King James Version

What Does Romans 11:17 Mean?

Romans 11:17 in the King James Version says “And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them ...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 11:17 · KJV

Context

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

18

Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

19

Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

Read Romans 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul introduces the olive tree metaphor: And if some of the branches be broken off—tines tōn kladōn (τινες τῶν κλάδων) refers to unbelieving Israel. They are branches, not the root—part of the covenant people but now broken off through unbelief. And thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them—agrielaios (ἀγριέλαιος, "wild olive") describes Gentiles. Grafting a wild branch into a cultivated tree is agriculturally backwards—normally you graft cultivated into wild stock. Paul's point: Gentile inclusion is unnatural, a miracle of grace.

And with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree—synkoinōnos tēs rizēs tēs piotētos (συγκοινωνὸς τῆς ῥίζης τῆς πιότητος). Gentiles now share (synkoinōnos, "co-partaker") in the covenant blessings of Abraham. The root is the patriarchs; the fatness (piotēs, πιότης, "richness") is covenant blessing. Gentiles are grafted into Israel's olive tree, not replacing it. This refutes supersessionism—the church does not replace Israel but is grafted into Israel's covenant.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Olive trees were central to Mediterranean agriculture, providing oil for food, light, and anointing. A cultivated olive tree represented Israel (Jeremiah 11:16; Hosea 14:6). Paul's metaphor would be vivid to his Roman audience, many of whom understood olive cultivation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'unnatural' grafting of Gentiles teach about grace and the miraculous nature of salvation?
  2. How does the olive tree metaphor refute replacement theology (the idea that the church replaces Israel)?
  3. What responsibilities come with being grafted into Israel's covenant blessings?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
Εἰ1 of 23
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

τινες3 of 23
G5100

some or any person or object

τῶν4 of 23
G3588

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

κλάδων5 of 23

“of the branches”

G2798

a twig or bough (as if broken off)

ἐξεκλάσθησαν6 of 23

“be broken off”

G1575

to exscind

σὺ7 of 23

“thou”

G4771

thou

δὲ8 of 23

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀγριέλαιος9 of 23

“a wild olive tree”

G65

an oleaster

ὢν10 of 23

“being”

G5607

being

ἐνεκεντρίσθης11 of 23

“wert graffed in”

G1461

to prick in, i.e., ingraft

ἐν12 of 23

“among”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

αὐτοῖς13 of 23

“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

καὶ14 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

συγκοινωνὸς15 of 23

“partakest”

G4791

a co-participant

τῆς16 of 23
G3588

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

ῥίζης17 of 23

“of the root”

G4491

a "root" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ18 of 23

“and”

G2532

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

τῆς19 of 23
G3588

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

πιότητος20 of 23

“fatness”

G4096

plumpness, i.e., (by implication) richness (oiliness)

τῆς21 of 23
G3588

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

ἐλαίας22 of 23

“of the olive tree”

G1636

an olive (the tree or the fruit)

ἐγένου23 of 23

“them”

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:11-13Ephesians 3:6Jeremiah 11:16John 15:2Matthew 21:43Psalms 52:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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