Bible Strands
Romans 11:20
That is correct: They were broken off because of unbelief, but you stand by faith. Do not be arrogant, but be afraid.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses Gentile believers who boast in their spiritual grafting, warning them of their precarious standing in the olive tree metaphor. He delivers this instruction during his explanation of Israel's temporary hardening and the subsequent inclusion of the nations.
The words — The text highlights ἐξεκλάσθησαν (exeklasthēsan), meaning "they were broken off," and πίστει (pistei), meaning "by faith." These terms establish the direct contrast between Israel's removal through unbelief and the believer's continued standing through faith alone.
The thread — The warning against spiritual arrogance and the necessity of fear appear in the exhortations of Romans 12:16 and 1 Corinthians 10:12. Paul reinforces this caution in 2 Corinthians 1:24 by rejecting any lordship over faith and emphasizing shared reliance on it.
Why it lands — The passage demands that readers acknowledge their standing depends entirely on faith and reject self-exaltation. It requires immediate vigilance, as the same judgment that removed the natural branches applies to any complacent believer.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Cross-references
- Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.
- 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.
- 1 Corinthians 10:12 So the one who thinks he is standing firm should be careful not to fall.
- Philippians 2:12 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.
- 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.
- Habakkuk 2:4 Look at the proud one; his soul is not upright—but the righteous will live by faith—
- Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
- Romans 11:18 do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
- Colossians 2:7 rooted and built up in Him, established in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.
- 1 Timothy 6:17 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.