King James Version

What Does Romans 11:6 Mean?

Romans 11:6 in the King James Version says “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no mor...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Romans 11:6 · KJV

Context

But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6

And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded blinded: or, hardened

(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day. slumber: or, remorse

Read Romans 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

And if by grace, then is it no more of works—Paul establishes an absolute antithesis between charis (χάρις, "grace") and erga (ἔργα, "works"). The Greek uses emphatic negation: ouketi ex ergōn (οὐκέτι ἐξ ἔργων, "no longer from works"). Grace and works are mutually exclusive bases for salvation. The reasoning is logical: otherwise grace is no more grace. If human merit contributes even partially, grace ceases to be grace—it becomes payment, obligation, debt.

The second half (found in some manuscripts) reinforces the converse: But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. This textual variant, though not in all manuscripts, makes the logic explicit. Work that earns nothing is not truly work; grace that depends on merit is not truly grace. Paul's point: the remnant exists by unmerited divine choice, preserving the gospel's essence. Any admixture of works destroys grace, just as any admixture of grace negates works-based righteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century Judaism debated the relationship between God's covenant grace and human obedience (covenantal nomism). Paul clarifies that the basis of the remnant's existence is grace alone—God's electing love precedes and produces faithful response, not vice versa. This challenged merit-theology in both Jewish and Gentile contexts.

Reflection Questions

Why are grace and works mutually exclusive as the basis of salvation? What confuses people about this distinction?
How does the doctrine of grace alone guard against both legalism and antinomianism?
In what subtle ways do we attempt to add works to grace, thereby nullifying both?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words

εἰ1 of 25

“if”

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 25

“And”

but, and, etc

χάρις3 of 25

“by grace”

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

οὐκέτι4 of 25

not yet, no longer

ἐξ5 of 25

“it be of”

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργον6 of 25

“work”

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἐπεὶ7 of 25

“otherwise”

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

ἡ8 of 25

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

χάρις9 of 25

“by grace”

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

οὐκέτι10 of 25

not yet, no longer

γίνεται11 of 25

“is”

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

χάρις12 of 25

“by grace”

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

εἰ13 of 25

“if”

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ14 of 25

“And”

but, and, etc

ἐξ15 of 25

“it be of”

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργον16 of 25

“work”

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

οὐκέτι17 of 25

not yet, no longer

ἐστίν18 of 25

“is”

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

χάρις19 of 25

“by grace”

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

ἐπεὶ20 of 25

“otherwise”

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

τὸ21 of 25

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

ἔργον22 of 25

“work”

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

οὐκέτι23 of 25

not yet, no longer

ἐστίν24 of 25

“is”

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἔργον25 of 25

“work”

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

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 11:6 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 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Galatians 2:21 Romans 4:4-5 2 Timothy 1:9 Titus 3:5 Romans 3:27-28 Galatians 5:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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