Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.

ROMANS 11:19KJV
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Romans 11:19 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:19 mean?

Romans 11:19 describes someone saying, “The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in,” meaning that some original members (the branches) were removed so that others could be included in their place. This statement reflects the idea that certain people lost their position, making room for others to join.

In Romans 11:19, Paul is writing to Gentile believers in Rome, using the image of an olive tree to explain how Gentiles have been included among God’s people. The “branches” refer to Israelites who did not believe, and being “graffed in” means Gentiles are now part of God’s family. Paul is addressing a possible attitude of pride or superiority that Gentile believers might have because of this change.

The Greek behind Romans 11:19

  • “say” (εἴπεις, eipeis): This Greek word means “you will say” or “you might say,” showing Paul is anticipating an objection or a statement from his readers. It sets up a discussion about their attitude.
  • “branches” (κλάδοι, kladoi): This word refers to the parts of a tree, here symbolizing the people of Israel. Understanding this helps clarify that Paul is using a metaphor about belonging and exclusion.
  • “off” (ἐξεκόπησαν, exekopēsan): This verb means “were cut off” or “removed.” It emphasizes that the original branches did not fall away by accident but were actively removed, highlighting the seriousness of their loss.
  • “in” (ἐνεκεντρίσθην, enekentristhēn): This word means “I was grafted in,” using the gardening image of inserting a new branch into a tree. It shows that Gentile believers were not originally part of the tree but have been added in a special way.

Why Romans 11:19 matters

  • Romans 11:19 helps prevent Gentile believers from becoming arrogant, reminding them that their inclusion is not due to their own merit but because of the removal of others.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger point that God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles, and that no group should feel superior or entitled.
  • The gardening metaphor makes the theological idea concrete, helping readers visualize how God can remove and add people to His people as He chooses.

Where else these words appear

“off” Greek G1575 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 11:17 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 11:20 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 11:17 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 11:23 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?

“branches” Greek G2798 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 13:32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
  • Mark 4:32 But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.
  • Romans 11:16 For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

“say” Greek G2046 · used in 71 verses

  • Matthew 7:4 Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye?
  • Luke 17:8 And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink?
  • Romans 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.