Bible Strands
Romans 11:7
What then? What Israel was seeking, it failed to obtain, but the elect did. The others were hardened,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers to explain the current spiritual condition of Israel immediately after contrasting grace with works. He marks the moment where the nation's pursuit is contrasted with the success of the elect.
The words — ἐπιζητεῖ (epizētei) means "is seeking," and ἐπέτυχεν (epetuchen) means "has obtained." The text states Israel was seeking this and failed to obtain it, while the elect succeeded.
The thread — This theme of divine hardening and elect success appears in Romans 9:18, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:6, and Romans 11:8. It also connects to the partial hardening mentioned in Romans 11:25.
Why it lands — The text demands recognition that spiritual attainment depends on election and grace, not human pursuit. It requires readers to accept God's sovereign hardening of those outside the elect.
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
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Cross-references
- Romans 9:18 Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
- Romans 11:5 In the same way, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.
- Romans 11:25 I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Romans 9:31 but Israel, who pursued a law of righteousness, has not attained it.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.
- Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
- Romans 9:23 What if He did this to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of His mercy, whom He prepared in advance for glory—
- 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were closed. For to this day the same veil remains at the reading of the old covenant. It has not been lifted, because only in Christ can it be removed.
- Ephesians 1:4 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love