King James Version

What Does Romans 11:20 Mean?

Romans 11:20 in the King James Version says “Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:”

Romans 11:20 · KJV

FaithFear & Courage

Context

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.

20

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

21

For if God spared not the natural branches , take heed lest he also spare not thee.

22

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul concedes the point factually—Well; because of unbelief they were broken off (tē apistia exeklasthēsan, τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐξεκλάσθησαν). The cause of their breaking off was unbelief (apistia, ἀπιστία), not divine caprice. But Paul adds the Gentile's standing: and thou standest by faith (sy de tē pistei hestēkas, σὺ δὲ τῇ πίστει ἕστηκας). The contrast is stark: unbelief removed them; faith alone sustains you. This is not a difference in ethnic merit but in response to grace.

Paul's command: Be not highminded, but fear (mē hypsēla phronei alla phobou, μὴ ὑψηλὰ φρόνει ἀλλὰ φοβοῦ). Instead of arrogance (hypsēla, "high things"), cultivate fear (phobos, φόβος)—reverential awe and sober recognition of dependence on grace. The Gentile stands by faith alone, a gift, not achievement. Those who stand by grace should fear, not boast. The same unbelief that removed Jews could remove Gentiles (v. 21).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Paul warns against the pride that infected Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:7) and threatened Rome. Gentile believers must remember they contribute nothing to their standing—faith itself is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8). Fear and humility are appropriate responses to grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does standing by faith alone necessitate fear rather than pride?
  2. How does recognizing that Israel's unbelief is the <em>only</em> difference prevent ethnic or cultural superiority?
  3. What is the proper 'fear' Paul commands, and how does it coexist with assurance of salvation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καλῶς·1 of 13

“Well”

G2573

well (usually morally)

τῇ2 of 13
G3588

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

ἀπιστίᾳ3 of 13

“because of unbelief”

G570

faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)

ἐξεκλάσθησαν4 of 13

“they were broken off”

G1575

to exscind

σὺ5 of 13

“thou”

G4771

thou

δὲ6 of 13

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

τῇ7 of 13
G3588

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

πίστει8 of 13

“by faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ἕστηκας9 of 13

“standest”

G2476

to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)

μὴ10 of 13

“not”

G3361

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

ὑψηλοφρόνει,11 of 13

“Be”

G5309

to be lofty in mind, i.e., arrogant

ἀλλὰ12 of 13

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

φοβοῦ·13 of 13

“fear”

G5399

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

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 11:20 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 11:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 12:162 Corinthians 1:241 Corinthians 10:121 Peter 1:17Philippians 2:12Hebrews 3:12

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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