King James Version

What Does Romans 11:7 Mean?

Romans 11:7 in the King James Version says “What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blin...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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”

Romans 11:7 · KJV

Context

5

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.

7

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

8

(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

9

And David saith, Let their table be made a snare , and a trap , and a stumblingblock , and a recompence unto them:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for—ho epitēdei (ὃ ἐπιτηδεῖ) refers to righteousness and covenant blessing. National Israel as a whole failed to obtain the goal pursued, because they pursued it by works (9:31-32). But the election hath obtained it—hē ekloge (ἡ ἐκλογή, "the elect") refers to the remnant chosen by grace. They obtained righteousness through faith in Christ.

And the rest were blinded (epōrōthēsan, ἐπωρώθησαν)—the verb means to harden, petrify, or make callous. The passive voice suggests divine agency (theological passive): God judicially hardened those who persistently rejected truth. This hardening is not arbitrary cruelty but a response to willful unbelief. Paul will quote Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23 (vv. 8-10) to show this hardening was prophesied. The remnant/hardening distinction explains first-century Israel: some believed (elect remnant), most rejected (judicially hardened).

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Historical & Cultural Context

By the late 50s AD, most synagogues had expelled Jewish believers in Jesus (John 9:22; 12:42). The majority of Israel did not recognize Jesus as Messiah, fulfilling prophetic patterns of remnant theology throughout Israel's history (Isaiah 6:9-10; 10:22-23).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the doctrine of election comfort believers while also sobering them regarding unbelief?
  2. What is judicial hardening, and how does it differ from arbitrary divine cruelty?
  3. How should we balance the mystery of election with genuine evangelistic urgency for those who are 'hardened'?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
τί1 of 16

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 16

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὃ3 of 16

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐπιζητεῖ4 of 16

“he seeketh for”

G1934

to search (inquire) for; intensively, to demand, to crave

Ἰσραήλ5 of 16

“Israel”

G2474

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

τούτου6 of 16

“that”

G5127

of (from or concerning) this (person or thing)

οὐκ7 of 16

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐπέτυχεν·8 of 16

“hath”

G2013

to chance upon, i.e., (by implication) to attain

ἡ9 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ10 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐκλογὴ11 of 16

“the election”

G1589

(divine) selection (abstractly or concretely)

ἐπέτυχεν·12 of 16

“hath”

G2013

to chance upon, i.e., (by implication) to attain

οἱ13 of 16
G3588

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

δὲ14 of 16

“and”

G1161

but, and, etc

λοιποὶ15 of 16

“the rest”

G3062

remaining ones

ἐπωρώθησαν16 of 16

“were blinded”

G4456

to petrify, i.e., (figuratively) to indurate (render stupid or callous)

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 11:7 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 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 9:182 Corinthians 4:4Romans 11:25Romans 11:52 Thessalonians 2:10-14Romans 9:31-32

Test Your Knowledge

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

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