Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. New Living Translation For if God did not spare the original branches, he won’t spare you either. English Standard Version For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Berean Standard Bible For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. Berean Literal Bible For if God did not at all spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. King James Bible For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. New King James Version For if God did not spare the natural branches, He may not spare you either. New American Standard Bible for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. NASB 1995 for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. NASB 1977 for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Legacy Standard Bible for if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you, either. Amplified Bible for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either. Christian Standard Bible because if God did not spare the natural branches, he will not spare you either. Holman Christian Standard Bible For if God did not spare the natural branches, He will not spare you either. American Standard Version for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. Contemporary English Version If God cut away those natural branches, couldn't he do the same to you? English Revised Version for if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation If God didn't spare the natural branches, he won't spare you, either. Good News Translation God did not spare the Jews, who are like natural branches; do you think he will spare you? International Standard Version For if God did not spare the natural branches, he certainly will not spare you, either. NET Bible For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. New Heart English Bible for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Webster's Bible Translation For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee. Weymouth New Testament Do not be puffed up with pride. Tremble rather--for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor if God did not spare the natural branches, He will certainly not spare you either. World English Bible for if God didn’t spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor if God did not spare the natural branches—lest perhaps He also will not spare you. Berean Literal Bible For if God did not at all spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Young's Literal Translation for if God the natural branches did not spare -- lest perhaps He also shall not spare thee. Smith's Literal Translation For if God spared not the young shoots according to nature, how will he either spare thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor if God hath not spared the natural branches, fear lest perhaps he also spare not thee. Catholic Public Domain Version For if God has not spared the natural branches, perhaps also he might not spare you. New American Bible For if God did not spare the natural branches, [perhaps] he will not spare you either. New Revised Standard Version For if God did not spare the natural branches, perhaps he will not spare you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor if God did not spare the natural branches, it may well be he will not spare you. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For if God did not show pity upon the natural branches, surely he will not show pity upon you. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor if God spared not the natural branches, take heed, lest he spare not you. Godbey New Testament For if God spared not the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Haweis New Testament for if God spared not the native branches, tremble lest he spare not thee. Mace New Testament lest God should not spare you, since he did not spare even the natural branches. Weymouth New Testament Do not be puffed up with pride. Tremble rather--for if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Worrell New Testament For, if God spared not the natural branches, neither will He spare you. Worsley New Testament For if God spared not the natural branches, neither would He spare thee. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Ingrafting of the Gentiles…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. 22Take notice, therefore, of the kindness and severity of God: severity to those who fell, but kindness to you, if you continue in His kindness. Otherwise you also will be cut off.… Cross References 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 Corinthians 10:12 So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall. Hebrews 3:12 See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God. Matthew 3:10 The axe lies ready at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. Matthew 7:19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 2 Peter 2:4 For if God did not spare the angels when they sinned, but cast them deep into hell, placing them in chains of darkness to be held for judgment; Jude 1:5 Although you are fully aware of this, I want to remind you that after Jesus had delivered His people out of the land of Egypt, He destroyed those who did not believe. 