual incapacity to perceive and respond to God's truth. The "spirit of slumber" itself is a **Personification** or **Metonymy**, where a spiritual state is described as an active entity given by God, indicating a deep, almost trance-like spiritual dullness. The phrase "unto this day" functions as a temporal marker, emphasizing the **Continuity** of this spiritual state from ancient times through Paul's present, underscoring the enduring nature of God's judgment and His sovereign plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 11:8 presents a challenging yet crucial theological truth: God's sovereign role in the spiritual hardening of a people, a hardening that is both a judgment for persistent unbelief and a part of His larger redemptive plan. This verse underscores that spiritual perception is ultimately a gift from God, and its absence can be a divinely orchestrated consequence. It highlights the mystery of God's ways, where even human rebellion and spiritual blindness are woven into His tapestry of salvation history, ultimately for His glory and the salvation of both Jew and Gentile. While difficult, this truth reminds us that God remains sovereign even over human hearts and that His purposes will always prevail.

* [Isaiah 29:10](/isaiah/29-10 "Isaiah 29:10 - The Spirit of Deep Sleep"): "For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered."
* [Deuteronomy 29:4](/deuteronomy/29-4 "Deuteronomy 29:4 - Yet the Lord Has Not Given You a Heart to Perceive"): "Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day."
* [Matthew 13:13](/matthew/13-13 "Matthew 13:13 - Why Jesus Speaks in Parables"): "Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 11:8 serves as a sobering reminder of the potential for spiritual insensitivity and the profound mystery of God's sovereign dealings with humanity. For believers, it fosters humility, recognizing that our ability to see and hear God's truth is not a result of our inherent wisdom or effort, but a gracious gift from Him. This should lead us to greater dependence on the Holy Spirit for spiritual discernment and a renewed commitment to prayer for those who remain spiritually blind. It also challenges us to consider our own hearts: are we truly open to hearing and seeing what God is revealing, or have we allowed complacency or pride to dull our spiritual senses? Furthermore, understanding God's sovereign hardening should not lead to fatalism but to a deeper appreciation for the urgency of the Gospel, knowing that only God can open the eyes and ears of the spiritually blind. It also encourages us to trust in God's ultimate plan, even when His ways are beyond our full comprehension, knowing that His purposes are always just and good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "slumbering" or resistant to God's truth?**
* **How does the concept of divine hardening challenge or deepen my understanding of God's sovereignty and justice?**
* **What is my responsibility in praying for and witnessing to those who appear to be spiritually blind or deaf to the Gospel?**
* **How does this verse encourage me to rely more on the Holy Spirit for spiritual insight and understanding?**

### FAQ
**Does Romans 11:8 mean God actively prevents people from believing, making them not responsible for their unbelief?**

Answer: This is a complex theological question. Romans 11:8, by stating "God hath given them the spirit of slumber," does indeed point to a sovereign act of God. However, this divine action is typically understood not as an arbitrary prevention of belief, but as a judicial hardening in response to persistent human rebellion and rejection of God's truth. Throughout the Old Testament, God's hardening of hearts (e.g., Pharaoh in [Exodus 7:3](/exodus/7-3 "Exodus 7:3 - God Hardens Pharaoh's Heart")) often follows repeated acts of defiance and unbelief. Paul's broader argument in [Romans 10](/romans/10 "Romans 10 - Israel's Rejection of Righteousness") emphasizes Israel's responsibility for their unbelief, stating they "did not submit to God’s righteousness" ([Romans 10:3](/romans/10-3 "Romans 10:3 - Not Submitting to God's Righteousness")). Therefore, the hardening described in Romans 11:8 is a consequence, not an initial cause, of their rejection, yet it is still a sovereign act. It highlights the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, where God's just judgment confirms a state of unbelief that humanity has chosen.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 11:8, while describing Israel's spiritual blindness, ultimately points to the profound necessity and glory of Christ. The "spirit of slumber" and the inability to "see" or "hear" underscore humanity's desperate need for divine intervention. Jesus, the Light of the World, came precisely to open the eyes of the blind and unstop the ears of the deaf ([Isaiah 35:5](/isaiah/35-5 "Isaiah 35:5 - Eyes Opened, Ears Unstopped")). His ministry was characterized by healing spiritual blindness, as seen in the story of the man born blind ([John 9:1-41](/john/9 "John 9 - Jesus Heals a Man Born Blind")), where physical sight was a metaphor for spiritual enlightenment. The New Covenant, inaugurated by Christ's sacrifice, promises a new heart and a new spirit, enabling people to truly know and obey God ([Jeremiah 31:33-34](/jeremiah/31-33-34 "Jeremiah 31:33-34 - The New Covenant")). Through the indwelling Holy Spirit, believers are given spiritual discernment to understand the things of God, which are foolishness to the natural person ([1 Corinthians 2:14](/1_corinthians/2-14 "1 Corinthians 2:14 - The Natural Person Does Not Accept the Things of God")). Thus, while Romans 11:8 laments a state of spiritual insensitivity, it implicitly magnifies Christ as the only one who can overcome this condition, offering true spiritual vision and hearing to all who believe in Him, both Jew and Gentile ([Ephesians 1:17-18](/ephesians/1-17-18 "Ephesians 1:17-18 - Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation")).

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

Deuteronomy 29:4

Yet the LORD hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day.

Isaiah 29:10

For the LORD hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered.

Ezekiel 12:2

Son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a rebellious house, which have eyes to see, and see not; they have ears to hear, and hear not: for they [are] a rebellious house.

2 Corinthians 3:14

But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which [vail] is done away in Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:15

But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

Luke 8:10

And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.

Jeremiah 5:21

Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; which have eyes, and see not; which have ears, and hear not: