The Meaning of Romans 11:26 Explained

Romans 11:26

KJV: And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

YLT: and so all Israel shall be saved, according as it hath been written, 'There shall come forth out of Sion he who is delivering, and he shall turn away impiety from Jacob,

Darby: and so all Israel shall be saved. According as it is written, The deliverer shall come out of Zion; he shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.

ASV: and so all Israel shall be saved: even as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Deliverer; He shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

And  so  all  Israel  shall be saved:  as  it is written,  There shall come  out of  Sion  the Deliverer,  and  shall turn away  ungodliness  from  Jacob: 

What does Romans 11:26 Mean?

Study Notes

Jacob
Summary: Israel, so named from the grandson of Abraham, was chosen for a fourfold mission:
(1) To witness to the unity of God in the midst of universal idolatry Deuteronomy 6:4 ; Isaiah 43:10 ; Isaiah 43:12
(2) to illustrate to the nations the blessedness of serving the true God Deuteronomy 33:26-29 ; 1 Chronicles 17:20 ; 1 Chronicles 17:21 ; Psalms 144:15 .
(3) to receive, preserve, and transmit the Scripture Deuteronomy 4:5-8 ; Romans 3:1 ; Romans 3:2 .
(4) to produce, as to His humanity, the Messiah Genesis 3:15 ; Genesis 12:3 ; Genesis 22:18 ; Genesis 28:10-14 ; Genesis 49:10 ; 2 Samuel 7:12-16 ; Isaiah 7:14 ; Isaiah 9:6 ; Matthew 1:1 ; Romans 1:3 . According to the prophets, Israel, regathered from all nations, restored to her own land and converted, is yet to have her greatest earthly exaltation and glory. See "Kingdom (O.T.)"; Genesis 1:26 ; Zechariah 12:8 .
N.T. Luke 1:31-33 ; 1 Corinthians 15:24 .
"Davidic Covenant" .
For Another Point of View: See Topic 301242
angel
( See Scofield Hebrews 1:4 ).
David
Kingdom in Old Testament, Summary:
I. Dominion over the earth before the call of Abraham
(1) Dominion over creation was given to the first man and woman ( Genesis 1:26 ); ( Genesis 1:28 ). Through the fall this dominion was lost, Satan becoming "prince of this world"; ( Matthew 4:8-10 ); ( John 14:30 ).
(2) After the flood, the principle of human government was established under the covenant with Noah
( See Scofield Genesis 9:1 ).
Biblically this is still the charter of all Gentile government.
II. The Theocracy in Israel. The call of Abraham involved, with much else, the creation of a distinctive people through whom great purposes of God toward the race might be worked out.
(see "Israel" ( Genesis 12:1-3 ); ( Romans 11:26 ).
Among these purposes is the establishment of a universal kingdom. The order of the development of Divine rule in Israel is:
(1) The mediatorship of Moses ( Exodus 3:1-10 ); ( Exodus 19:9 ); ( Exodus 24:12 ).
(2) The leadership of Joshua ( Joshua 1:1-5 ).
(3) The institution of Judges ( Judges 2:16-18 ).
(4) The popular rejection of the Theocracy, and choice of a king -- Saul, ( 1 Samuel 8:1-7 ); ( 1 Samuel 9:12-17 ).
III. The Davidic kingdom
(1) The divine choice of David ( 1 Samuel 16:1-13 ).
(2) The giving of the Davidic Covenant ( 2 Samuel 7:8-16 ); ( Psalms 89:3 ); ( Psalms 89:4 ); ( Psalms 89:20 ); ( Psalms 89:21 ); ( Psalms 89:28-37 ).
(3) The exposition of the David Covenant by the prophets ( Isaiah 1:25 ); ( Isaiah 1:26 ); ( Zechariah 12:6-8 ).
See margin reference, "Kingdom" and references.
( See Scofield Isaiah 1:25 )
The kingdom as described by the prophets is:
a) Davidic, to be established under an heir of David, who is to be born of a virgin, therefore truly man, but also "Immanuel," "the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace" ( Isaiah 7:13 ); ( Isaiah 7:14 ); ( Isaiah 9:6 ); ( Isaiah 9:7 ); ( Isaiah 11:1 ); ( Jeremiah 23:5 ); ( Ezekiel 34:23 ); ( Ezekiel 37:24 ); ( Hosea 3:4 ); ( Hosea 3:5 ).
