Romans 11:31
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οὗτοι
these
G3778
οὗτοι
these
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
3 of 12
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
4 of 12
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
Paul envisions Gentile mercy provoking Israel to jealousy (vv. 11, 14). When Jews see Gentiles enjoying covenant blessings (forgiveness, Spirit, adoption), holy envy should arise, leading to faith in Jesus. Gentile faithfulness becomes evangelistic to Israel—a missional dynamic.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the mercy you've received from God become a means of mercy for Israel?
- What does it mean practically for Gentile Christians to provoke Israel to jealousy through mercy?
- How does this verse demonstrate God's comprehensive plan to show mercy to all people?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy—houtōs kai houtoi nyn ēpeithēsan tō hymeterō eleei hina kai autoi nyn eleēthōsin (οὕτως καὶ οὗτοι νῦν ἠπείθησαν τῷ ὑμετέρῳ ἐλέει ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ [νῦν] ἐλεηθῶσιν). The parallelism is chiastic: Gentiles' past disobedience → mercy through Israel's unbelief; Israel's present disobedience → mercy through Gentiles' mercy. The phrase through your mercy (tō hymeterō eleei) is striking—Israel's future mercy comes through Gentile mercy.
This likely means: Gentile reception of mercy will provoke Israel to jealousy (vv. 11, 14), leading to their repentance and reception of mercy. The cycle of mercy is mutual and sequential: God used Israel's failure to bless Gentiles; He'll use Gentile blessing to restore Israel. The purpose clause that they also may obtain mercy (hina kai autoi eleēthōsin) expresses God's ultimate intent: Israel's salvation. Their present disobedience serves God's long-term redemptive purpose.