Lexical Summary ekklaó: To break off, to break out Original Word: ἐκκλάω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance break off. From ek and klao; to exscind -- break off. see GREEK ek see GREEK klao NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ek and klaó Definition to break off NASB Translation broken off (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1575: ἐκκλάωἐκκλάω: 1 aorist passive ἐξεκλασθην; to break off; to cut off: Romans 11:17, 19, 20 R G T WH (on this verse see κλάω). (the Sept. Leviticus 1:17; Plato, rep. 10, p. 611 d.; Plutarch, Alciphron, others.) Topical Lexicon Horticultural Background In Mediterranean viticulture and arboriculture, pruning by breaking off unproductive branches prevented disease from spreading and made room for more fruitful growth. This everyday practice supplied Paul with an illustration that first-century believers immediately grasped: the covenant people of God are likened to an olive tree whose well-being depends on removal of lifeless limbs. Narrative Setting in Romans 11 Paul addresses Gentile believers tempted to view Jewish unbelief as proof that God had shifted His favor permanently. To correct this arrogance, he recalls that unfaithful Israelite branches “were broken off” (Romans 11:17, 19, 20) so that Gentiles might be grafted in by faith. The verb occurs only in this paragraph, underscoring the deliberate and solemn nature of the divine action. Old Testament Roots of the Olive Tree Motif • Jeremiah 11:16 compares Israel to “a thriving olive tree.” Paul stands in this prophetic tradition, affirming both judgment and hope: judgment on unbelief and hope for future regrafting (Romans 11:23). Theological Emphases 1. Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility – God removes branches, yet the cause is unbelief (Romans 11:20). – The root remains holy (Romans 11:16). Gentile inclusion does not create a new tree but expands the existing one. – “God is able to graft them in again” (Romans 11:23). The breaking off is neither arbitrary nor final. Warning Against Boasting Paul’s use of the term carries a pastoral edge: “Do not boast over the branches” (Romans 11:18). The Gentile’s position is by grace alone; arrogance invites the same decisive pruning that befell unbelieving Israel (Romans 11:21). Missional Implications The temporary setting aside of Israel has a missionary purpose: “salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous” (Romans 11:11). The breaking off therefore serves global evangelization while keeping open the door for Israel’s future faith. Historical Reception in Church Teaching Early church fathers (e.g., Irenaeus, Chrysostom) read the passage as evidence of one continuous covenant people. Reformation theologians stressed the admonition against presumption. Modern missions movements have seen in it a mandate both for outreach to Jewish people and for humility among Gentile believers. Pastoral Applications • Foster gratitude: faith, not ethnic pedigree, secures a place in God’s family. Key Cross-References John 15:2; Matthew 3:10; 1 Corinthians 10:12; Titus 3:3-7; 2 Corinthians 3:16. Summary The threefold use of “were broken off” in Romans 11 captures a decisive, graciously purposeful pruning in salvation history. It warns the self-reliant, consoles the curious outsider, and keeps alive the expectation that God, who once removed unfruitful branches, will yet restore them through the obedience of faith. Forms and Transliterations εκκλάσει εξεκλασθησαν εξεκλάσθησαν ἐξεκλάσθησαν exeklasthesan exeklasthēsan exeklásthesan exeklásthēsanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Romans 11:17 V-AIP-3PGRK: τῶν κλάδων ἐξεκλάσθησαν σὺ δὲ NAS: of the branches were broken off, and you, being KJV: of the branches be broken off, and INT: of the branches were broken off you moreover Romans 11:19 V-AIP-3P Romans 11:20 V-AIP-3P |
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