Romans 11:15
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
of them
G846
αὐτῶν
of them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 15
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
καταλλαγὴ
be the reconciling
G2643
καταλλαγὴ
be the reconciling
Strong's:
G2643
Word #:
6 of 15
exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e., restoration to (the divine) favor
κόσμου
of the world
G2889
κόσμου
of the world
Strong's:
G2889
Word #:
7 of 15
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
τίς
what
G5101
τίς
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 15
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
12 of 15
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Luke 15:24For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.Luke 15:32It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.Revelation 11:11And after three days and an half the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood upon their feet; and great fear fell upon them which saw them.Ephesians 1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
Historical Context
Jewish expectation linked national restoration to the resurrection of the dead (Ezekiel 37:1-14; Daniel 12:2). Paul uses resurrection language to convey the magnitude of Israel's future salvation—it will be nothing short of new creation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression from 'reconciliation' to 'life from the dead' show the escalating glory of God's plan?
- Does 'life from the dead' refer to the literal resurrection, or to spiritual revival, and what are the implications?
- How should the hope of Israel's future glory affect Christian eschatology and mission today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world—apobolē (ἀποβολή, "casting away") parallels "fall" and "diminishing" (v. 12). Israel's temporary rejection facilitated katallagē kosmou (καταλλαγὴ κόσμου, "reconciling of the world")—Gentile salvation. Paul now poses his strongest a fortiori argument: what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead? (ei mē zōē ek nekrōn, εἰ μὴ ζωὴ ἐκ νεκρῶν).
The phrase "life from the dead" could be metaphorical (spiritual revival) or literal (physical resurrection). Many Reformed interpreters see this as the general resurrection—Israel's restoration will coincide with or trigger the eschaton. Others see it as metaphorical: the revival of Israel will be so glorious it resembles resurrection. Either way, Paul envisions Israel's future salvation as cosmically significant, ushering in the ultimate redemption. If their rejection blessed the world massively, their acceptance will bring eschatological consummation.