Romans 11:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 11:27
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Chapter Context
Romans 11 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of grace, worship, judgment. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 11:27
27 For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
Analysis
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins—kai hautē autois hē par emou diathēkē, hotan aphelōmai tas hamartias autōn (καὶ αὕτη αὐτοῖς ἡ παρ᾽ ἐμοῦ διαθήκη, ὅταν ἀφέλωμαι τὰς ἁμαρτίας αὐτῶν). This continues the Isaiah quotation, echoing Jeremiah 31:31-34 (the New Covenant). God's covenant (diathēkē, διαθήκη) with Israel includes the promise to remove sins (aphelōmai, ἀφέλωμαι, "take away").
This is not hypothetical but certain: when (hotan, ὅταν), not "if." God will take away Israel's sins because He covenanted to do so. The new covenant promised heart transformation (Ezekiel 36:25-27), a circumcised heart (Deuteronomy 30:6), and the Spirit's indwelling. Israel's salvation rests on God's oath, not their merit. Paul's argument reaches its theological climax: Israel's future is secured by divine promise, not human achievement. God will finish what He started with Abraham.
Historical Context
Jeremiah 31:31-34 was written during Judah's exile, promising a future covenant where God would write His law internally and forgive sins fully. Jesus inaugurated this covenant (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-12), but its fullness for national Israel awaits the eschaton.
Reflection
- How does God's covenant promise to 'take away sins' guarantee Israel's future salvation?
- What is the relationship between the New Covenant inaugurated by Christ and its future application to national Israel?
- How does this covenant promise demonstrate God's faithfulness despite Israel's historic unfaithfulness?
Word Studies
- Sin: ἁμαρτία (Hamartia) G266 - Sin, missing the mark
Cross-References
- Covenant: Isaiah 59:21, Hebrews 10:16
- Sin: Isaiah 27:9, 43:25, Jeremiah 50:20, John 1:29