Romans 11:27
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
For
G2532
καὶ
For
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
2 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 12
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρ'
is my
G3844
παρ'
is my
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 12
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
διαθήκη
covenant
G1242
διαθήκη
covenant
Strong's:
G1242
Word #:
7 of 12
properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)
ὅταν
when
G3752
ὅταν
when
Strong's:
G3752
Word #:
8 of 12
whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as
Cross References
Isaiah 27:9By this therefore shall the iniquity of Jacob be purged; and this is all the fruit to take away his sin; when he maketh all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten in sunder, the groves and images shall not stand up.Isaiah 59:21As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Hebrews 10:16This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them;Jeremiah 50:20In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.John 1:29The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Historical Context
Jeremiah 31:31-34 was written during Judah's exile, promising a future covenant where God would write His law internally and forgive sins fully. Jesus inaugurated this covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12), but its fullness for national Israel awaits the eschaton.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's covenant promise to 'take away sins' guarantee Israel's future salvation?
- What is the relationship between the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ and its future application to national Israel?
- How does this covenant promise demonstrate God's faithfulness despite Israel's historic unfaithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins—kai hautē autois hē par emou diathēkē, hotan aphelōmai tas hamartias autōn (καὶ αὕτη αὐτοῖς ἡ παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ διαθήκη, ὅταν ἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν). This continues the Isaiah quotation, echoing Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the New Covenant). God's covenant (diathēkē, διαθήκη) with Israel includes the promise to remove sins (aphelōmai, ἀφέλωμαι, "take away").
This is not hypothetical but certain: when (hotan, ὅταν), not "if." God will take away Israel's sins because He covenanted to do so. The new covenant promised heart transformation (Ezekiel 36:25-27), a circumcised heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), and the Spirit's indwelling. Israel's salvation rests on God's oath, not their merit. Paul's argument reaches its theological climax: Israel's future is secured by divine promise, not human achievement. God will finish what He started with Abraham.