Romans 11:32
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
Original Language Analysis
συνέκλεισεν
hath concluded
G4788
συνέκλεισεν
hath concluded
Strong's:
G4788
Word #:
1 of 12
to shut together, i.e., include or (figuratively) embrace in a common subjection to
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 12
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.Romans 3:9What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin;Romans 3:22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.John 12:32And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Historical Context
Paul concludes chapters 9-11 by universalizing the gospel: God's mercy extends to all, and no one—Jew or Gentile—has claim to it apart from grace. This undercuts ethnic pride (Jewish or Gentile) and establishes grace alone as the basis of salvation for all humanity.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that God 'shut up all in disobedience'—is this determinism or description?
- How does universal human disobedience serve God's purpose to show universal mercy?
- How does this verse's emphasis on 'all' (both judgment and mercy) glorify God's sovereignty and grace?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all—synekleisen gar ho theos tous pantas eis apeitheian hina tous pantas eleēsē (συνέκλεισεν γὰρ ὁ θεὸς τοὺς πάντας εἰς ἀπείθειαν ἵνα τοὺς πάντας ἐλεήσῃ). The verb synekleisen (συνέκλεισεν, "concluded/shut up together") depicts God imprisoning all (tous pantas, τοὺς πάντας) in disobedience. "All" refers to both Jews and Gentiles collectively, not every individual. Paul's point: God allowed universal human disobedience to manifest.
The purpose (hina, ἵνα): that he might have mercy upon all. God's goal in permitting universal disobedience is to show universal mercy—to Jew and Gentile alike, on the same basis (grace alone through faith alone). No one can boast (3:27); all are debtors to mercy. This is the climax of Paul's argument: God's purposes transcend human failure, orchestrating history to maximize mercy's display. Both Israel's unbelief and Gentile salvation serve this end: demonstrating God's mercy to all without distinction.