Romans 11:21
For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 14
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
G2596
κατὰ
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 14
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
φύσιν
the natural
G5449
φύσιν
the natural
Strong's:
G5449
Word #:
7 of 14
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
Cross References
Romans 8:32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?Jude 1:5I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.
Historical Context
This warning proved prophetic. Gentile Christianity did develop supersessionist arrogance, contributing to centuries of antisemitism and persecution of Jews. Paul's warning—if heeded—would have prevented immense evil.
Questions for Reflection
- What does God's treatment of 'natural branches' teach about His impartiality and holiness?
- How should this warning apply to churches and Christian movements that become proud or presumptuous?
- What is the relationship between assurance of individual salvation and corporate warnings to the church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For if God spared not the natural branches—ei gar ho theos tōn kata physin kladōn ouk epheisato (εἰ γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τῶν κατὰ φύσιν κλάδων οὐκ ἐφείσατο). The phrase kata physin (κατὰ φύσιν, "according to nature") emphasizes Israel's natural position as covenant people. If God broke off natural branches due to unbelief, the warning to Gentiles is sobering: take heed lest he also spare not thee (mēpōs oude sou pheisētai, μήπως οὐδὲ σοῦ φείσηται).
The logic is a fortiori again: if God disciplined His own covenant people, how much more will He discipline grafted-in Gentiles who presume on grace? The verb pheidomai (φείδομαι, "spare") suggests judgment withheld or enacted. Paul is not teaching loss of salvation but warning against presumption. Churches, like individuals, can fall under divine judgment for persistent unbelief and arrogance (Revelation 2-3). Gentile Christianity is not immune to the discipline that befell unbelieving Israel.