b) A kingdom heavenly in origin, principle, and authority ( Daniel 2:34 ); ( Daniel 2:35 ); ( Daniel 2:44 ); ( Daniel 2:45 ) but set up on the earth, with Jerusalem as the capital; ( Isaiah 2:2-4 ); ( Isaiah 4:3 ); ( Isaiah 4:5 ); ( Isaiah 24:23 ); ( Isaiah 33:20 ); ( Isaiah 62:1-7 ); ( Jeremiah 23:5 ); ( Jeremiah 31:38-40 ); ( Joel 3:1 ); ( Joel 3:16 ); ( Acts 15:14-171 ).
c) The kingdom is to be established first over regathered, restored, and converted Israel, and then to become universal ( Psalms 2:6-8 ); ( Psalms 22:1-31 ); ( Psalms 22:1-10 ); ( Isaiah 1:2 ); ( Isaiah 1:3 ); ( Isaiah 11:1 ); ( Isaiah 11:10-16 ); ( Isaiah 11:12 ); ( Jeremiah 23:5-8 ); ( Jeremiah 30:7-11 ); ( Ezekiel 20:33-40 ); ( Ezekiel 37:21-25 ); ( Zechariah 9:10 ); ( Zechariah 14:16-19 ).
d) The moral characteristics of the kingdom are to be righteousness and peace. The meek, not the proud, will inherit the earth; longevity will be greatly increased; the knowledge of the Lord will be universal; beast ferocity will be removed; absolute equity will be enforced; and outbreaking sin visited with instant judgment; while the enormous majority of earth's inhabitants will be saved ( Isaiah 11:4 ); ( Isaiah 11:6-9 ); ( Isaiah 65:20 ); ( Psalms 2:9 ); ( Isaiah 26:9 ); ( Zechariah 14:16-21 ). The New Testament ( Revelation 20:1-5 ); adds a detail of immense significance -- the removal of Satan from the scene. It is impossible to conceive to what heights of spiritual, intellectual, and physical perfection humanity will attain in this, its coming age of righteousness and peace. ( Isaiah 11:4-9 ); ( Psalms 72:1-10 ).
e) The kingdom is to be established by power, not persuasion, and is to follow divine judgment upon the Gentile world-powers ( Psalms 2:4-9 ); ( Isaiah 9:7 ); ( Daniel 2:35 ); ( Daniel 2:44 ); ( Daniel 2:45 ); ( Daniel 7:26 ); ( Daniel 7:27 ); ( Zechariah 14:1-19 ) ( See Scofield Zechariah 6:11 ).
f) The restoration of Israel and the establishment of the kingdom are connected with an advent of the Lord, yet future ( Deuteronomy 30:3-5 ); ( Psalms 2:1-9 ); ( Zechariah 14:4 ).
g) The chastisement reserved for disobedience in the house of David ( 2 Samuel 7:14 ); ( Psalms 89:30-33 ) fell in the captivities and world-wide dispersion, since which time, though a remnant returned under prince Zerubbabel, Jerusalem has been under the overlordship of Gentile. But the Davidic Covenant has not been abrogated ( Psalms 89:33-37 ) but is yet to be fulfilled. ( Acts 15:14-17 ).
angel
( See Scofield Hebrews 1:4 ).
The Davidic Covenant
The Davidic Covenant 2 Samuel 7:8-17 .
This covenant, upon which the glorious kingdom of Christ "of the seed of David according to the flesh" is to be founded, secures:
(1) A Davidic "house"; i.e. posterity, family
(2) A "throne"; i.e. royal authority
(3) A kingdom; i.e. sphere of rule
(4) In perpetuity; "for ever"
(5) And this fourfold covenant has but one condition: disobedience in the Davidic family is to be visited with chastisement; but not to the abrogation of the covenant 2 Samuel 7:15 ; Psalms 89:20-37 ; Isaiah 24:5 ; Isaiah 54:3 .
The chastisement fell; first in the division of the kingdom under Rehoboam, and, finally, in the captivities. 2 Kings 25:1-7 . Since that time but one King of the Davidic family has been crowned at Jerusalem and He was crowned with thorns. But the Davidic Covenant confirmed to David by the oath of Jehovah, and renewed to Mary by the angel Gabriel, is immutable Psalms 89:30-37 and the Lord God will yet give to that thorn-crowned One "the throne of his father David."; Luke 1:31-33 ; Acts 2:29-32 ; 1714154002_48 .
See, for the other seven covenants:
EDENIC, (See Scofield " Genesis 1:28 ") ADAMIC, See Scofield " Genesis 3:15 " NOAHIC, See Scofield " Genesis 9:1 " ABRAHAMIC, See Scofield " Genesis 15:18 " MOSAIC, See Scofield " Exodus 19:25 " PALESTINIAN, See Scofield " Deuteronomy 30:3 " NEW, See Scofield " Hebrews 8:8 "

