Romans 11:1
I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
Original Language Analysis
Λέγω
I say
G3004
Λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 21
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
μὴ
God forbid
G3361
μὴ
God forbid
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 21
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λαὸν
people
G2992
λαὸν
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
8 of 21
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 21
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
μὴ
God forbid
G3361
μὴ
God forbid
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 21
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
γένοιτο·
G1096
γένοιτο·
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
11 of 21
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
13 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Ἰσραηλίτης
an Israelite
G2475
Ἰσραηλίτης
an Israelite
Strong's:
G2475
Word #:
15 of 21
an "israelite", i.e., descendant of israel (literally or figuratively)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
17 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
σπέρματος
the seed
G4690
σπέρματος
the seed
Strong's:
G4690
Word #:
18 of 21
something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 11:22Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.1 Samuel 12:22For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.Philippians 3:5Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;Acts 26:4My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among mine own nation at Jerusalem, know all the Jews;Acts 22:3I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.Romans 9:3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:Romans 3:4God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.Hosea 9:17My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto him: and they shall be wanderers among the nations.2 Kings 23:27And the LORD said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said, My name shall be there.Psalms 94:14For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance.
Historical Context
Written circa 57 AD, Paul addresses growing tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome. The Jewish community had been expelled by Claudius (49 AD) but was returning by this time, creating friction with the now-Gentile-majority church. Paul's argument counters any supersessionist theology suggesting the church had replaced Israel.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's personal testimony serve as evidence for God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
- What does this verse teach about God's character regarding His covenant commitments?
- How should the church today view its relationship to ethnic Israel in light of Paul's emphatic 'God forbid'?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Paul opens with a rhetorical question: Hath God cast away his people? (μὴ ἀπώσατο ὁ θεὸς τὸν λαὸν αὐτοῦ;). His emphatic response—mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο, "God forbid!")—is the strongest Greek negation, expressing horror at the suggestion. Paul then offers himself as proof: I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. This triple credential establishes his ethnic identity as evidence of God's continuing faithfulness to Israel.
The question addresses a theological crisis: if Israel rejected the Messiah, has God rejected Israel? Paul's personal testimony demonstrates that God's promises remain intact. The mention of Benjamin is significant—this was Saul's tribe (1 Samuel 9:1-2), and Paul bore the same name before his conversion. Benjamin was the beloved son of Rachel, and the tribe remained loyal to Judah when the kingdom divided. Paul's existence as a believing Jew proves God has not abandoned His covenant people.