Romans 11:20-21
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The word "Well" (or "Good") at the beginning isn't just agreement; it’s an acknowledgment that the statement about the Jewish branches being broken off is factually true. However, Paul immediately pivots, emphasizing that their unbelief, not some inherent flaw, caused their break, and that your standing is solely due to faith. This crucial distinction means your security isn't earned but a gift, demanding humility and caution, not pride.
That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul acknowledges the truth of the statement that some Jewish branches were broken off, but immediately clarifies it wasn't arbitrary; their unbelief caused their removal. He then contrasts this with Gentile believers who stand firm because of their faith, urging them not to become arrogant about their inclusion but instead to live with humble reverence and fear, lest they too be cast aside. This warning serves as a sober reminder that their place in God's covenant is a gift received by faith, not an inherent right.
The verse starts with a simple "Well," but this word carries a profound weight. It acknowledges a truth, but also sets up a stark warning for believers.
Paul uses "Well" (or "True") here to affirm a statement made by the Gentiles he's addressing. They've essentially said, 'The Jewish branches were broken off so we, the Gentiles, could be grafted in.' Paul agrees with the fact of the Jewish rejection and Gentile inclusion.
However, the reason behind these events is crucial and carries a warning:
This affirmation isn't a pat on the back; it's the setup for a critical lesson about humility and dependence on God.
Inclusion in God's people can feel amazing, but this feeling can easily turn into pride. Paul offers a powerful antidote: fear.
Paul's warning, 'So do not become proud, but fear,' is aimed directly at the Gentile believers.
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Don't Be Proud: The temptation for the Gentiles was to look down on the Jews who had been broken off. They might have felt superior because they were now part of God's people. Paul says, 'Don't get puffed up about this privilege!' This pride is a dangerous form of self-reliance.
But Fear: This isn't a paralyzing terror. It's a reverent, healthy awe of God that recognizes our own potential for falling away. It means understanding that our standing is entirely dependent on God's grace and our continued reliance on faith. It’s a fear that guards against complacency and keeps us humble and watchful.
This 'fear' is the opposite of arrogant self-sufficiency. It's the wisdom to know that our security comes not from our own merit, but from God's steadfast faithfulness, which we access through faith.
Understand the original words
apistia · Greek Noun
A refusal to trust or rely on God; the fundamental rejection of God's revealed truth and His Son, Jesus Christ, which separates one from covenant standing.
pistis · Greek Noun
The active response of trusting, relying on, and clinging to God and His promises; it is the means by which a person enters and maintains a right standing before God.
phobeomai · Greek Verb
A reverent, holy awe of God; it involves a humble recognition of His holiness, justice, and power, leading to a life of obedience and caution against spiritual presumption.
pheidomai · Greek Verb
To withhold punishment or destruction; in a biblical context, it often refers to God refraining from executing the righteous judgment that sin deserves, as seen in His treatment of those who reject Him.
This verse is embedded in the massive, centuries-long story of God's relationship with Israel and the Gentiles. The 'breaking off' of Jewish unbelievers and the 'standing fast' of Gentile believers isn't a random event, but the latest chapter in a long narrative of covenant faithfulness and unfaithfulness, offering a solemn warning against pride.
c. 2000 BC
Abrahamic Covenant Established
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and a special relationship with God, setting the stage for Israel's identity.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus and Sinaitic Covenant
The Israelites are delivered from slavery in Egypt and receive God's Law at Mount Sinai, formalizing their status as God's people under a covenant relationship.
c. 586 BC
Babylonian Exile Begins
The destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, leading to the exile of many Jewish people. This event highlights the consequences of covenant unfaithfulness.
c. 1st century AD
Rejection of Jesus as Messiah
The majority of Jewish leaders and people reject Jesus as the promised Messiah, leading to His crucifixion and a spiritual turning point for Israel.
c. AD 30-60— this verse
Early Gentile Inclusion
The Gospel spreads rapidly among Gentiles, who are incorporated into God's people through faith in Christ, fulfilling aspects of the Abrahamic promise.
This passage warns believers not to think too highly of themselves, even if they are spiritually strong, echoing the caution against pride found in Romans 11:20.
1 Corinthians 10:12Similar to Paul's warning in Romans 11:20, this verse directly states that those who think they are standing firm should be careful not to fall.
James 4:6This verse directly contrasts God's favor towards the humble with His opposition to the proud, reinforcing the 'do not be haughty' aspect of Romans 11:20.
Romans 11:21This verse immediately follows Romans 11:20 and provides the reason for the warning: if God did not spare the natural branches, He might not spare the grafted ones either.
Hebrews 4:1This passage speaks about the danger of 'falling short' or failing to enter God's rest due to unbelief, paralleling the themes of standing by faith and the consequences of its absence in Romans 11:20.
vincentRomans 11:20: "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:"
Well (καλῶς)Admitting the fact. Thou art right. Compare Mark 12:32. Some take it as ironical.
cambridgeRomans 11:20: "Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:"
20 . Well ] i.e. Well said . There is, of course, a solemn and earnest irony in the word. In terms , the Gentile Pharisee (if we may use the expression) spoke truth; for in the mysterious adjustments of the Divine Plan the rejection of Messiah by Israel was to precede, and even in a certain sense to occasion, the call of the Gentiles. But in the spirit of the words there was…
The word "Well" (or "Good") at the beginning isn't just agreement; it’s an acknowledgment that the statement about the Jewish branches being broken off is factually true. However, Paul immediately pivots, emphasizing that their unbelief, not some inherent flaw, caused their break, and that your standing is solely due to faith. This crucial distinction means your security isn't earned but a gift, demanding humility and caution, not pride.
Paul acknowledges the truth of the statement that some Jewish branches were broken off, but immediately clarifies it wasn't arbitrary; their unbelief caused their removal. He then contrasts this with Gentile believers who stand firm because of their faith, urging them not to become arrogant about their inclusion but instead to live with humble reverence and fear, lest they too be cast aside. This warning serves as a sober reminder that their place in God's covenant is a gift received by faith, not an inherent right.
Paul acknowledges the truth of the statement that some Jewish branches were broken off, but immediately clarifies it wasn't arbitrary; their unbelief caused their removal. He then contrasts this with Gentile believers who stand firm because of their faith, urging them not to become arrogant about their inclusion but instead to live with humble reverence and fear, lest they too be cast aside. This warning serves as a sober reminder that their place in God's covenant is a gift received by faith, not an inherent right.
"That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you." — The word "Well" (or "Good") at the beginning isn't just agreement; it’s an acknowledgment that the statement about the Jewish branches being broken off is factually true. However, Paul immediately pi…
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Last reviewed October 2026
