Romans 11:20
New International Version
Granted. But they were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but tremble.

New Living Translation
Yes, but remember—those branches were broken off because they didn’t believe in Christ, and you are there because you do believe. So don’t think highly of yourself, but fear what could happen.

English Standard Version
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear.

Berean Standard Bible
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

Berean Literal Bible
Rightly so: They were broken off by the unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be high minded, but be afraid.

King James Bible
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

New King James Version
Well said. Because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Do not be haughty, but fear.

New American Standard Bible
Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;

NASB 1995
Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;

NASB 1977
Quite right, they were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;

Legacy Standard Bible
Quite right! They were broken off for their unbelief, but you stand by your faith. Do not be haughty, but fear,

Amplified Bible
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him];

Christian Standard Bible
True enough; they were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but beware,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
True enough; they were broken off by unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

American Standard Version
Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Contemporary English Version
That's true enough. But they were cut away because they did not have faith, and you are where you are because you do have faith. So don't be proud, but be afraid.

English Revised Version
Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by thy faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
That's right! They were broken off because they didn't believe, but you remain on the tree because you do believe. Don't feel arrogant, but be afraid.

Good News Translation
That is true. They were broken off because they did not believe, while you remain in place because you do believe. But do not be proud of it; instead, be afraid.

International Standard Version
That's right! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you remain only because of faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid!

Majority Standard Bible
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.

NET Bible
Granted! They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but fear!

New Heart English Bible
True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Do not be conceited, but fear;

Webster's Bible Translation
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear:

Weymouth New Testament
This is true; yet it was their unbelief that cut them off, and you only stand through your faith.

World English Bible
True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by your faith. Don’t be conceited, but fear;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
By unbelief they were broken off, and you have stood by faith; do not be high-minded, but be fearing;

Berean Literal Bible
Rightly so: They were broken off by the unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be high minded, but be afraid.

Young's Literal Translation
by unbelief they were broken off, and thou hast stood by faith; be not high-minded, but be fearing;

Smith's Literal Translation
Well; for unbelief were they broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but do thou fear:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Well: because of unbelief they were broken off. But thou standest by faith: be not highminded, but fear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Well enough. They were broken off because of unbelief. But you stand on faith. So do not choose to savor what is exalted, but instead be afraid.

New American Bible
That is so. They were broken off because of unbelief, but you are there because of faith. So do not become haughty, but stand in awe.

New Revised Standard Version
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand only through faith. So do not become proud, but stand in awe.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Well; they were cut off because of their unbelief, but you exist by faith. Be not highminded, but fear God.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Fine, these were cut off because they did not believe, but you have stood by faith. Do not be lifted up in your mind, but stand in awe.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Well; on account of unbelief they were broken off; but you stand by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear.

Godbey New Testament
Beautifully; they were broken off by unbelief, but you stand by faith, Think not high things, but fear.

Haweis New Testament
Admitted; by unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:

Mace New Testament
well, be it so, for their incredulity they were broken off, and you by faith stand firm: be not then elated, but let this be your fear,

Weymouth New Testament
This is true; yet it was their unbelief that cut them off, and you only stand through your faith.

Worrell New Testament
Well; by their unbelief they were broken off, but you have been standing by faith. Do not cherish lofty thoughts; but fear.

Worsley New Testament
Well; they were broken off for their infidelity, and thou standest by faith: therefore be not high-minded but fear.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Ingrafting of the Gentiles
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
Hebrews 3:19
So we see that it was because of their unbelief that they were unable to enter.

Hebrews 4:11
Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.

1 Peter 1:17
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11
These things took place as examples to keep us from craving evil things as they did. / Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” / We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. ...

Matthew 21:43
Therefore I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.

John 15:2
He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, and every branch that does bear fruit, He prunes to make it even more fruitful.

1 Timothy 4:1
Now the Spirit expressly states that in later times some will abandon the faith to follow deceitful spirits and the teachings of demons,

2 Peter 1:10
Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

2 Corinthians 1:24
Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are fellow workers with you for your joy, because it is by faith that you stand firm.

Matthew 8:10-12
When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those following Him, “Truly I tell you, I have not found anyone in Israel with such great faith. / I say to you that many will come from the east and the west to share the banquet with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. / But the sons of the kingdom will be thrown into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Luke 18:9-14
To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ...

Galatians 5:4
You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.

Ephesians 2:8-9
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.

Colossians 1:23
if indeed you continue in your faith, established and firm, not moved from the hope of the gospel you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.


Treasury of Scripture

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith. Be not high minded, but fear:

Well.

John 4:17,18
The woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband: …

James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

because.

Romans 3:3
For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?

Acts 13:46,47
Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you: but seeing ye put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles…

Acts 18:6
And when they opposed themselves, and blasphemed, he shook his raiment, and said unto them, Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean: from henceforth I will go unto the Gentiles.

and.

Romans 5:1,2
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: …

2 Chronicles 20:20
And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

Isaiah 7:9
And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah's son. If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established.

Be.

Romans 11:18
Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Psalm 138:6
Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.

but.

