Romans 11:14
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
Original Language Analysis
πως
G4459
πως
Strong's:
G4459
Word #:
2 of 11
an interrogative particle of manner; in what way? (sometimes the question is indirect, how?); also as exclamation, how much!
παραζηλώσω
I may provoke to emulation
G3863
παραζηλώσω
I may provoke to emulation
Strong's:
G3863
Word #:
3 of 11
to stimulate alongside, i.e., excite to rivalry
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σάρκα
flesh
G4561
σάρκα
flesh
Strong's:
G4561
Word #:
6 of 11
flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σώσω
might save
G4982
σώσω
might save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
8 of 11
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:16For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Romans 11:11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.Romans 9:3For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:1 Corinthians 1:21For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.1 Timothy 2:4Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.James 5:20Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;2 Timothy 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Historical Context
Paul's practice in Acts demonstrates this strategy: he typically preached first in synagogues before turning to Gentiles (Acts 13:46; 18:6; 28:28). Even as apostle to the Gentiles, he never abandoned hope for Israel. His Roman readers needed to understand this.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's passion for saving 'some' of Israel demonstrate proper evangelistic realism without despair?
- What does it mean that Christian blessing should provoke rather than alienate Jewish people?
- How can Gentile believers today be used by God to provoke Israel to jealousy in a biblical, loving way?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh—ei pōs parazēlōsō mou tēn sarka (εἴ πως παραζηλώσω μου τὴν σάρκα). The phrase "my flesh" (mou tēn sarka) refers to Paul's ethnic kinsmen, fellow Jews. The verb parazēloō (παραζηλόω) means to provoke to jealousy or emulation—the same word from Deuteronomy 32:21 (v. 11). Paul's Gentile ministry has an evangelistic hope toward Israel: and might save some of them (kai sōsō tinas ex autōn, καὶ σώσω τινας ἐξ αὐτῶν).
Notice the humility: "some of them" (tinas, τινας), not all. Paul recognizes he cannot save all Israel by his efforts—that awaits God's eschatological work (v. 26). But his ministry might save some, and this motivates him. The conditional "if by any means" (ei pōs) expresses longing, not certainty. Paul's passion for Jewish salvation permeates Romans 9-11 (9:1-3; 10:1). His Gentile apostleship serves dual purpose: Gentile salvation and Jewish provocation to faith.