Romans 11:29
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χαρίσματα
the gifts
G5486
χαρίσματα
the gifts
Strong's:
G5486
Word #:
4 of 9
a (divine) gratuity, i.e., deliverance (from danger or passion); (specially), a (spiritual) endowment, i.e., (subjectively) religious qualification, o
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 9
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 7:21(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)Numbers 23:19God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?Malachi 3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.Romans 8:28And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.Hosea 13:14I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction: repentance shall be hid from mine eyes.
Historical Context
This countered emerging Gentile supersessionism. If God could revoke His promises to Israel, what guarantee did Gentiles have? Paul affirms God's irrevocable commitment, securing both Israel's future and the church's confidence. God does not abandon His elect.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's irrevocable calling to Israel provide assurance for all believers regarding His faithfulness?
- What specific 'gifts' has God given Israel that remain despite their unbelief?
- How does this verse refute any theology suggesting God has permanently rejected Israel?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance—ametamelēta gar ta charismata kai hē klēsis tou theou (ἀμεταμέλητα γὰρ τὰ χαρίσματα καὶ ἡ κλῆσις τοῦ θεοῦ). The word ametamelēta (ἀμεταμέλητα, "irrevocable") means God does not change His mind (meta-meleō, to regret or repent). The gifts (charismata, χαρίσματα) likely refer to the privileges listed in 9:4-5 (adoption, glory, covenants, law, temple service, promises, patriarchs, Messiah). The calling (klēsis, κλῆσις) refers to Israel's election as God's chosen people.
This verse is Paul's theological foundation for Israel's future salvation (vv. 26-27). God cannot revoke what He has given and promised to Israel. Even their unbelief does not nullify God's covenant faithfulness (3:3-4). This is the ultimate ground of assurance—not Israel's merit, but God's unchanging character. What God promises, He performs (Romans 4:21). Israel's gifts and calling remain, awaiting their fulfillment when the hardening ends.