Jump to: ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia In biblical terms, "graft" refers to the agricultural practice of joining two plants together so that they grow as one. This concept is used metaphorically in the New Testament to illustrate spiritual truths, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul.Biblical References: The primary biblical reference to grafting is found in Romans 11:17-24. In this passage, Paul uses the imagery of an olive tree to explain the relationship between Israel and the Gentiles in God's redemptive plan. He writes: "But 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, do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you." (Romans 11:17-18) Paul continues to explain that the natural branches (Israel) were broken off due to unbelief, and the wild olive branches (Gentiles) were grafted in through faith. This grafting is not a cause for arrogance but a call to humility and reverence for God's kindness and severity. Theological Significance: 1. Unity in Diversity: The metaphor of grafting highlights the unity of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, in Christ. It underscores the idea that salvation is available to all through faith, and that Gentiles are now partakers of the promises given to Israel. 2. God's Sovereignty and Grace: The act of grafting illustrates God's sovereign choice and grace. It is by His grace that Gentiles are included in the covenant community, and it serves as a reminder of His mercy and the importance of faith. 3. Warning Against Pride: Paul warns against boasting and pride among Gentile believers. The grafting metaphor serves as a caution that they should not consider themselves superior to the original branches, as they too can be cut off if they do not continue in faith. 4. Hope for Israel: The passage also holds a promise for Israel. Paul expresses hope that the natural branches can be grafted back into their own olive tree if they do not persist in unbelief. This reflects God's ongoing plan and faithfulness to His covenant people. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to reflect on their inclusion in God's family with gratitude and humility. The grafting metaphor calls Christians to appreciate the richness of their spiritual heritage and to live in a manner worthy of their calling. It also serves as a reminder to pray for the salvation of Israel and to work towards unity within the body of Christ, recognizing the diversity of its members as a testament to God's inclusive love. Easton's Bible Dictionary The process of inoculating fruit-trees (Romans 11:17-24). It is peculiarly appropriate to olive-trees. The union thus of branches to a stem is used to illustrate the union of true believers to the true Church. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A small shoot or scion of a tree inserted in another tree, the stock of which is to support and nourish it. The two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of fruit.2. (n.) A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot. 3. (n.) A portion of living tissue used in the operation of autoplasty. 4. (n.) To insert (a graft) in a branch or stem of another tree; to propagate by insertion in another stock; also, to insert a graft upon. 5. (n.) To implant a portion of (living flesh or akin) in a lesion so as to form an organic union. 6. (n.) To join (one thing) to another as if by grafting, so as to bring about a close union. 7. (n.) To cover, as a ring bolt, block strap, splicing, etc., with a weaving of small cord or rope-yarns. 8. (v. i.) To insert scions from one tree, or kind of tree, etc., into another; to practice grafting. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia GRAFTgraft (egkentrizo; the Revised Version (British and American) "graft"; the King James Version, "graff"): The word occurs 6 times in Romans 11. Paul assumed that those living about Rome were familiar with the process of grafting olive trees, for olive culture had been adopted by the Greeks and Romans in Paul's time. The wild olive trees (Arabic colloquial, zeitun berri) are cut back, slits made on the freshly sawed branch ends, and two or three grafts from a cultivated olive (Arabic colloquial, zeitun jouwi) are inserted in such a way that the bark of the scion and of the branch coincide. The exposed ends are smeared with mud made from clay, and then bound with cloth or date straw, which is held by thongs made from the bark of young mulberry branches. The fruit thus obtained is good. Wild olives cannot be made cultivated olives by engrafting, as Paul implies (Romans 11:24), but a wild olive branch thus grafted would thrive. So Gentiles would flourish spiritually when grafted into the fullness of God's mercy, first revealed to the world through Israel. Greek 1461b. egkentrizo -- to ingraft, graft in ... 1461a, 1461b. egkentrizo. 1462 . to ingraft, graft in. Transliteration: egkentrizo Short Definition: grafted. Word Origin from en ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1461b.htm - 5k 1461. egkentrizo -- to take pride in, glory in Library Abide The vine and the Branches How Love Spreads Its Excellence Over the Other virtues, Perfecting ... The Work of Regeneration. By a Comparison Drawn from the Wild Olive-Tree, Whose Quality but ... The vine and the Branches. Faustus Argues that if the Apostles Born under the Old Covenant ... Psalm LXVI. Private Property and the Common Good Different Degrees of Knowledge. Thesaurus Graft (1 Occurrence)... The two unite and become one tree, but the graft determines the kind of fruit. 2. (n.) A branch or portion of a tree growing from such a shoot. ...GRAFT. ... /g/graft.htm - 9k Grafted (4 Occurrences) Unbelief (16 Occurrences) Graffed (4 Occurrences) Ingraft (1 Occurrence) Engraft Persist (10 Occurrences) Powerful (93 Occurrences) Bud (23 Occurrences) Stock (16 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that the church has been grafted in Israel's place? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Hebrew Roots movement? | GotQuestions.org What is New Israel? | GotQuestions.org Graft: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Graft (1 Occurrence)Romans 11:23 Subtopics Related Terms |
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