King James Version

What Does Romans 11:15 Mean?

Romans 11:15 in the King James Version says “For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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?”

Romans 11:15 · KJV

Context

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.

17

And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; among them: or, for them

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world—apobolē (ἀποβολή, "casting away") parallels "fall" and "diminishing" (v. 12). Israel's temporary rejection facilitated katallagē kosmou (καταλλαγὴ κόσμου, "reconciling of the world")—Gentile salvation. Paul now poses his strongest a fortiori argument: what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (ei mē zōē ek nekrōn, εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν).

The phrase "life from the dead" could be metaphorical (spiritual revival) or literal (physical resurrection). Many Reformed interpreters see this as the general resurrection—Israel's restoration will coincide with or trigger the eschaton. Others see it as metaphorical: the revival of Israel will be so glorious it resembles resurrection. Either way, Paul envisions Israel's future salvation as cosmically significant, ushering in the ultimate redemption. If their rejection blessed the world massively, their acceptance will bring eschatological consummation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish expectation linked national restoration to the resurrection of the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Daniel 12:2). Paul uses resurrection language to convey the magnitude of Israel's future salvation—it will be nothing short of new creation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the progression from 'reconciliation' to 'life from the dead' show the escalating glory of God's plan?
  2. Does 'life from the dead' refer to the literal resurrection, or to spiritual revival, and what are the implications?
  3. How should the hope of Israel's future glory affect Christian eschatology and mission today?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
εἰ1 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἡ3 of 15
G3588

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

ἀποβολὴ4 of 15

“the casting away”

G580

rejection; figuratively, loss

αὐτῶν5 of 15

“of 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

καταλλαγὴ6 of 15

“be the reconciling”

G2643

exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e., restoration to (the divine) favor

κόσμου7 of 15

“of the world”

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τίς8 of 15

“what”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

ἡ9 of 15
G3588

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

πρόσληψις10 of 15

“shall the receiving”

G4356

admission

εἰ11 of 15

“if”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ12 of 15
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ζωὴ13 of 15

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ14 of 15

“from”

G1537

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

νεκρῶν15 of 15

“the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

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 11:15 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 11:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 5:10-11Ephesians 1:10Luke 15:322 Corinthians 5:18-20Luke 15:24Colossians 1:20-21

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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