King James Version

What Does Romans 11:26 Mean?

Romans 11:26 in the King James Version says “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungo... — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

Romans 11:26 · KJV


Context

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?

25

For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. blindness: or, hardness

26

And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

27

For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

28

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes : but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And so all Israel shall be savedkai houtōs pas Israēl sōthēsetai (καὶ οὕτως πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ σωθήσεται). The phrase pas Israēl (πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ, "all Israel") has been debated: does it mean (1) every individual Jew, (2) the fullness of elect Jews (all Israel = elect Israel), or (3) Israel as a nation corporately? Most likely, it means the corporate salvation of Israel—the nation as a whole will turn to Messiah, though not necessarily every individual. The word houtōs (οὕτως, "thus/in this way") refers back to the process: after the fullness of Gentiles, then Israel.

Paul quotes Isaiah 59:20-21 and 27:9: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. The Deliverer (ho rhyomenos, ὁ ῥυόμενος) is Messiah—Jesus at His second coming. He will turn away (apostrepsē, ἀποστρέψει) ungodliness from Jacob (Israel). This is eschatological salvation, tied to Christ's return. Israel's future is glorious and certain, rooted in covenant promise.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 59:20 originally promised restoration after exile. Paul applies it eschatologically to Israel's final salvation when Messiah returns. This was the hope of the prophets—Israel's ultimate redemption when God Himself intervenes (Zechariah 12:10; 14:4).

Reflection Questions

  1. Does 'all Israel' mean every Jew or Israel as a corporate whole? What difference does this make?
  2. How does this verse's timing ('and so,' after the fullness of Gentiles) shape millennial and eschatological views?
  3. What role does Christ's second coming play in Israel's salvation, and how does this inform Christian Zionism and missions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

And

G2532

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

οὕτως2 of 17

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

πᾶς3 of 17

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

Ἰσραὴλ4 of 17

Israel

G2474

israel (i.e., jisrael), the adopted name of jacob, including his descendants (literally or figuratively)

σωθήσεται·5 of 17

shall be saved

G4982

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

καθὼς6 of 17

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται7 of 17

it is written

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

Ἥξει8 of 17

There shall come

G2240

to arrive, i.e., be present (literally or figuratively)

ἐκ9 of 17

out 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

Σιὼν10 of 17

Sion

G4622

sion (i.e., tsijon), a hill of jerusalem; figuratively, the church (militant or triumphant)

11 of 17
G3588

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

ῥυόμενος12 of 17

the Deliverer

G4506

compare g4511); to rush or draw (for oneself), i.e., rescue

καὶ13 of 17

And

G2532

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

ἀποστρέψει14 of 17

shall turn away

G654

to turn away or back (literally or figuratively)

ἀσεβείας15 of 17

ungodliness

G763

impiety, i.e., (by implication) wickedness

ἀπὸ16 of 17

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

Ἰακώβ·17 of 17

Jacob

G2384

jacob (i.e., ja`akob), the progenitor of the israelites


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 11:26 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 11:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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