Verse Meaning

"It is impossible to entertain an exegesis which understands "Israel" here in a different sense from "Israel" in Romans 11:25 ([1] "a hardening has come upon part of Israel")." [2]
"All Israel" means Israel as a whole in contrast to the relatively small believing remnant of Jews. The context makes this clear. This conclusion does not require that every individual Israelite living will be saved. It only requires the salvation of the bulk of the nation (cf. Zechariah 12-13). [3] Whenever the name "Israel" appears in the New Testament it refers either to the whole nation of Jacob"s racial descendants (ethnic Jews) or to the believing remnant within that group. It is not another name for the church. John Calvin believed Israel meant the church, and covenant theologians have followed in his train. [4] "All Israel" does not refer to all Jews who have been believers throughout history either. [4] If that were what Paul meant, this statement would be irrelevant to his argument. [6]
"Thus" or "so" means "when that has happened" (NEB) or "then after this" (JB). It may also mean "in this manner," namely, the way that Paul described in Romans 11:11-24. [7]
The quotation from Isaiah 59:20-21 not only confirmed Paul"s assertion but also hinted at the time this revival will take place. It will happen when Messiah will come out of the heavenly Jerusalem ( Galatians 4:26; Hebrews 12:22). This will be at His second coming ( Zechariah 12:10). [8]
"Israel ... was chosen for a fourfold mission: (1) to witness to the unity of God in the midst of universal idolatry (cp. Deuteronomy 6:4 with Isaiah 43:10-12); (2) to illustrate to the nations the blessedness of serving the true God ( Deuteronomy 33:26-29; 1 Chronicles 17:20-21; Psalm 144:15); (3) to receive, preserve, and transmit the Scriptures ( Deuteronomy 4:5-8; Romans 3:1-2); and (4) to be the human channel for the Messiah ( Genesis 3:15; Genesis 12:3; Genesis 22:18; Genesis 28:10-14; Genesis 49:10; 2 Samuel 7:12-16; Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3)." [9]

Context Summary

Romans 11:25-36 - That God "might Have Mercy Upon All"
"Mysteries" are the reasons and principles of the divine procedure which are hidden from ordinary minds, but revealed to the children of God by the Spirit, who searches the deep things, 1 Corinthians 2:10. We cannot tell how near the brim we are, or when the fullness of the Gentiles will fill the predestined measure. It may be much nearer than we suppose, and then the door will be closed, and the Hebrew nation will be grafted in to serve the divine program in the last stages of human history. They are still beloved for their fathers' sake, and the day is coming when all their sins will be forgiven and taken away.
We may go a certain distance in the devout understanding of the ways of God, but there is a point beyond which we cannot advance; and as we gaze down into the profound abyss of the divine dealings, we must cry, O the depth! Romans 11:33. The origin, the maintenance, and the ultimate end of creation, providence, and redemption, is God. To Him must be the glory! In other words, we shall find that the whole story of sin, redemption, and salvation will unravel and reveal the nature of God, as the prismatic band of color the sunlight. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 11

1  God has not cast off all Israel
7  Some were elected, though the rest were hardened
16  There is hope of their conversion
18  The Gentiles may not exult over them;
26  for there is a promise of their salvation
33  God's judgments are unsearchable

Greek Commentary for Romans 11:26

And so [και ουτως]
By the complement of the Gentiles stirring up the complement of the Jews (Romans 11:11.). [source]
All Israel [πας Ισραηλ]
What does Paul mean? The immediate context (use of πας — pās in contrast with απο μερουσ πληρωμα — apo merousπληρωμα — plērōma here in contrast with ο ρυομενος — plērōma in Romans 11:12) argues for the Jewish people “as a whole.” But the spiritual Israel (both Jews and Gentiles) may be his idea in accord with Romans 9:6 (Galatians 6:16) as the climax of the argument. At any rate we should strive for and pray for the conversion of Jews as a whole. Paul here quotes from Isaiah 59:20.; Isaiah 27:9. The Deliverer (ρυομαι — ho ruomenos). Present middle articular participle of ruomai to rescue, to deliver. See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 1:10. The Hebrew Goel, the Avenger, the Messiah, the Redeemer (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Job 19:25; Rth 3:12.). Paul interprets it of Jesus as Messiah. [source]
The Deliverer [ρυομαι]
Present middle articular participle of ruomai to rescue, to deliver. See note on 1 Thessalonians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 1:10. The Hebrew Goel, the Avenger, the Messiah, the Redeemer (Deuteronomy 25:5-10; Job 19:25; Rth 3:12.). Paul interprets it of Jesus as Messiah. [source]
The deliverer [ὁ ῥυόμενος]
The Hebrew is goel redeemer, avenger. The nearest relative of a murdered person, on whom devolved the duty of avenger, was called goel haddam avenger of blood. So the goel was the nearest kinsman of a childless widow, and was required to marry her (Deuteronomy 25:5-10). It is the word used by Job in the celebrated passage Job 19:25. See, also, Rth 3:12 , Rth 3:13 ; Rth 4:1-10 . [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 11:26

