Greek Word Reference — Romans 11:19
To say or speak, like in Matthew 9:34 or John 1:29. This word is an alternate way of saying 'to utter' or 'to speak' in certain situations.
Definition: λέγω, [in LXX very freq., chiefly for אמר; λέγει for נְאֻם, Gen.22:16, al. ;] __1. in Hom., to pick out, gather, reckon, recount. __2. In Hdt. and Att., to say, speak, affirm, declare: absol., Act.13:15, 24:10; before orat. dir., Mat.9:34, Mrk.3:11, Jhn.1:29, al.; before ὅτι recit., Mrk.3:21, Luk.1:24, Jhn.6:14, al.; accusative and inf., Luk.11:18, Jhn.12:29, al.; after another verb of speaking, προσφωνεῖν κ. λέγειν, Mat.11:17, al.; ἀπεκρίθη (ἐλάλησεν) λέγων (καὶ λέγει; Dalman, Words, 24 ff.), Mat.25:9, Mrk.3:33, 7:28, Luk.24:6, 7, al.; of unspoken thought, λ. ἐν ἑαυτῷ, Mat.3:9, Luk.3:8, al.; of writing, 2Co.8:8, Php.4:11, al.; λέγει ἡ γραφή, Rom.4:3, Jas.2:23, al.; with accusative of thing(s), Luk.8:8, 9:33, Jhn.5:34, al.; σὺ λέγεις (a non-committal phrase; Swete, Mk., 359, 369f.), Mat.27:11, Mrk.15:2, Luk.23:3, Jhn.18:37; with dative of person(s), before orat. dir., Mat.8:20, Mrk.2:17, al. mult.; id. before ὅτι, Mat.3:9, al.; with prep., πρός, μετά, περί, etc., Mrk.4:41, Jhn.11:56, Heb.9:5, al.; to mean (cl.), Mrk.14:71, Jhn.6:71, 1Co.10:29, al.; to call, name, Mrk.10:18; pass., Mat.9:9, Mrk.15:7, al (cf. ἀντι-, δια- (-μαι), προ-, συλ-λέγω). SYN.: λαλέω, which refers to the utterance, as λέγω to the meaning of what is said, its correspondence with thought (Tr., Syn., Ixxvi; Thayer, see word λαλέω). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 95 NT verses. KJV: call, say, speak (of), tell See also: 1 Corinthians 14:16; Matthew 1:22; Hebrews 1:13.
This word means therefore or then, showing a consequence. It appears in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 5:9 to connect ideas and events.
Definition: οὖν, particle expressing consequence or simple sequence (never standing first in a sentence), wherefore, therefore, then: Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9, Jhn.8:38, Act.1:21, Rom.5:9, al.; in exhortations, Mat.3:8, Luk.11:35, Act.3:19, Rom.6:12, al.; in questions, Mat.13:28, Mrk.15:12, Jhn.8:[5], Rom.6:1, al.; continuing a narrative or resuming it after a digression, Mat.1:17, Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:22 2:18 (and very frequently in this Gospel), Act.26:22, al.; ἄρα οὖν (see: ἄρα); ἐπεὶ οὖν, Heb.2:14; οὖν with ptcp. (= ἐπεὶ οὖν), Act.2:30, Rom.5:1, al.; ἐὰν οὖν (where οὖν rather in sense belongs to the apodosis), Mat.5:23, Luk.4:7, Jhn.6:62, Rom.2:26, al.; ὡς οὖν, Jhn.4:1, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 515 NT verses. KJV: and (so, truly), but, now (then), so (likewise then), then, therefore, verily, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 3:5; Acts 23:15; 1 Peter 2:1.
To break off means to separate or detach something from something else, as seen in Romans 11:17-20. This can refer to a physical or emotional separation. It involves a forceful or intentional removal.
Definition: ἐκ-κλάω, -ῶ [in LXX: Lev.1:17 (שָׁסַע pi.)* ;] to break off: pass., Rom.11:17-20.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: break off See also: Romans 11:17; Romans 11:19; Romans 11:20.
A branch is a small part of a tree, like the ones people cut and waved in Matthew 21:8 to celebrate Jesus.
Definition: κλάδος, -ου, ὁ (κλάω), [in LXX for דָּלִיָּה, כַּף, etc. ;] a young tender shoot broken off for grafting; then, a branch: Mat.13:32 21:8 24:32, Mrk.4:32 13:28, Luk.13:19; metaphorically, of descendants (cf. Sir.40:15), Rom.11:16-19, 21.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: branch See also: Luke 13:19; Matthew 24:32; Romans 11:16.