2 Peter 1:10 Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble, Hebrews 4:1 Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be deemed to have fallen short of it. 1 Corinthians 9:27 No, I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. Jeremiah 18:7-10 At any time I might announce that a nation or kingdom will be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed. / But if that nation I warned turns from its evil, then I will relent of the disaster I had planned to bring. / And if at another time I announce that I will build up and establish a nation or kingdom, ... Isaiah 5:1-7 I will sing for my beloved a song of his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a very fertile hill. / He dug it up and cleared the stones and planted the finest vines. He built a watchtower in the middle and dug out a winepress as well. He waited for the vineyard to yield good grapes, but the fruit it produced was sour! / “And now, O dwellers of Jerusalem and men of Judah, I exhort you to judge between Me and My vineyard. ... Ezekiel 15:6-8 Therefore this is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Like the wood of the vine among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give up the people of Jerusalem. / And I will set My face against them. Though they may have escaped the fire, yet another fire will consume them. And when I set My face against them, you will know that I am the LORD. / Thus I will make the land desolate, because they have acted unfaithfully,’ declares the Lord GOD.” Deuteronomy 29:18-20 Make sure there is no man or woman, clan or tribe among you today whose heart turns away from the LORD our God to go and worship the gods of those nations. Make sure there is no root among you that bears such poisonous and bitter fruit, / because when such a person hears the words of this oath, he invokes a blessing on himself, saying, ‘I will have peace, even though I walk in the stubbornness of my own heart.’ This will bring disaster on the watered land as well as the dry. / The LORD will never be willing to forgive him. Instead, His anger and jealousy will burn against that man, and every curse written in this book will fall upon him. The LORD will blot out his name from under heaven Psalm 78:56-62 But they tested and disobeyed God Most High, for they did not keep His decrees. / They turned back and were faithless like their fathers, twisted like a faulty bow. / They enraged Him with their high places and provoked His jealousy with their idols. ... Treasury of Scripture For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not you. if God. Romans 11:17,19 And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; … Romans 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Jeremiah 25:29 For, lo, I begin to bring evil on the city which is called by my name, and should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished: for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the LORD of hosts. Jump to Previous Branches Either Heed Indeed Mercy Natural Perhaps Pride Puffed Rather Spare Spared TrembleJump to Next Branches Either Heed Indeed Mercy Natural Perhaps Pride Puffed Rather Spare Spared TrembleRomans 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. For if God did not spare the natural branches This phrase refers to the Jewish people, who are considered the "natural branches" of the olive tree, a metaphor for God's covenant people. The imagery of the olive tree is rooted in the Old Testament, where Israel is often depicted as an olive tree (Jeremiah 11:16, Hosea 14:6). The "natural branches" were those who were originally part of God's chosen people through the Abrahamic covenant. Historically, the Jewish people were given the Law and the Prophets, and they were the first to receive God's promises. However, due to unbelief and rejection of the Messiah, many were "broken off" (Romans 11:17-20). This serves as a warning that being part of God's people is not based on heritage alone but on faith and obedience. He will certainly not spare you either Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, addressing the church in Rome, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers. 2. The Natural Branches Refers to the Jewish people, God's chosen people, who were the original recipients of His promises and covenants. 3. The Gentiles Non-Jewish believers who have been grafted into the spiritual family of God through faith in Jesus Christ. 4. The Olive Tree A metaphor used by Paul to describe the people of God, with roots in the patriarchs and the covenants given to Israel. 5. The Church in Rome The audience of Paul's letter, a diverse community of believers navigating the dynamics between Jewish and Gentile Christians. Teaching Points The Seriousness of God's JudgmentGod's judgment is impartial. If He did not spare the natural branches due to unbelief, Gentile believers should not presume upon His grace. The Importance of Faithfulness Believers are called to remain faithful and obedient, understanding that their inclusion in God's family is by grace through faith. The Unity of Believers The metaphor of the olive tree reminds us of the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, emphasizing the shared heritage and promises in Christ. The Danger of Complacency Spiritual complacency can lead to falling away. Believers must remain vigilant and rooted in their faith. The Call to Humility Gentile believers are reminded to remain humble, recognizing that their inclusion is not due to their merit but God's mercy. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Romans 11:21?2. How does Romans 11:21 warn against complacency in our faith journey? 