Romans 11:22

Take 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.

Berean Standard Bible

Follow its threads on the canvas →

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses believing Gentiles in Rome who have been grafted into the olive tree of Israel, warning them against contempt for the natural (unbelieving Jewish) branches.

The words — ἀποτομήν (apotomēn) is a literal "cutting off," a surgical severance, not a gentle pruning; it names the same fate that awaits the Gentile if kindness is not maintained.

The thread — The condition of perseverance runs through Hebrews 3:14 (holding firmly to the end), John 15:2 (fruitless branches are cut off), and 1 Corinthians 15:2 (believing in vain if one does not hold fast).

Why it lands — The verse removes any assumption of permanence: the reader's standing is contingent, not inherited, and the same power that grafted them in can remove them.

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

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Cross-references

Hebrews 3:14 We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly to the end the assurance we had at first.
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 15:2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
Hebrews 3:6 But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are His house, if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope of which we boast.
Revelation 2:5 Therefore, keep in mind how far you have fallen. Repent and perform the deeds you did at first. But if you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place.
Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Romans 2:4 Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?
Hebrews 10:35 So do not throw away your confidence; it holds a great reward.
Romans 2:7 To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life.
Isaiah 66:14 When you see, you will rejoice, and you will flourish like grass; then the hand of the LORD will be revealed to His servants, but His wrath will be shown to His enemies.