Romans 11:22
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
Original Language Analysis
ἴδε
Behold
G1492
ἴδε
Behold
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 23
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
χρηστότητι
goodness
G5544
χρηστότητι
goodness
Strong's:
G5544
Word #:
3 of 23
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θεοῦ·
of God
G2316
θεοῦ·
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
6 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
8 of 23
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
12 of 23
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
χρηστότητι
goodness
G5544
χρηστότητι
goodness
Strong's:
G5544
Word #:
15 of 23
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
ἐὰν
if
G1437
ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
16 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
ἐπιμείνῃς
thou continue
G1961
ἐπιμείνῃς
thou continue
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
17 of 23
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χρηστότητι
goodness
G5544
χρηστότητι
goodness
Strong's:
G5544
Word #:
19 of 23
usefulness, i.e., morally, excellence (in character or demeanor)
Cross References
Hebrews 3:6But Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end.Hebrews 3:14For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;1 Corinthians 15:2By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.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.Revelation 2:5Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.Hebrews 10:23Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)John 8:31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;Galatians 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.Acts 14:22Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.Romans 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
Historical Context
Church history demonstrates this warning's validity. When Gentile Christianity became triumphalistic, self-righteous, and apostate, God's judgment fell (the Reformation addressed medieval corruption; liberal churches today experience decline). God's severity is as real as His goodness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we hold together God's goodness and severity without diminishing either attribute?
- What does it mean to 'continue in His goodness'—is this about works or faith?
- How does this warning against corporate apostasy differ from (or relate to) the doctrine of eternal security for individuals?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God—chrēstotēta kai apotomian theou (χρηστότητα καὶ ἀποτομίαν θεοῦ). The word chrēstotēs (χρηστότης, "goodness/kindness") and apotomia (ἀποτομία, "severity/sharpness") present God's dual character: merciful yet just. Paul calls Gentiles to behold (ide, ἴδε), to contemplate both aspects simultaneously. On them which fell, severity—unbelieving Israel experienced apotomia, God's sharp judgment. But toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness—Gentiles experience chrēstotēs, but conditionally.
The condition: if thou continue in his goodness (ean epimenēs tē chrēstotēti, ἐὰν ἐπιμένῃς τῇ χρηστότητι). The verb epimenō (ἐπιμένω) means to remain, continue, persevere. Perseverance in faith is necessary. The warning: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off (epei kai sy ekkopēsē, ἐπεὶ καὶ σὺ ἐκκοπήσῃ). Corporate Israel was "cut off" for unbelief; Gentile Christianity faces the same risk if it abandons faith for pride and presumption.