And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

ROMANS 11:17KJV
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Romans 11:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:17 mean?

Romans 11:17 uses the image of an olive tree to describe how some branches (representing some of Israel) were broken off, and others (Gentile believers, called a "wild olive tree") were grafted in, so that they now share in the nourishing root and richness of the original tree. The verse shows that Gentile believers have been included in the blessings and spiritual heritage that began with Israel.

Paul is writing to Gentile Christians in Rome, explaining how they fit into God’s ongoing relationship with Israel. He uses the agricultural practice of grafting to help them understand that, even though they were not originally part of God’s chosen people, they have now been joined to the same source of spiritual life. The verse emphasizes both the generosity of being included and the connection to the deep roots of faith that started with Israel.

The Greek behind Romans 11:17

  • ἐγκεντρίζω (enkentrizō, "graffed in"): This word refers to the act of grafting a branch from one tree into another. Paul’s use of this word highlights the deliberate and gracious act of including Gentiles into the spiritual family that began with Israel.
  • ῥίζα (rhiza, "root"): This word points to the source or origin of nourishment. In the context of the olive tree, it means Gentile believers now draw from the same spiritual foundation as Israel, not a separate one.
  • πίοτης (piotēs, "fatness"): This word means richness or abundance. Paul is emphasizing that Gentile believers fully share in the spiritual blessings and richness that come from being connected to God’s promises.

Why Romans 11:17 matters

  • Romans 11:17 clarifies that Gentile believers are not a replacement for Israel, but are joined into the same story and blessings, sharing in what God began with the Jewish people.
  • The verse warns against pride or superiority, reminding Gentile Christians that their place in God’s family is a gift, not something earned or deserved.
  • This image sets up Paul’s later warnings in the chapter about humility and the ongoing relationship between Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“tree” Greek G65 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

“off” Greek G1575 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
  • Romans 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

“in” Greek G1461 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:19 Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
  • Romans 11:23 And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
  • Romans 11:24 For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?

“with” Greek G4791 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
  • Philippians 1:7 Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace.
  • Revelation 1:9 I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.