And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

ROMANS 11:6KJV
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Romans 11:6 (KJV)

What does Romans 11:6 mean?

Romans 11:6 says that if God’s acceptance comes by grace, it cannot be based on human effort or works; otherwise, grace would no longer be true grace. The verse draws a sharp line between God’s gift (grace) and anything people might try to earn by their actions (works).

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how God’s way of saving people is rooted in His kindness, not in what people do. In the larger context, Paul is talking about how God has not rejected Israel, but that God’s choosing is always about grace, not about anyone earning their place. This verse makes clear that grace and works are two different ways, and only one can be the real basis for God’s acceptance.

The Greek behind Romans 11:6

  • χάρις (charis) — “grace”: This word means a gift or favor that is freely given, not something earned. Paul uses it to stress that God’s acceptance is undeserved and cannot be paid for by good deeds.
  • ἔργων (ergōn) — “works”: This word refers to actions, efforts, or deeds. Paul contrasts this with grace to show that human effort has no part in earning God’s favor here.
  • ἐπεὶ (epei), translated “otherwise”: This word marks a logical consequence. Paul uses it to make his point airtight—if grace is mixed with works, it stops being grace, and if works are mixed with grace, they stop being works.

Why Romans 11:6 matters

  • Romans 11:6 clears up the common misunderstanding that God’s acceptance is a mix of grace and human effort; Paul insists it must be one or the other.
  • The verse highlights the absolute nature of grace in God’s plan, showing that salvation is not a reward for good behavior but a gift.
  • In the wider passage, this verse helps explain why some people are chosen by God and others are not—it is about God’s mercy, not anyone’s achievements.

Where else these words appear

“otherwise” Greek G1893 · used in 26 verses

  • Matthew 18:32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
  • Romans 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
  • Hebrews 2:14 Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

“more” Greek G3765 · used in 43 verses

  • Matthew 19:6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
  • John 11:54 Jesus therefore walked no more openly among the Jews; but went thence unto a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples.
  • Romans 7:20 Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

“more” Greek G2089 · used in 86 verses

  • Matthew 5:13 Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.
  • Luke 24:41 And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them, Have ye here any meat?
  • Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;

“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.