Romans 11:24
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 25
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἐκ
out of
G1537
ἐκ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
φύσιν
nature
G5449
φύσιν
nature
Strong's:
G5449
Word #:
7 of 25
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρὰ
contrary to
G3844
παρὰ
contrary to
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
11 of 25
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
φύσιν
nature
G5449
φύσιν
nature
Strong's:
G5449
Word #:
12 of 25
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
ἐγκεντρισθήσονται
branches be graffed into
G1461
ἐγκεντρισθήσονται
branches be graffed into
Strong's:
G1461
Word #:
13 of 25
to prick in, i.e., ingraft
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
14 of 25
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καλλιέλαιον
a good olive tree
G2565
καλλιέλαιον
a good olive tree
Strong's:
G2565
Word #:
15 of 25
a cultivated olive tree, i.e., a domesticated or improved one
πόσῳ
how much
G4214
πόσῳ
how much
Strong's:
G4214
Word #:
16 of 25
interrogative pronoun (of amount) how much (large, long or (plural) many)
οὗτοι
shall these
G3778
οὗτοι
shall these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
18 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
by
G2596
κατὰ
by
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
20 of 25
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
φύσιν
nature
G5449
φύσιν
nature
Strong's:
G5449
Word #:
21 of 25
growth (by germination or expansion), i.e., (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native
ἐγκεντρισθήσονται
branches be graffed into
G1461
ἐγκεντρισθήσονται
branches be graffed into
Strong's:
G1461
Word #:
22 of 25
to prick in, i.e., ingraft
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Paul's horticultural metaphor, while agriculturally backwards, makes a theological point: if God could save Gentiles (the harder case), He will certainly save Israel (the covenant people). This reverses any Gentile presumption that they are now God's 'natural' people.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the 'unnatural' character of Gentile grafting teach about the miracle of grace?
- How does the 'how much more' argument demonstrate God's greater commitment to Israel's restoration?
- What assurance does this verse provide regarding God's faithfulness to His covenant promises?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature—ei gar sy ek tēs kata physin exekopēs agrielaiou (εἰ γὰρ σὺ ἐκ τῆς κατὰ φύσιν ἐξεκόπης ἀγριελαίου). Paul reminds Gentiles of their origin: the wild olive, outside the covenant. And wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree—para physin (παρὰ φύσιν, "contrary to nature") emphasizes the unnatural (miraculous) character of Gentile inclusion. Normal horticulture grafts cultivated branches into wild stock, not vice versa. Gentile salvation is grace-wrought, defying natural expectation.
The a fortiori climax: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree? (pōsō mallon houtoi hoi kata physin enkentristhēsontai tē idia elaia, πόσῳ μᾶλλον οὗτοι οἱ κατὰ φύσιν ἐγκεντρισθήσονται τῇ ἰδίᾳ ἐλαίᾳ). If the unnatural grafting succeeded, how much more certain is the natural re-grafting? Israel's restoration is not merely possible but more likely than Gentile inclusion was. God's covenant faithfulness makes Israel's future salvation certain.