Romans 3:10 As it is written [κατως γεγραπται οτι]
Usual formula of quotation as in Romans 3:4 with recitative οτι — hoti added as in Romans 3:8. Paul here uses a catena or chain of quotations to prove his point in Romans 3:9 that Jews are in no better fix than the Greeks for all are under sin. Dr. J. Rendel Harris has shown that the Jews and early Christians had Testimonia (quotations from the Old Testament) strung together for certain purposes as proof-texts. Paul may have used one of them or he may have put these passages together himself. Romans 3:10-12 come from Psalm 14:1-3; first half of Romans 3:13 as far as εδολιουσαν — edoliousan from Psalms 4:9, the second half from Psalm 140:3; Romans 3:14 from Psalm 10:7; Romans 3:15-17 from an abridgment of Isaiah 59:7.; Romans 3:18 from Psalm 35:1. Paul has given compounded quotations elsewhere (2 Corinthians 6:16; Romans 9:25.,27f; Romans 11:26.,34f.; Romans 12:19.). Curiously enough this compounded quotation was imported bodily into the text (lxx) of Psalms 14 after Romans 3:4 in Aleph B, etc. [source]
Ephesians 1:10 Unto a dispensation of the fulness of the times [εις οικονομιαν του πληρωματος των καιρων]
See note on Colossians 1:25 for οικονομιαν — oikonomian In Galatians 4:4 “the fulness of the time” Cf. Mark 1:15; Hebrews 1:1. On πληρωμα — plērōma see also Romans 11:26; Ephesians 3:19; Ephesians 4:13. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 Whom he raised from the dead [ον ηγειρεν εκ των νεκρων]
Paul gloried in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead of which fact he was himself a personal witness. This fact is the foundation stone for all his theology and it comes out in this first chapter. Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come (Ιησουν τον ρυομενον ημας εκ της οργης της ερχομενης — Iēsoun ton ruomenon hēmās ek tēs orgēs tēs erchomenēs). It is the historic, crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, God‘s Son, who delivers from the coming wrath. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21) true to his name Jesus. He is our Rescuer (Romans 11:26, ο ρυομενος — ho ruomenos from Isaiah 59:20). It is eschatological language, this coming wrath of God for sin (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Romans 3:5; Romans 5:9; Romans 9:22; Romans 13:5). It was Paul‘s allusion to the day of judgment with Jesus as Judge whom God had raised from the dead that made the Athenians mock and leave him (Acts 17:31.). But Paul did not change his belief or his preaching because of the conduct of the Athenians. He is certain that God‘s wrath in due time will punish sin. Surely this is a needed lesson for our day. It was coming then and it is coming now. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come [Ιησουν τον ρυομενον ημας εκ της οργης της ερχομενης]
It is the historic, crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, God‘s Son, who delivers from the coming wrath. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21) true to his name Jesus. He is our Rescuer (Romans 11:26, ο ρυομενος — ho ruomenos from Isaiah 59:20). It is eschatological language, this coming wrath of God for sin (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Romans 3:5; Romans 5:9; Romans 9:22; Romans 13:5). It was Paul‘s allusion to the day of judgment with Jesus as Judge whom God had raised from the dead that made the Athenians mock and leave him (Acts 17:31.). But Paul did not change his belief or his preaching because of the conduct of the Athenians. He is certain that God‘s wrath in due time will punish sin. Surely this is a needed lesson for our day. It was coming then and it is coming now. [source]
2 Timothy 3:11 Delivered [ἐρύσατο]
Often in Paul. Originally, to draw to one's self; to draw out from peril. Paul, in Romans 11:26, applies the prophecy of Isaiah 59:20to Christ, who is called a ὁ ῥυόμενος thedeliverer, lxx. [source]
2 Timothy 2:16 Ungodliness [ἀσεβείας]
The opposite of εὐσέβεια godlinessfor which see on 1 Timothy 2:2. In Pastorals, Titus 2:12. In Paul, Romans 1:18; Romans 11:26, cit. [source]
2 Timothy 3:16 Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable [πασα γραπη τεοπνευστος και ωπελιμος]
There are two matters of doubt in this clause. One is the absence of the article η — hē before γραπη — graphē whether that makes it mean “every scripture” or “all scripture” as of necessity if present. Unfortunately, there are examples both ways with both πας — pās and γραπη — graphē Twice we find γραπη — graphē in the singular without the article and yet definite (1 Peter 2:6; 2 Peter 1:20). We have πας Ισραηλ — pās Israēl (Romans 11:26) for all Israel (Robertson, Grammar, p. 772). So far as the grammatical usage goes, one can render here either “all scripture” or “every scripture.” There is no copula (εστιν — estin) in the Greek and so one has to insert it either before the και — kai or after it. If before, as is more natural, then the meaning is: “All scripture (or every scripture) is inspired of God and profitable.” In this form there is a definite assertion of inspiration. That can be true also of the second way, making “inspired of God” descriptive of “every scripture,” and putting εστιν — estin (is) after και — kai “All scripture (or every scripture), inspired of God, is also profitable.” [source]
Jude 1:15 To convict [ελεγχαι]
First aorist (effective) active infinitive like ποιησαι — poiēsai before it.Ungodly (ασεβεις — asebeis). See Judges 1:4 and end of this verse.Of ungodliness Old word as in Romans 1:18, plural in Judges 1:18 as in Romans 11:26.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (cognate accusative with ησεβησαν — ēsebēsan old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent εργων — ergōn (deeds).Hard things Harsh, rough things as in John 6:60.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (object of ελαλησαν — elalēsan first aorist active indicative of λαλεω — laleō) to the case of the antecedent σκληρων — sklērōn Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain ασεβεις — asebeis (twice), ασεβειασ ησεβησαν — asebeiasēsebēsan f0). [source]
Jude 1:15 Of ungodliness [ασεβειας]
Old word as in Romans 1:18, plural in Judges 1:18 as in Romans 11:26.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (cognate accusative with ησεβησαν — ēsebēsan old verb, to act impiously, here alone in N.T. save some MSS. in 2 Peter 2:6) to agree with the antecedent εργων — ergōn (deeds).Hard things Harsh, rough things as in John 6:60.Which (ων — hōn). Genitive by attraction from α — ha (object of ελαλησαν — elalēsan first aorist active indicative of λαλεω — laleō) to the case of the antecedent σκληρων — sklērōn Four times in this verse as a sort of refrain ασεβεις — asebeis (twice), ασεβειασ ησεβησαν — asebeiasēsebēsan f0). [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 11:26 mean?

