For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.

ROMANS 11:27KJV
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Romans 11:27 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:27 mean?

Romans 11:27 states that God has made a promise—a covenant—to a specific group, and that this promise involves removing their sins. The verse highlights God's commitment to forgive and restore, focusing on the moment when He will take away their wrongdoing.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, explaining how God’s relationship with Israel is not over. He quotes from the Hebrew Scriptures to show that God’s plan includes a future act of mercy toward Israel, where their sins will be taken away as part of His covenant. This verse sits within a larger discussion about God’s faithfulness to His promises and the hope for Israel’s restoration.

The Greek behind Romans 11:27

  • διαθήκη (diathēkē): This word means "covenant" or "agreement." In this context, it refers to God's binding promise to His people, emphasizing that the forgiveness of sins is not random but is part of a formal, longstanding commitment.
  • ἀφαιρέω (aphaireō): This verb means "to take away" or "remove." The Greek here carries the sense of completely removing or lifting away sins, not just overlooking them. This highlights the thoroughness of the forgiveness being described.
  • ἁμαρτία (hamartia): This word means "sins" or "wrongdoings." Its use here makes clear that what is being addressed is moral failure or guilt, and that God’s covenant directly targets this problem.

Why Romans 11:27 matters

  • Romans 11:27 clarifies that God’s promises to Israel are not forgotten or canceled, but will be fulfilled in a specific way—by removing their sins.
  • The verse emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a general idea, but is tied to God’s formal covenant, showing His faithfulness and reliability.
  • This statement helps the reader see how Paul connects the story of Israel with the message of Jesus and the broader plan of God, tying together themes of mercy, restoration, and promise.

Where else these words appear

“away” Greek G851 · used in 9 verses

  • Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.
  • Luke 1:25 Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.
  • Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

“covenant” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;

“my” Greek G1700 · used in 104 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 22:21 But, behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table.
  • Acts 23:11 And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

“when” Greek G3752 · used in 118 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Luke 5:35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.
  • John 16:4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. And these things I said not unto you at the beginning, because I was with you.