This word means 'in order that' or 'to', showing purpose or result, as seen in Acts 19:4 and Romans 11:31. It's used to express a goal or outcome. In Ephesians 1:17, it's used to describe a purpose.
Definition: ἵνα, __I. adverb (poët., Hom., al.), __1. of place, where, whither. __2. of circumstance, when. __II. Conjunction, __1. prop., final, denoting purpose or end (cl.), that, in order that, usually the first word in the clause, but sometimes (cl. also) preceded by an emphatic word (Act.19:4, Rom.11:31 (?), Gal.2:10, al.); __(a) with optative (so in cl. after historic tenses): after a pres., Eph.1:17 (but WH, mg., subjc.; see Burton, §225, Rem., 2); __(b) with subjc.: after a pres., Mrk.4:21, Luk.6:34, Jhn.3:15, Act.2:25, Rom.1:11, al.; after a pf., Mat.1:22, Jhn.5:23 1Co.9:22, al.; after an imperat. (present or aor.), Mat.7:1, Mrk.11:25, Jhn.10:38, 1Co.7:5, al.; after a delib. subjc., Mrk.1:38, al.; after a fut., Luk.16:4, Jhn.14:3, 1Co.15:28, al.; after historic tenses (where optative in cl.; WM, 359f.; M, Pr., 196f.), Mrk.6:41 (impf.), Jhn.4:8 (plpf.), Mrk.3:14 (aor.), al.; __(with) in late writers (M, Pr., 35; Burton, §§198, 199), with indic., fut: Luk.20:10, 1Pe.3:1, al.; __(d) as often in eccl. writers (Thayer, see word), with indic. pres.: 1Co.4:6, Gal.4:17, al. (?; but V. Burton, §198, Rem.); __(e) εἰς (διὰ) τοῦτο, ἵνα: Jhn.18:37, 1Ti.1:16, al.; τούτου χάριν, Tit.1:5; __(f) elliptical constructions: omission of the principal verb, Jhn.1:8, 2Th.3:9, 1Jn.2:19, al.; of the final verb, Rom.4:16, 2Co.8:13, al. __2. In late writers, definitive, = inf. (WM, 420; Bl, §69, 1), that; __(a) after verbs of wishing, caring, striving, etc.: θέλω, Mat.7:12, al.; ζητῶ, 1Co.4:2 14:12; ζηλόω, 1Co.14:1, al.; __(b) after verbs of saying, asking, exhorting: εἰπεῖν, Mat.4:3, al.; ἐρωτῶ, Mrk.7:26, al.; παρακαλῶ, Mat.14:36, 1Co.1:10, al., etc.; __(with) after words expressing expediency, etc.: συμφέρει, Mat.18:6, Jhn.11:50, al.; ἱκανός, Mat.8:8, Luk.7:6; χρείαν ἔχω, Jhn.2:25, al, etc.; __(d) after substantives, adding further definition: ὥρα, Jhn.12:23 13:1; χρόνος, Rev.2:21; συνήθεια, Jhn.18:39; μισθός, 1Co.9:18. __3. In late writers, ecbatic, denoting the result, = ὥστε, that, so that (M, Pr., 206ff.; WM, 572; Bl., §69, 3; Burton, §223): Rom.11:11, 1Co.7:29, 1Th.5:4, al. (but see Thayer, see word); so with the formula referring to the fulfilment of prophecy, ἵνα πληρωθῇ, Mat.1:22 2:14, Jhn.13:18, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 626 NT verses. KJV: albeit, because, to the intent (that), lest, so as, (so) that, (for) to See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Timothy 5:20; 1 Peter 1:7.
This is a pronoun meaning I or me, used by the speaker to refer to themselves. It is often used in the Bible to emphasize the speaker's identity.