3. What does Romans 11:21 teach about God's impartiality towards believers and non-believers? 4. How can Romans 11:21 encourage us to remain steadfast in our faith? 5. In what ways does Romans 11:21 connect with John 15:2 about pruning? 6. How can we apply the caution in Romans 11:21 to our daily lives? 7. What does Romans 11:21 imply about God's judgment on believers versus non-believers? 8. How does Romans 11:21 relate to the concept of divine justice? 9. Does Romans 11:21 suggest that salvation can be lost? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Romans 11? 11. In Job 21:22, how can humans teach God anything if He is described elsewhere as all-knowing and beyond counsel? 12. How does calling for coals of fire upon evildoers in Psalm 140:10 align with the concept of a merciful God? 13. Deuteronomy 16:18-20: How do we address contradictions between the pursuit of 'justice, and only justice' and other biblical laws that some view as unjust? 14. Why was Jesus's death necessary for our sins? What Does Romans 11:21 Mean ForPaul is explaining the reason behind the sober exhortation of verse 20: “So do not be arrogant, but stand in awe.” The word “for” ties verse 21 to that warning, grounding it in God’s demonstrated character. Just as 1 Corinthians 10:11–12 reminds believers that past judgments were “written for our admonition,” Paul points back to what God has already done to show why reverent fear is warranted. If God did not spare The conditional clause invites us to look back at real, historical acts of divine judgment. God’s dealings with Israel in the wilderness (Numbers 14:22-23), His discipline of King David (2 Samuel 12:10-12), and His judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) all display a consistent pattern: holiness requires justice. As Hebrews 10:31 says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” The faithful reader is meant to conclude that God’s mercy never nullifies His righteousness. The natural branches Within the olive-tree illustration (Romans 11:17-24), these branches represent ethnic Israel—those who descended physically from Abraham and received the covenants (Romans 9:4-5). Though they were “natural,” they were “broken off” because of unbelief (v. 20). This removal highlights two truths: • Privilege does not guarantee permanence (Matthew 3:9). • Unbelief severs visible covenant connection (John 15:6). He will certainly not spare you either “You” refers to Gentile believers who have been grafted in “contrary to nature” (v. 24). The warning is straightforward: if God acted decisively against the original branches for unbelief, He will act just as decisively against grafted branches that fall into the same unbelief. Other passages echo this urgency: • Colossians 1:23—“If indeed you continue in the faith, established and firm.” • Revelation 2:5—Christ threatens to “remove your lampstand out of its place” if repentance does not follow. • 1 Peter 4:17—“It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” This is not a threat of whimsical rejection but a loving, holy call to perseverance. Genuine faith endures (Philippians 1:6), and persevering believers will find God’s kindness unending (Romans 11:22). Yet the verse insists we reject complacency and embrace ongoing trust and obedience. summary Romans 11:21 teaches that the same holy God who judged unbelieving Israel will also judge Gentile believers who fall into unbelief. Past discipline of “natural branches” proves future discipline of any branch that ceases to abide in faith. The verse therefore urges humility, reverent fear, and steadfast trust, reminding us that privilege must be matched by persevering belief and obedient living. (21) Take heed lest . . .--The better reading seems to be to omit these words, neither will He spare thee.Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. if εἰ (ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. God Θεὸς (Theos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. {did} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. spare ἐφείσατο (epheisato) Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5339: To spare, abstain, forbear. Of uncertain affinity; to be chary of, i.e. to abstain or to treat leniently. the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. natural φύσιν (physin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5449: From phuo; growth, i.e. natural production; by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage. branches, κλάδων (kladōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 2798: A young tender shoot, then: a branch; met: of descendants. From klao; a twig or bough. He will [not] spare φείσεται (pheisetai) Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 5339: To spare, abstain, forbear. Of uncertain affinity; to be chary of, i.e. to abstain or to treat leniently. you σοῦ (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [either]. οὐδὲ (oude) Adverb Strong's 3761: Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even. Links Romans 11:21 NIVRomans 11:21 NLT Romans 11:21 ESV Romans 11:21 NASB Romans 11:21 KJV Romans 11:21 BibleApps.com Romans 11:21 Biblia Paralela Romans 11:21 Chinese Bible Romans 11:21 French Bible Romans 11:21 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 11:21 For if God didn't spare the natural (Rom. Ro) |
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