For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.

ROMANS 11:25KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 11:25 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:25 mean?

Romans 11:25 explains that a partial spiritual blindness has come upon Israel, but this is not permanent; it will last until the full number of Gentiles has come to faith. Paul wants his readers to understand this mystery so they do not become proud or think they alone have insight.

Paul, writing to the believers in Rome, addresses both Jewish and non-Jewish Christians. He reveals a "mystery"—something previously hidden—that Israel’s current unbelief is only partial and temporary. Paul cautions the Gentile believers not to become arrogant, reminding them that God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles and unfolds in stages.

The Greek behind Romans 11:25

  • μυστήριον (mystērion): This word means "mystery"—not a puzzle to solve, but something God has now revealed. Paul uses it to show he is sharing a truth that was not previously understood.
  • πώρωσις (pōrōsis): Translated "blindness," this word refers to a hardening or dullness, not just a lack of sight. It suggests a spiritual insensitivity that is only "in part" for Israel.
  • πλήρωμα (plērōma): This is "fulness," meaning the complete or full number. Paul is saying there is a set time or completion when the Gentiles have come in, after which Israel’s situation will change.
  • ἄχρι (achri): Translated "until," this word marks a limit or end point. The hardening is temporary, lasting only until a certain event is fulfilled.

Why Romans 11:25 matters

  • Romans 11:25 clears up the idea that Israel’s rejection of Jesus is total or final; Paul insists it is only partial and temporary.
  • The verse warns Gentile believers against arrogance, reminding them that God’s mercy is not exclusive to any one group.
  • Romans 11:25 helps frame the larger argument of Romans 9–11, where Paul explains how God’s promises to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles fit together in God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“blindness” Greek G4457 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 3:5 And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
  • Ephesians 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

“wise” Greek G5429 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 7:24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
  • Matthew 25:4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
  • Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

“fulness” Greek G4138 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 9:16 No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.
  • Romans 13:10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.
  • Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

“ignorant” Greek G50 · used in 21 verses

  • Mark 9:32 But they understood not that saying, and were afraid to ask him.
  • Romans 6:3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
  • 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.