Definition: ἐγώ, genitive, etc., ἐμοῦ, ἐμοί, ἐμέ (enclitic μου, μοι, με), pl. ἡμεῖς, -ῶν, -ῖν, -ᾶς, of person(s) pron. I. __(a) The nom. is usually emphatic, when expressed as subjc, as in Mat.3:11, Mrk.1:8, Luk.3:16, al. But often there is no apparent emphasis, as Mat.10:16, Jhn.10:17; ἰδοὺ ἐ. (= Heb. הִנֵּנִי, cf. 1Ki.3:8), Act.9:10; ἐ. (like Heb. אֲנִי), I am, Jhn.1:23 (LXX), Act.7:32 (LXX). __(b) The enclitic forms (see supr.) are used with nouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs, where there is no emphasis: ἐν τ. πατρί μου, Jhn.14:20; μου τ. λόγους, Mat.7:24; ὀπίσω μου, Mat.3:11; ἰσχυρότερός μου, ib.; λέγει μοι, Rev.5:5; also with the prep. πρός, as Mrk.9:19, al. The full forms (ἐμοῦ, etc.) are used with the other prepositions, as δι᾽ ἐμοῦ, ἐν ἐμοί, εἰς ἐμέ, etc., also for emphasis, as Luk.10:16, Jhn.7:23, Mrk.14:7, al. __(with) The genitive μου and ἡμῶν are often used for the poss. pronouns ἐμός, ἡμέτερος: τ. λαόν μου, Mat.2:6; μου τῂ ἀπιστιᾳ, Mrk.9:24. __(d) τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί ( = Heb. מַה־לִי וָלָךְ, Jdg.11:12, al.), i.e. what have we in common: Mat.8:29, Mrk.1:24, 5:7, Luk.8:28, Jhn.2:4; τί γάρ μοι, 1Co.5:2. __(e) The interchange of ἐγώ and ἡμεῖς, common in π., appears in Pauline Epp. (see M, Pr., 86f., M, Th., 131f.). __(f) κἀγώ (= καὶ ἐγώ), and I, even I, I also: Mat.2:8, Luk.2:48, Jhn.6:56, Rom.3:7, 1Co.7:40, al.; κἀγώ . . . καί, both . . . and, Jhn.7:28. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1872 NT verses. KJV: I, me See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 16:24; 1 Peter 1:3.
To ingraft means to join or attach something to something else, like in Romans 11:17 where Gentiles are ingrafted into the family of God. This word is used to describe grafting a branch onto a tree, and is also used figuratively to describe becoming part of a community or family.
Definition: ἐγκεντρίζω, see: ἐνκ-. ἐν-κεντρίζω (Rec. ἐγρ-, see: ἐν; κεντρίζω, to graft), [in LXX: Wis.16:11 *;] to ingraft, graft in. figuratively, with accusative of person(s), Rom.11:17,19,23,24.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: graff in(-to) See also: Romans 11:17; Romans 11:23; Romans 11:19.
Context — The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
17Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root,
18do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.”
20That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
21For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Romans 11:17 |
Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, |
| 2 |
Romans 11:11–12 |
I ask then, did they stumble so as to fall beyond recovery? Certainly not! However, because of their trespass, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. But if their trespass means riches for the world, and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much greater riches will their fullness bring! |
| 3 |
Romans 11:23–24 |
And if they do not persist in unbelief, they will be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. For if you were cut from a wild olive tree, and contrary to nature were grafted into one that is cultivated, how much more readily will these, the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree! |
Romans 11:19 Summary
[In Romans 11:19, we see that because some branches were broken off, we have been grafted into God's family, which is a beautiful picture of God's love and mercy towards us. This means that we, who were once outsiders, are now part of God's family and can share in the nourishment and blessings that come from being connected to Him (Romans 11:17). As we reflect on this verse, let's remember that our inclusion in God's family is not because of our own efforts, but because of God's grace and faithfulness, as seen in Psalm 100:5. Let's respond with humility and gratitude, recognizing the gift that we have been given, and let's strive to remain faithful, just like in 2 Timothy 2:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of being 'grafted in' in Romans 11:19?
To be grafted in means to be joined to something new, in this case, the family of God, as seen in Romans 11:17, where we are grafted into the olive tree to share in its nourishment, much like in John 15:1-5, where we are branches connected to Jesus, the vine.
Why were the branches broken off in Romans 11:19?
The branches were broken off due to unbelief, as stated in Romans 11:20, which serves as a warning to us, just like in Hebrews 3:12, where we are cautioned against an evil, unbelieving heart.
What is the purpose of reminding us that branches were broken off?
The purpose is to humble us and remind us that our position in God's family is not due to our own merit, but by faith, as seen in Romans 11:20, and to warn us against arrogance, as in Romans 11:21, where we are told that if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare us either.
How should we respond to being grafted into God's family?
We should respond with humility and gratitude, recognizing that our inclusion is by God's grace and mercy, as in Ephesians 2:8-9, and not because of our own efforts or worthiness, and we should also be mindful of our responsibility to remain faithful, as in Colossians 1:23.
Reflection Questions
- What does it mean to you to be 'grafted in' to God's family, and how has this changed your life?
