Romans 11:17
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 23
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιότητος
fatness
G4096
πιότητος
fatness
Strong's:
G4096
Word #:
20 of 23
plumpness, i.e., (by implication) richness (oiliness)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Jeremiah 11:16The LORD called thy name, A green olive tree, fair, and of goodly fruit: with the noise of a great tumult he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken.John 15:2Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.Ephesians 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:Psalms 52:8But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever.Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.Acts 2:39For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.Colossians 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.
Historical Context
Olive trees were central to Mediterranean agriculture, providing oil for food, light, and anointing. A cultivated olive tree represented Israel (Jeremiah 11:16; Hosea 14:6). Paul's metaphor would be vivid to his Roman audience, many of whom understood olive cultivation.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the 'unnatural' grafting of Gentiles teach about grace and the miraculous nature of salvation?
- How does the olive tree metaphor refute replacement theology (the idea that the church replaces Israel)?
- What responsibilities come with being grafted into Israel's covenant blessings?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul introduces the olive tree metaphor: And if some of the branches be broken off—tines tōn kladōn (τινες τῶν κλάδων) refers to unbelieving Israel. They are branches, not the root—part of the covenant people but now broken off through unbelief. And thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them—agrielaios (ἀγριέλαιος, "wild olive") describes Gentiles. Grafting a wild branch into a cultivated tree is agriculturally backwards—normally you graft cultivated into wild stock. Paul's point: Gentile inclusion is unnatural, a miracle of grace.
And with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree—synkoinōnos tēs rizēs tēs piotētos (συγκοινωνὸς τῆς ῥίζης τῆς πιότητος). Gentiles now share (synkoinōnos, "co-partaker") in the covenant blessings of Abraham. The root is the patriarchs; the fatness (piotēs, πιότης, "richness") is covenant blessing. Gentiles are grafted into Israel's olive tree, not replacing it. This refutes supersessionism—the church does not replace Israel but is grafted into Israel's covenant.