Romans 11:25–26: Edit history

Context

This passage belongs to the conclusion of Romans 9–11. In chapter 11, Paul uses the image of an olive tree: some of the natural branches (Israel) have been broken off, and a wild olive (the Gentiles) has been grafted in. He warns Gentile believers against arrogance. In verse 25 he calls this a "mystery," and in verses 26–27 he quotes Isaiah 59:20–21, declaring that "There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer." The section closes with a doxology praising the wisdom of God (verses 33–36).

Interpretations

• A future conversion of ethnic Israel: Dispensationalists and a number of Reformed scholars read the passage as teaching that in the last days the Jewish people will turn in large numbers to faith in Jesus as the Messiah. Because "Israel" in verse 25 refers to the ethnic people, they argue, it must carry the same meaning in verse 26. Dispensationalism connects this with the restoration of Israel around the time of the Second Coming.
• The whole people of God: Some Reformed interpreters, including John Calvin, understand "all Israel" as the entire church, embracing both Jewish and Gentile believers. They also point to "the Israel of God" in Galatians 6:16.
• The full number of the elect remnant: Another view holds that "all Israel" refers to the totality of Jewish believers who come to faith throughout history. This reading takes "and so" (Greek houtōs) not as indicating temporal sequence but as meaning "in this manner."

Debates and Issues

This passage is a key text on which covenant theology and dispensationalism diverge in their understanding of the relationship between the church and Israel. There is also a so-called "two-covenant" interpretation, which holds that Jews are saved through their own covenant even without believing in Jesus; major evangelical denominations, however, criticize this view as inconsistent with Romans 10. Opinion is likewise divided over using this passage to justify political positions regarding the modern State of Israel.

Related Passages

• Romans 11:17–24
• Isaiah 59:20–21
• Galatians 6:16
• Zechariah 12:10