King James Version

What Does Romans 11:14 Mean?

Romans 11:14 in the King James Version says “If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.”

Romans 11:14 · KJV

Salvation

Context

12

Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness? diminishing: or, decay, or, loss

13

For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:

14

If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

15

For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

16

For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh—ei pōs parazēlōsō mou tēn sarka (εἴ πως παραζηλώσω μου τὴν σάρκα). The phrase "my flesh" (mou tēn sarka) refers to Paul's ethnic kinsmen, fellow Jews. The verb parazēloō (παραζηλόω) means to provoke to jealousy or emulation—the same word from Deuteronomy 32:21 (v. 11). Paul's Gentile ministry has an evangelistic hope toward Israel: and might save some of them (kai sōsō tinas ex autōn, καὶ σώσω τινας ἐξ αὐτῶν).

Notice the humility: "some of them" (tinas, τινας), not all. Paul recognizes he cannot save all Israel by his efforts—that awaits God's eschatological work (v. 26). But his ministry might save some, and this motivates him. The conditional "if by any means" (ei pōs) expresses longing, not certainty. Paul's passion for Jewish salvation permeates Romans 9-11 (9:1-3; 10:1). His Gentile apostleship serves dual purpose: Gentile salvation and Jewish provocation to faith.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul's practice in Acts demonstrates this strategy: he typically preached first in synagogues before turning to Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28). Even as apostle to the Gentiles, he never abandoned hope for Israel. His Roman readers needed to understand this.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's passion for saving 'some' of Israel demonstrate proper evangelistic realism without despair?
  2. What does it mean that Christian blessing should provoke rather than alienate Jewish people?
  3. How can Gentile believers today be used by God to provoke Israel to jealousy in a biblical, loving way?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
εἴ1 of 11
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

πως2 of 11
G4459

an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!

παραζηλώσω3 of 11

“I may provoke to emulation”

G3863

to stimulate alongside, i.e., excite to rivalry

μου4 of 11

“them which are my”

G3450

of me

τὴν5 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σάρκα6 of 11

“flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

καὶ7 of 11

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

σώσω8 of 11

“might save”

G4982

to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)

τινὰς9 of 11

“some”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐξ10 of 11

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

αὐτῶν11 of 11

“them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 11:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 11:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 7:161 Timothy 4:16Romans 9:3Titus 3:51 Corinthians 1:21Romans 11:11

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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