Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

ROMANS 11:5KJV
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Romans 11:5 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:5 mean?

Romans 11:5 says that, just as in earlier times, there is still a small group of people chosen by God’s grace, not because of anything they have done. Paul is explaining that even now, among the Jewish people, God has kept a faithful “remnant” who believe, and this is entirely due to God’s gracious choice.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, many of whom were Gentiles, explaining how God’s promises to Israel have not failed. He points back to Old Testament examples where God always preserved a faithful group, even when most people turned away. In this verse, Paul reassures his readers that God’s grace is still at work, and there remains a group of Jewish believers chosen by God’s kindness, not by their own merit.

The Greek behind Romans 11:5

  • ἐκλογή (eklogē) — “election”: This word means a selection or choosing, especially God’s act of choosing people for a purpose. Here, it highlights that the remnant exists because of God’s initiative, not human effort.
  • χάρις (charis) — “grace”: This word refers to unearned favor or kindness. Paul stresses that the remnant is chosen not by works or heritage, but by God’s free and undeserved kindness.
  • κατά (kata) — “according to”: This word means “in line with” or “on the basis of.” Paul is clear that the standard for being part of the remnant is God’s grace, not anything else.
  • λείμμα (leimma) — “remnant”: This word means a small remaining group. Paul uses it to show continuity with the Old Testament idea that God always preserves a faithful few.

Why Romans 11:5 matters

  • Romans 11:5 clarifies that God’s promises to Israel are still being fulfilled, even if only a small group believes.
  • The verse emphasizes that belonging to God’s people is based on grace, not ancestry or personal achievement.
  • This verse connects Paul’s teaching to the bigger story of the Bible, showing God’s consistent pattern of preserving a faithful remnant by grace throughout history.

Where else these words appear

“election” Greek G1589 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

“time” Greek G2540 · used in 82 verses

  • Matthew 8:29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?
  • John 5:4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.
  • Ephesians 5:16 Redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

“present” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • John 21:10 Jesus saith unto them, Bring of the fish which ye have now caught.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare:

“grace” Greek G5485 · used in 147 verses

  • Luke 1:30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
  • 1 Corinthians 1:4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;
  • Colossians 3:16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.