Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
Original Language Analysis
χάρις
by grace
G5485
χάρις
by grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
3 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
ἐξ
it be of
G1537
ἐξ
it be of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
6 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χάρις
by grace
G5485
χάρις
by grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
9 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
γίνεται
is
G1096
γίνεται
is
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
11 of 25
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
χάρις
by grace
G5485
χάρις
by grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
12 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
ἐξ
it be of
G1537
ἐξ
it be of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
15 of 25
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
16 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
χάρις
by grace
G5485
χάρις
by grace
Strong's:
G5485
Word #:
19 of 25
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργον
work
G2041
ἔργον
work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
22 of 25
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Galatians 5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.1 Corinthians 15:10But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.Galatians 2:21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Historical Context
First-century Judaism debated the relationship between God's covenant grace and human obedience (covenantal nomism). Paul clarifies that the basis of the remnant's existence is grace alone—God's electing love precedes and produces faithful response, not vice versa. This challenged merit-theology in both Jewish and Gentile contexts.
Questions for Reflection
- Why are grace and works mutually exclusive as the basis of salvation? What confuses people about this distinction?
- How does the doctrine of grace alone guard against both legalism and antinomianism?
- In what subtle ways do we attempt to add works to grace, thereby nullifying both?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And if by grace, then is it no more of works—Paul establishes an absolute antithesis between charis (χάρις, "grace") and erga (ἔργα, "works"). The Greek uses emphatic negation: ouketi ex ergōn (οὐκέτι ἐξ ἔργων, "no longer from works"). Grace and works are mutually exclusive bases for salvation. The reasoning is logical: otherwise grace is no more grace. If human merit contributes even partially, grace ceases to be grace—it becomes payment, obligation, debt.
The second half (found in some manuscripts) reinforces the converse: But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. This textual variant, though not in all manuscripts, makes the logic explicit. Work that earns nothing is not truly work; grace that depends on merit is not truly grace. Paul's point: the remnant exists by unmerited divine choice, preserving the gospel's essence. Any admixture of works destroys grace, just as any admixture of grace negates works-based righteousness.