Romans 11:20
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Well--"Be it so, but remember that" because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest--not as a Gentile, but solely by faith--But as faith cannot live in those "whose soul is lifted up" (Hab 2:4). Be not high-minded, but fear-- (Pro 28:14; Phi 2:12):
Open source ↗The apostle, having reconciled that great truth of the rejection of the Jews with the promise made unto the fathers, is, in this chapter, further labouring to mollify the harshness of it, and to reconcile it to the divine goodness in general. It might be said, "Hath God then cast away his people?" The apostles therefore sets himself, in this chapter, to make a reply to this objection, and that two ways: - I. He shows at large what the mercy is that is mixed with this wrath (v. 1-32). II. He infers thence the infinite wisdom and sovereignty of God, with the adoration of which he concludes this chapter and subject (Rom 11:33-36).
Open source ↗11:20 fear what could happen: In Scripture, fear often means a reverential awe of God that includes the recognition that we must one day stand before him in judgment (see 2 Cor 5:11; 7:1, 11, 15; Phil 2:12; Col 3:22).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but enjoy the company of the lowly. Do not be conceited.
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.
So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
See to it, brothers, that none of you has a wicked heart of unbelief that turns away from the living God.
Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright— but the righteous will live by faith—
Instruct those who are rich in the present age not to be conceited and not to put their hope in the uncertainty of wealth, but in God, who richly provides all things for us to enjoy.