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Romans 11:22

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Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in [his] goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Behold {G1492} therefore {G3767} the goodness {G5544} and {G2532} severity {G663} of God {G2316}: on {G1909} them which fell {G4098}{G3303}, severity {G663}; but {G1161} toward {G1909} thee {G4571}, goodness {G5544}, if {G1437} thou continue {G1961} in his goodness {G5544}: otherwise {G1893} thou {G4771} also {G2532} shalt be cut off {G1581}.

So take a good look at God’s kindness and his severity: on the one hand, severity toward those who fell off; but, on the other hand, God’s kindness toward you — provided you maintain yourself in that kindness! Otherwise, you too will be cut off!

Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.

Behold then the goodness and severity of God: toward them that fell, severity; but toward thee, God’s goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Commentary

Romans 11:22 is a pivotal verse in Paul's discourse on God's ongoing relationship with both Israel and the Gentiles. It serves as a stern warning and a profound revelation of God's balanced character, emphasizing both His lovingkindness and His righteous judgment.

Context

This verse is found within Romans chapters 9-11, where the Apostle Paul grapples with the question of Israel's rejection and God's faithfulness. He explains that while a remnant of Israel has believed, the majority have been hardened, allowing for the inclusion of the Gentiles into God's plan of salvation. Paul uses the powerful analogy of an olive tree, where believing Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual blessings once primarily associated with Israel, while unbelieving branches (Israel) were broken off. Verse 22 acts as a crucial caution to the newly grafted-in Gentiles not to become arrogant or complacent, reminding them of the conditional nature of their standing.

Key Themes

  • The Dual Nature of God: Goodness and Severity: Paul explicitly highlights two essential aspects of God's character. His goodness (Greek: chrēstotēs), refers to His kindness, benevolence, and mercy, particularly evident in His offer of salvation to the Gentiles. His severity (Greek: apotomia), signifies His strictness, cutting off, and righteous judgment against unbelief and disobedience, as seen in Israel's temporary hardening. This verse underscores that God is both loving and just.
  • Conditional Standing: The phrase "if thou continue in [his] goodness" is vital. It implies that while salvation is by grace through faith, maintaining that relationship requires ongoing faithfulness and perseverance. The blessing of God's goodness is not unconditional for the individual; it requires a continued response of faith and obedience. This echoes warnings found elsewhere about continuing in the faith.
  • Humility and Warning Against Arrogance: This verse serves as a direct admonition to Gentile believers not to boast against Israel or take their privileged position for granted. Just as Israel was broken off for unbelief, Gentiles too face the risk of being "cut off" if they do not persist in faith and humility. This reinforces the earlier warning in Romans 11:18.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Goodness" (Greek: chrēstotēs): This word conveys kindness, benignity, and moral excellence. It emphasizes God's gracious disposition towards humanity, particularly those who respond to Him in faith.
  • "Severity" (Greek: apotomia): Meaning "a cutting off" or "strictness," it highlights God's unwavering justice and His decisive action against unfaithfulness. It's a strong term indicating a definitive separation.
  • "Cut off" (Greek: ekkopto): Literally "to cut out" or "to prune off," this term reinforces the imagery of the olive tree. It signifies removal from a place of spiritual privilege and blessing due to a lack of faith or continued disobedience, not necessarily a loss of eternal salvation for true believers but a loss of present blessing and participation in God's visible plan.

Practical Application

Romans 11:22 calls believers today to a balanced understanding of God's character and a diligent walk of faith:

  1. Embrace Both God's Love and Justice: We should never presume upon God's goodness or take His grace for granted. While He is infinitely merciful, He is also perfectly just. Our reverence for Him should encompass both His lovingkindness and His righteous standards.
  2. Cultivate Perseverance in Faith: The warning "if thou continue" is a call to lifelong discipleship. Salvation is a gift received by faith, but living out that salvation involves a continuous reliance on God's grace and a commitment to His ways. This is not about earning salvation but demonstrating its reality in our lives.
  3. Walk in Humility: This verse is a powerful reminder for all believers to remain humble, recognizing that our standing is solely by God's grace and not by any inherent merit of our own. We are warned against spiritual pride or looking down on others.
  4. Appreciate God's Wisdom: Understanding both God's goodness and severity helps us appreciate the depth of His wisdom in dealing with humanity, orchestrating His plan through both mercy and judgment to bring about His ultimate purposes, as Paul concludes in Romans 11:33.
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Cross-References

  • Hebrews 3:14 (13 votes)

    For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

  • 1 Corinthians 15:2 (12 votes)

    By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

  • Hebrews 3:6 (12 votes)

    But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.

  • John 15:2 (11 votes)

    Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every [branch] that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.

  • Revelation 2:5 (8 votes)

    Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

  • Galatians 6:9 (7 votes)

    And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

  • Romans 2:4 (6 votes)

    Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?