Proverbs 28:14
Happy is the man that feareth alway: but he that hardeneth his heart shall fall into mischief.

Isaiah 66:2
For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

1 Corinthians 10:12
Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall.

Jump to Previous
Afraid Arrogant Awe Broken Conceited Cut Faith Fast Fear Fearing Granted Highminded High-Minded Lifted Pride Proud Quite Reason Right Stand Standest Stood True. Unbelief
Jump to Next
Afraid Arrogant Awe Broken Conceited Cut Faith Fast Fear Fearing Granted Highminded High-Minded Lifted Pride Proud Quite Reason Right Stand Standest Stood True. Unbelief
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.














That is correct
This phrase affirms the truth of the preceding statement, emphasizing the certainty and authority of Paul's message. In the Greek, the word used here is "kalōs," which means "well" or "rightly." It underscores the correctness of God's actions in the context of His divine plan. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God's sovereignty and justice, acknowledging that His decisions are always righteous and just.

They were broken off
The imagery of branches being "broken off" comes from the metaphor of the olive tree, which Paul uses to describe the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles. The Greek word "exeklasthēsan" indicates a violent separation, suggesting the seriousness of Israel's unbelief. This reflects the historical reality of Israel's rejection of Jesus as the Messiah, leading to their temporary setting aside in God's redemptive plan.

because of unbelief
The term "unbelief" is translated from the Greek "apistia," meaning a lack of faith or trust. This highlights the root cause of Israel's separation from the blessings of the covenant. Scripturally, unbelief is a recurring theme that leads to spiritual downfall, as seen in the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites (Hebrews 3:19). It serves as a warning to all believers about the dangers of not trusting in God's promises.

but you stand by faith
The contrast between unbelief and faith is central to Paul's argument. The Greek word for "stand" is "histēmi," which implies a firm, established position. This suggests that the Gentile believers are secure in their relationship with God through faith, not by their own merit. Historically, this reflects the early church's understanding of salvation by grace through faith, a cornerstone of Christian doctrine.

Do not be arrogant
The warning against arrogance is crucial. The Greek word "katakauchōmai" means to boast against or to exult over. Paul cautions the Gentile believers against pride, reminding them that their position is not due to their superiority but solely by God's grace. This humility is a recurring biblical theme, as seen in Proverbs 16:18, which warns that pride precedes destruction.

but be afraid
The call to "be afraid" uses the Greek word "phobeō," which can mean to fear or to have reverence. In this context, it suggests a healthy respect and awe for God's power and judgment. This fear is not paralyzing but rather a motivating force to remain faithful and humble. Scripturally, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10), guiding believers to live in a manner pleasing to God.

Verses 20, 21. - Well - the fact of the case is as you say; but why? - because of unbelief they were broken off; and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear: for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. (So, rather than as in the Authorized Version, according to the best-supported readings.) Thou art on thy trial, as they were, and alike liable to be broken off for the like cause; their present rejection should inspire in thee, not boast-fullness, but fear. The question has been raised whether St. Paul (using, as he does, the terms σὺ and τινες τῶς κλάδων) has now the election and final salvation of individuals in view, or still only the calling to a state of salvation of races or communities of men - of the Jewish race on the one hand, and Gentile Churches on the other. The whole purport of this section of the Epistle (ch. 9, 10, 11.) seems to demand the latter view. (As to σὺ, see on ver. 17.) Besides, if by the broken-off branches were meant simply individual unbelievers, how could we explain their being "grafted in again" (vers. 23, 24), seeing that the contemplated restoration is regarded in vers. 25, 26 as something that is to take place in the possibly distant future, after "the fulness of the Gentiles" has come in? Thus this passage is really irrelevant to any doctrines about individual election and salvation that may have been built upon it. It is, however, important as confirming the general view of Divine election not being irrespective of the conditions of human faith and perseverance.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
That is correct:
καλῶς (kalōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2573: Well, nobly, honorably, rightly. Adverb from kalos; well.

They were broken off
ἐξεκλάσθησαν (exeklasthēsan)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1575: To break off. From ek and klao; to exscind.

because of
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

unbelief,
ἀπιστίᾳ (apistia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 570: Unbelief, unfaithfulness, distrust. From apistos; faithlessness, i.e. disbelief, or unfaithfulness.

but
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

you
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

stand
ἕστηκας (hestēkas)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2476: A prolonged form of a primary stao stah'-o; to stand, used in various applications.

by faith.
πίστει (pistei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

{Do} not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

be arrogant,
ὑψηλὰ (hypsēla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 5308: High, lofty. From hupsos; lofty.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

be afraid.
φοβοῦ (phobou)
Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 5399: From phobos; to frighten, i.e. to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e. Revere.


Links
Romans 11:20 NIV
Romans 11:20 NLT
Romans 11:20 ESV
Romans 11:20 NASB
Romans 11:20 KJV

Romans 11:20 BibleApps.com
Romans 11:20 Biblia Paralela
Romans 11:20 Chinese Bible
Romans 11:20 French Bible
Romans 11:20 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: Romans 11:20 (Rom. Ro)
Romans 11:19
Top of Page
Top of Page