I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

ROMANS 11:1KJV
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Romans 11:1 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:1 mean?

Romans 11:1 says that God has not rejected or abandoned the Jewish people. Paul, the writer, uses himself as proof, saying he is an Israelite and still part of God’s plan, showing that God’s promises to Israel remain.

Paul is speaking to believers in Rome, addressing a concern that God might have turned away from Israel because many Jews did not accept Jesus. By pointing to his own heritage—being from the tribe of Benjamin and a descendant of Abraham—Paul reassures his readers that God’s relationship with Israel is not broken, and that Jewish people are still included in God’s purposes.

The Greek behind Romans 11:1

  • "cast away" (ἀπώσατο, transliteration: apōsato): This Greek word means to reject or push away. Paul uses it to ask if God has pushed His people aside, emphasizing the seriousness of the question.
  • "God forbid" (μὴ γένοιτο, transliteration: mē genoito): This phrase is a strong denial, often understood as “Absolutely not!” or “By no means!” in English. Paul uses it to make clear that the idea of God rejecting Israel is unthinkable.
  • "people" (λαός, transliteration: laos): This word refers specifically to a group with a shared identity, in this case, the Jewish people as God’s chosen nation. Paul’s use of it highlights the ongoing special relationship between God and Israel.
  • "seed" (σπέρμα, transliteration: sperma): This means “descendant” or “offspring.” Paul uses it to stress his direct connection to Abraham, underlining the continuity of God’s promises.

Why Romans 11:1 matters

  • Romans 11:1 clears up the idea that God has completely rejected the Jewish people, which was a concern for some early Christians.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s promises to Israel are still valid, even when many Israelites have not accepted Jesus.
  • Paul’s personal example shows that faith in Jesus and Jewish identity are not mutually exclusive, helping both Jewish and non-Jewish believers understand their place in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“Benjamin” Greek G958 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 13:21 And afterward they desired a king: and God gave unto them Saul the son of Cis, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, by the space of forty years.
  • Philippians 3:5 Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee;
  • Revelation 7:8 Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Joseph were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed twelve thousand.

“Hath” Greek G683 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 7:27 But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?
  • Acts 7:39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,
  • Romans 11:2 God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,

“Israelite” Greek G2475 · used in 9 verses

  • John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

“tribe” Greek G5443 · used in 23 verses

  • Matthew 19:28 And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.
  • Revelation 7:6 Of the tribe of Aser were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Nepthalim were sealed twelve thousand. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed twelve thousand.