Romans 11:20
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπιστίᾳ
because of unbelief
G570
ἀπιστίᾳ
because of unbelief
Strong's:
G570
Word #:
3 of 13
faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστει
by faith
G4102
πίστει
by faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
8 of 13
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἕστηκας
standest
G2476
ἕστηκας
standest
Strong's:
G2476
Word #:
9 of 13
to stand (transitively or intransitively), used in various applications (literally or figuratively)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Romans 12:16Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.1 Corinthians 10:12Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.2 Corinthians 1:24Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy: for by faith ye stand.1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:Philippians 2:12Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.Hebrews 3:12Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God.Isaiah 66:2For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.Proverbs 28:14Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.1 Timothy 6:17Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
Historical Context
Paul warns against the pride that infected Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:7) and threatened Rome. Gentile believers must remember they contribute nothing to their standing—faith itself is God's gift (Ephesians 2:8). Fear and humility are appropriate responses to grace.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does standing by faith alone necessitate fear rather than pride?
- How does recognizing that Israel's unbelief is the <em>only</em> difference prevent ethnic or cultural superiority?
- What is the proper 'fear' Paul commands, and how does it coexist with assurance of salvation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Paul concedes the point factually—Well; because of unbelief they were broken off (tē apistia exeklasthēsan, τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐξεκλάσθησαν). The cause of their breaking off was unbelief (apistia, ἀπιστία), not divine caprice. But Paul adds the Gentile's standing: and thou standest by faith (sy de tē pistei hestēkas, σὺ δὲ τῇ πίστει ἕστηκας). The contrast is stark: unbelief removed them; faith alone sustains you. This is not a difference in ethnic merit but in response to grace.
Paul's command: Be not highminded, but fear (mē hypsēla phronei alla phobou, μὴ ὑψηλὰ φρόνει ἀλλὰ φοβοῦ). Instead of arrogance (hypsēla, "high things"), cultivate fear (phobos, φόβος)—reverential awe and sober recognition of dependence on grace. The Gentile stands by faith alone, a gift, not achievement. Those who stand by grace should fear, not boast. The same unbelief that removed Jews could remove Gentiles (v. 21).