Romans 11:28
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
As concerning
G2596
κατὰ
As concerning
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
1 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχθροὶ
they are enemies
G2190
ἐχθροὶ
they are enemies
Strong's:
G2190
Word #:
5 of 15
hateful (passively, odious, or actively, hostile); usually as a noun, an adversary (especially satan)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
6 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
κατὰ
As concerning
G2596
κατὰ
As concerning
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
8 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διὰ
for
G1223
διὰ
for
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
13 of 15
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
Deuteronomy 10:15Only the LORD had a delight in thy fathers to love them, and he chose their seed after them, even you above all people, as it is this day.Romans 9:5Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.Matthew 21:43Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Historical Context
First-century Israel largely rejected the gospel, yet Paul insists they remain 'beloved' due to election. This tension persists: Jewish opposition to Christianity coexists with God's covenant love. Paul holds both truths without resolving the tension prematurely (v. 33 acknowledges mystery).
Questions for Reflection
- How can Israel be simultaneously 'enemies' concerning the gospel and 'beloved' concerning election?
- What does it mean that God's love for Israel is 'for the fathers' sakes'—how do the patriarchs' promises apply today?
- How should this dual status shape Christian attitudes toward Jewish people who reject Jesus?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes—kata men to euangelion echthroi di hymas (κατὰ μὲν τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ἐχθροὶ δι᾽ ὑμᾶς). With regard to the gospel, Israel is currently in enmity (echthroi, ἐχθροὶ)—not God's enemies, but enemies of the gospel, opposing it. This enmity serves a purpose: for your sakes (Gentile inclusion, as argued in vv. 11-12). Yet Paul immediately contrasts: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes (kata de tēn eklogēn agapētoi dia tous pateras, κατὰ δὲ τὴν ἐκλογὴν ἀγαπητοὶ διὰ τοὺς πατέρας).
This is the paradox: Israel is simultaneously enemy (functionally, in unbelief) and beloved (covenantally, in election). The basis of their beloved status is dia tous pateras (διὰ τοὺς πατέρας, "because of the fathers")—God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God's love for the patriarchs extends to their descendants. Israel's election is irrevocable, even when they oppose the gospel. This dual status—enemy yet beloved—is the mystery of God's dealings with Israel.