Romans 11:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 11:7
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Chapter Context
Romans 11 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of holiness, faith, grace. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 11:7
7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Analysis
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for—ho epitēdei (ὃ ἐπιτηδεῖ) refers to righteousness and covenant blessing. National Israel as a whole failed to obtain the goal pursued, because they pursued it by works (9:31-32). But the election hath obtained it—hē ekloge (ἡ ἐκλογή, "the elect") refers to the remnant chosen by grace. They obtained righteousness through faith in Christ.
And the rest were blinded (epōrōthēsan, ἐπωρώθησαν)—the verb means to harden, petrify, or make callous. The passive voice suggests divine agency (theological passive): God judicially hardened those who persistently rejected truth. This hardening is not arbitrary cruelty but a response to willful unbelief. Paul will quote Isaiah 29:10 and Psalm 69:22-23 (vv. 8-10) to show this hardening was prophesied. The remnant/hardening distinction explains first-century Israel: some believed (elect remnant), most rejected (judicially hardened).
Historical Context
By the late 50s AD, most synagogues had expelled Jewish believers in Jesus (John 9:22; 12:42). The majority of Israel did not recognize Jesus as Messiah, fulfilling prophetic patterns of remnant theology throughout Israel's history (Isaiah 6:9-10; 10:22-23).
Reflection
- How does the doctrine of election comfort believers while also sobering them regarding unbelief?
- What is judicial hardening, and how does it differ from arbitrary divine cruelty?
- How should we balance the mystery of election with genuine evangelistic urgency for those who are 'hardened'?
Cross-References
- References Israel: Romans 11:25
- Parallel theme: Romans 9:18, 11:5, 2 Corinthians 3:14, 4:4