Romans 11:23
And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκεῖνοι
they
G1565
ἐκεῖνοι
they
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
2 of 17
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
4 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐπιμείνωσιν
they abide
G1961
ἐπιμείνωσιν
they abide
Strong's:
G1961
Word #:
6 of 17
to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπιστίᾳ
still in unbelief
G570
ἀπιστίᾳ
still in unbelief
Strong's:
G570
Word #:
8 of 17
faithlessness, i.e., (negatively) disbelief (lack of christian faith), or (positively) unfaithfulness (disobedience)
δυνατὸς
able
G1415
δυνατὸς
able
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
10 of 17
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
γάρ
for
G1063
γάρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
11 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 3:16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away.Zechariah 12:10And I will pour upon the house of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.
Historical Context
Paul writes with eschatological hope: Israel's current unbelief will not last forever. This hope sustained Jewish missions throughout church history and anticipates a future mass turning of Jews to Messiah, which Reformed and Dispensational eschatology both affirm (though with different frameworks).
Questions for Reflection
- What does the conditional 'if they abide not in unbelief' teach about the relationship between divine sovereignty and human responsibility?
- How does God's 'ability' to graft Israel back in demonstrate His covenant faithfulness?
- What should this hope for Israel's restoration motivate in terms of prayer and evangelism today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in—kan ekeinoi ean mē epimenōsin tē apistia enkentristhēsontai (κἂν ἐκεῖνοι ἐὰν μὴ ἐπιμένωσιν τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ ἐγκεντρισθήσονται). The condition is clear: if Israel does not remain in unbelief, they will be re-grafted. The passive voice (enkentristhēsontai, "shall be grafted in") indicates God's action—He will restore them. Paul offers hope for Israel's salvation, contingent on repentance.
The rationale: for God is able to graff them in again (dynatos gar estin ho theos palin enkentrisai autous, δυνατὸς γάρ ἐστιν ὁ θεὸς πάλιν ἐγκεντρίσαι αὐτούς). God's power (dynatos, δυνατός) guarantees the possibility. The word palin (πάλιν, "again") is key—re-grafting natural branches is restoration, not replacement. Israel's future is not uncertain; God is able, and Paul will argue He is willing (vv. 26-27). The hardening is not permanent if unbelief is abandoned.