King James Version

What Does Romans 11:8 Mean?

Romans 11:8 in the King James Version says “(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that the... — study this verse from Romans chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

(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

Romans 11:8 · KJV


Context

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:

10

Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul now supports verse 7's hardening claim with Scripture: (According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumberpneuma katanyxeōs (πνεῦμα κατανύξεως), literally "spirit of stupor" or deep sleep. This conflates Isaiah 29:10 and Deuteronomy 29:4, showing a divine judicial act. God gave (edōken, ἔδωκεν) this stupor—the hardening is not merely permissive but active, though in response to their rejection.

Eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear—this echoes Isaiah 6:9-10, the paradigmatic hardening text Jesus quoted (Matthew 13:14-15). The phrase unto this day (heōs tēs sēmeron hēmeras, ἕως τῆς σήμερον ἡμέρας) shows the hardening continued into Paul's era. Israel's spiritual insensitivity was not new—it marked their history from Moses forward. Yet Paul's "unto this day" implies this condition is temporal, not eternal—a key point he'll develop (vv. 25-26).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 29:10 warned of spiritual dullness during Judah's declining years before exile. Paul applies this prophetic pattern to first-century Israel's rejection of Messiah. The 'hardening' explains why Jesus taught in parables (Mark 4:11-12)—judicial blinding of those who persistently rejected light.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's judicial hardening differ from simply abandoning people to their choices?
  2. What warning does this verse provide about the danger of persistent rejection of revealed truth?
  3. How does the phrase 'unto this day' suggest both continuity (ongoing hardening) and limitation (not forever)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
καθὼς1 of 21

(According as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται2 of 21

it is written

G1125

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

Ἔδωκεν3 of 21

hath given

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

αὐτοῖς4 of 21

them

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

5 of 21
G3588

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

θεὸς6 of 21

God

G2316

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

πνεῦμα7 of 21

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

κατανύξεως8 of 21

of slumber

G2659

a prickling (sensation, as of the limbs asleep), i.e., (by implication, (perhaps by some confusion with g3506 or even with g3571)) stupor (lethargy)

ὀφθαλμοὺς9 of 21

eyes

G3788

the eye (literally or figuratively); by implication, vision; figuratively, envy (from the jealous side-glance)

τοῦ10 of 21
G3588

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

μὴ11 of 21

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

βλέπειν12 of 21

see

G991

to look at (literally or figuratively)

καὶ13 of 21

and

G2532

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

ὦτα14 of 21

ears

G3775

the ear (physically or mentally)

τοῦ15 of 21
G3588

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

μὴ16 of 21

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀκούειν17 of 21

hear

G191

to hear (in various senses)

ἕως18 of 21

unto

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

τῆς19 of 21
G3588

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

σήμερον20 of 21

this

G4594

on the (i.e., this) day (or night current or just passed); generally, now (i.e., at present, hitherto)

ἡμέρας21 of 21

day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of


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 11:8 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 11:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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