King James Version

What Does Romans 11:27 Mean?

Romans 11:27 in the King James Version says “For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 11:27 · KJV

Context

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.

29

For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.

Read Romans 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins—kai hautē autois hē par emou diathēkē, hotan aphelōmai tas hamartias autōn (καὶ αὕτη αὐτοῖς ἡ παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ διαθήκη, ὅταν ἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν). This continues the Isaiah quotation, echoing Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the New Covenant). God's covenant (diathēkē, διαθήκη) with Israel includes the promise to remove sins (aphelōmai, ἀφέλωμαι, "take away").

This is not hypothetical but certain: when (hotan, ὅταν), not "if." God will take away Israel's sins because He covenanted to do so. The new covenant promised heart transformation (Ezekiel 36:25-27), a circumcised heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), and the Spirit's indwelling. Israel's salvation rests on God's oath, not their merit. Paul's argument reaches its theological climax: Israel's future is secured by divine promise, not human achievement. God will finish what He started with Abraham.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jeremiah 31:31-34 was written during Judah's exile, promising a future covenant where God would write His law internally and forgive sins fully. Jesus inaugurated this covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12), but its fullness for national Israel awaits the eschaton.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's covenant promise to 'take away sins' guarantee Israel's future salvation?
  2. What is the relationship between the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ and its future application to national Israel?
  3. How does this covenant promise demonstrate God's faithfulness despite Israel's historic unfaithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 12 words
καὶ1 of 12

“For”

G2532

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

αὕτη2 of 12

“this”

G3778

the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)

αὐτῶν3 of 12

“their”

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

ἡ4 of 12
G3588

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

παρ'5 of 12

“is my”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

ἐμοῦ6 of 12
G1700

of me

διαθήκη7 of 12

“covenant”

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

ὅταν8 of 12

“when”

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

ἀφέλωμαι9 of 12

“I shall take away”

G851

to remove (literally or figuratively)

τὰς10 of 12
G3588

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

ἁμαρτίας11 of 12

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

αὐτῶν12 of 12

“their”

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

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 11:27 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 11:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 31:31-34Isaiah 59:21Ezekiel 36:25-29Isaiah 27:9Jeremiah 32:38-40Isaiah 43:25

Test Your Knowledge

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

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