King James Version

What Does Romans 11:22 Mean?

Romans 11:22 in the King James Version says “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell , severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou con... — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 11:22 · KJV


Context

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.

23

And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.

24

For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of Godchrēstotēta kai apotomian theou (χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν θεοῦ). The word chrēstotēs (χρηστότης, "goodness/kindness") and apotomia (ἀποτομία, "severity/sharpness") present God's dual character: merciful yet just. Paul calls Gentiles to behold (ide, ἴδε), to contemplate both aspects simultaneously. On them which fell, severity—unbelieving Israel experienced apotomia, God's sharp judgment. But toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness—Gentiles experience chrēstotēs, but conditionally.

The condition: if thou continue in his goodness (ean epimenēs tē chrēstotēti, ἐὰν ἐπιμένῃς τῇ χρηστότητι). The verb epimenō (ἐπιμένω) means to remain, continue, persevere. Perseverance in faith is necessary. The warning: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off (epei kai sy ekkopēsē, ἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ). Corporate Israel was "cut off" for unbelief; Gentile Christianity faces the same risk if it abandons faith for pride and presumption.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Church history demonstrates this warning's validity. When Gentile Christianity became triumphalistic, self-righteous, and apostate, God's judgment fell (the Reformation addressed medieval corruption; liberal churches today experience decline). God's severity is as real as His goodness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we hold together God's goodness and severity without diminishing either attribute?
  2. What does it mean to 'continue in His goodness'—is this about works or faith?
  3. How does this warning against corporate apostasy differ from (or relate to) the doctrine of eternal security for individuals?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
ἴδε1 of 23

Behold

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

οὖν2 of 23

therefore

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

χρηστότητι3 of 23

goodness

G5544

usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)

καὶ4 of 23

also

G2532

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

ἀποτομίαν5 of 23

severity

G663

(figuratively) decisiveness, i.e., rigor

θεοῦ·6 of 23

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

ἐπὶ7 of 23

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

μὲν8 of 23
G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

τοὺς9 of 23
G3588

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

πεσόντας10 of 23

them which fell

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

ἀποτομίαν11 of 23

severity

G663

(figuratively) decisiveness, i.e., rigor

ἐπὶ12 of 23

on

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

δὲ13 of 23

but

G1161

but, and, etc

σὲ14 of 23

thee

G4571

thee

χρηστότητι15 of 23

goodness

G5544

usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)

ἐὰν16 of 23

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

ἐπιμείνῃς17 of 23

thou continue

G1961

to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)

τῇ18 of 23
G3588

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

χρηστότητι19 of 23

goodness

G5544

usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)

ἐπεὶ20 of 23

otherwise

G1893

thereupon, i.e., since (of time or cause)

καὶ21 of 23

also

G2532

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

σὺ22 of 23

thou

G4771

thou

ἐκκοπήσῃ23 of 23

shalt be cut off

G1581

to exscind; figuratively, to frustrate


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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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