Romans 11:18
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 16
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
βαστάζεις
bearest
G941
βαστάζεις
bearest
Strong's:
G941
Word #:
12 of 16
to lift, literally or figuratively (endure, declare, sustain, receive, etc.)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Romans 11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.Romans 3:27Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.John 10:16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.
Historical Context
By the late 50s AD, Gentile Christians in Rome may have developed superiority attitudes toward the Jewish minority, especially after Claudius's expulsion. Paul corrects this with force: you are the guests, grafted into their covenant. Humility, not boasting, is appropriate.
Questions for Reflection
- What forms does Gentile 'boasting' against Jews take, both historically and today?
- How does understanding that 'the root bears you' cultivate humility in Gentile believers?
- What does this verse teach about the church's debt to Israel and Jewish heritage?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Boast not against the branches—mē katakauchō (μὴ κατακαυχῶ) is a present imperative prohibition: "stop boasting" or "do not boast." Paul addresses Gentile arrogance toward unbelieving Jews (broken-off branches). The warning is sharp: But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Gentiles did not produce the covenant; they are sustained by it. The root (patriarchs/covenant) bears the branches (believers), not vice versa.
This verse targets Gentile triumphalism—the attitude that "we replaced Israel; they failed." Paul demolishes this: Gentiles are dependents, grafted into Israel's tree. Covenant blessing flows from Israel to the nations, not the reverse. The verb bastazō (βαστάζω, "bear/support") emphasizes the root's sustaining role. Gentiles owe everything to the Abrahamic covenant, which is Jewish in origin. Arrogance toward Israel is therefore absurd and ungrateful.