and so all Israel will be saved as it has been written Will come out of Zion the [One] Delivering He will remove ungodliness from Jacob
καὶ οὕτως πᾶς Ἰσραὴλ σωθήσεται καθὼς γέγραπται Ἥξει ἐκ Σιὼν Ῥυόμενος ἀποστρέψει ἀσεβείας ἀπὸ Ἰακώβ

οὕτως  so 
Parse: Adverb
Root: οὕτως  
Sense: in this manner, thus, so.
Ἰσραὴλ  Israel 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰσραήλ  
Sense: the name given to the patriarch Jacob (and borne by him in addition to his former name).
σωθήσεται  will  be  saved 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἐκσῴζω 
Sense: to save, keep safe and sound, to rescue from danger or destruction.
γέγραπται  it  has  been  written 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Indicative Middle or Passive, 3rd Person Singular
Root: γράφω 
Sense: to write, with reference to the form of the letters.
Ἥξει  Will  come 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἥκω  
Sense: to have come, have arrived, be present.
ἐκ  out  of 
Parse: Preposition
Root: ἐκ 
Sense: out of, from, by, away from.
Σιὼν  Zion 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: Σιών  
Sense: the hill on which the higher and more ancient part of Jerusalem was built.
  the  [One] 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Ῥυόμενος  Delivering 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Middle or Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: ῥύομαι  
Sense: to draw to one’s self, to rescue, to deliver.
ἀποστρέψει  He  will  remove 
Parse: Verb, Future Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀποστρέφω  
Sense: to turn away.
ἀσεβείας  ungodliness 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural
Root: ἀσέβεια  
Sense: want of reverence towards God, impiety, ungodliness.
Ἰακώβ  Jacob 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular
Root: Ἰακώβ  
Sense: was the second son of Isaac.