- In what ways can you relate to the image of being a 'wild olive shoot' grafted into the olive tree, and what does this reveal about God's heart towards you?
- How does the knowledge that branches were broken off due to unbelief affect your approach to your own faith and walk with God?
- What are some ways you can cultivate humility and gratitude in your life, recognizing that your position in God's family is by faith and not by your own merit?
Gill's Exposition on Romans 11:19
Thou wilt say then,.... This is an objection which the apostle foresaw the Gentiles would make against what he had said, and in favour of their boasting; the branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 11:19
Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Thou wilt say then (as a plea for boasting), The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 11:19
Ver. 19,20. Here he brings in the Gentiles, alleging a reason for their insulting over the Jews; because the Jews were broken off, that they might give place, or make way, for them; and the less worthy do always give place to the more worthy. To this he answers, first, by way of concession: Well, (saith he), it is true, and I do not deny it, that the Jews were broken off, that the Gentiles might be grafted in. But then he further adds, by way of correction or negation, that the worthiness of the Gentiles was not the cause why the Jews were broken off; but it was because of their own unbelief; they would not accept of Christ, ; they went about to establish their own righteousness, and would not submit themselves to the righteousness of God, as it is in . Therefore, if you Gentiles shall reason after this manner, you plainly put a fallacy upon yourselves, and take that for a cause which is none: you do not distinguish between the cause and the event; it fell out, indeed, that the Jews, being cast off, the Gentiles were received in, but this was not the cause of that. And thou standest by faith: q.d. Neither is thy worthiness the cause of thy present standing in the room of the Jews, or of having thy station in the church of Christ; but it is thy believing in that Christ whom the Jews rejected. By faith thou wast first ingrafted, and still continuest in the good olive tree. Be not high-minded, but fear: q.d. Be advised, and take heed of being self-conceited and secure; if thou fall into their fault, thou mayst expect the same fate.
Therefore stand in awe, and sin not; thou art subject to unbelief and apostacy, as well as they.
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 11:19
19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in. Ver. 19. Thou wilt say] Carnal reason will have ever somewhat to say, and is not easily set down. (Greg. Moral.)
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 11:19
(11-24) In this section the Apostle goes on to consider further the bearings of the rejection, and here, first (Romans 11:11-16), he considers the more hopeful side of it as regards the Jews themselves; their fall was not to be final, and there was every reason to think that their reconversion would more than make up for their fall; secondly (Romans 11:17-24), he turns to the Gentiles and bids them remember how it was that they came to be inserted like a graft in the true theocratic stem, and warns them not to make use of their new privilege to boast against those who were refused to make way for them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 11:19
Verse 19. Thou wilt say then, c.] You may think that you have reason to exult over them because it is a fact that God has been displeased with them, and therefore has broken them off; has cast them out of the Church, and taken you into it in their place.
Cambridge Bible on Romans 11:19
19. then] therefore; i.e. in order to meet my reasoning.
Barnes' Notes on Romans 11:19
Thou wilt say then - Thou who art a Gentile. The branches were broken off ... - The Jews were rejected in order that the gospel might be preached to the Gentiles.
Sermons on Romans 11:19
| Sermon | Description |
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Simeon's Farewell to the World
by John Piper
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John Piper preaches on Luke 2:21-40, focusing on Simeon's Farewell to the World as the central theme of the passage. The aged characters like Simeon and Anna symbolize the passing |
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Resurrection of the Dry Bones
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the predicament that Israel is facing and why the news is tightening for them. He explains that God is the au |
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Islamic Spiritual War #2 - Wake Up America
by Avi Lipkin
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The video mentioned in the sermon transcripts is not described in detail, but it is implied that it highlights how the media can focus on one person while ignoring the surrounding |
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The Invisible Cloud of Witnesses
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the world in the 20th century, expressing deep pessimism about mankind's ability to solve its problems. He emphasizes the need |
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 36-39
by Chuck Smith
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In this sermon, the speaker urges the audience to be ready for the coming of the Lord. He encourages them to open their hearts to God and the Spirit, as God wants to pour out His S |
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K-541 One Church, One Body (2 of 2)
by Art Katz
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In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his experience preaching in Germany and the importance of the church in shaping the direction of the nation. He discusses the rise of neo-Na |
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David Davis - One New Man (Alternate)
by David Davis
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This sermon focuses on the restoration and unity between Jews and Arabs in Israel, highlighting the revival and miraculous transformations happening in communities. It emphasizes t |