And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The verse highlights that God's ability to restore is not about a one-time fix, but about His power to re-graft, implying a potential for renewal even after being cut off. This suggests their rejection wasn't permanent exclusion, but a pause in God's ongoing work, where their return hinges on not continuing in unbelief.
And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining God's ongoing plan for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God hasn't abandoned Israel. He just argued that Israel's temporary rejection of Christ made way for the Gentiles' salvation. Now, he clarifies that this exclusion isn't permanent for the Jewish people; their return to God is entirely possible if they turn from their unbelief.
The Jewish people had rejected Jesus, and it seemed like a final, tragic end. But Paul reveals a surprising truth: even this deep-seated unbelief isn't the last word.
Paul is addressing the Gentiles who have been grafted into God's people, reminding them not to boast over the Jewish people's rejection of Christ. He points out that their unbelief is the reason they were 'broken off' (Romans 11:19-20). This wasn't because God's love or promises for Israel were finished, but because of their willful rejection.
But here's the crucial part: 'if they do not continue in their unbelief.' This phrase is key. It means their current state of rejection is not necessarily permanent. God's plan isn't derailed by their actions, but still holds the possibility of their return. Their rejection was a consequence of their choice, not a termination of God's intent.
Even if people remain in unbelief, there's a powerful force at work that can change everything. It's not about human effort, but divine ability.
The reason for hope, even for those in deep unbelief, is stated powerfully: 'for God is able to graft them in again.' This isn't a weak suggestion; it's a declaration of God's supreme power. The original word for 'able' speaks to inherent power and capability.
This means:
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
apistia · Greek Noun
A state of mind characterized by a lack of faith, distrust, or refusal to believe in the truth of God and the gospel. It is fundamentally an act of rebellion against God's revelation.
egkentrizō · Greek Verb
To be joined or inserted into a larger body or system. In biblical metaphor, it refers to Gentiles being brought into the covenantal promises and spiritual life previously designated for Israel.
Paul's words in Romans 11:23 echo the historical reality of the Jewish people's rejection of Jesus, a rejection that led to severe judgment but also opened the door for Gentiles. Yet, Paul holds out hope for a future restoration of Israel, emphasizing God's sovereign power to bring them back, a hope rooted in God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
Jesus, the Messiah, offers salvation to Israel. His ministry is largely rejected by the Jewish leadership and many of the people, leading to His crucifixion.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, and His resurrection marks the foundation of the Christian church. The initial spread of the Gospel is primarily among Jews in Jerusalem and Judea.
c. AD 30s - 60s
Early Spread of the Gospel
The Gospel initially gains traction among many Jews, but a significant portion continues to reject Jesus as the Messiah, leading to persecution of early Jewish Christians.
c. AD 40s onwards
Gentile Inclusion and Jewish Rejection
The Apostle Paul's ministry leads to the widespread acceptance of the Gospel by Gentiles. Meanwhile, many Jewish leaders and people actively oppose Christianity, leading to further division.
c. AD 62-64— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, which includes a significant Jewish and Gentile Christian population. He addresses the relationship between Jews and Gentiles within God's plan of salvation.
AD 70
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
In a devastating blow to Jewish national and religious life, the Roman army destroys Jerusalem and its Temple. This event is seen by many Christians as a sign of God's judgment on Israel's rejection of Christ.
This prophecy speaks of a new covenant, emphasizing God's internal work of forgiveness and law-written-on-the-heart, which parallels the spiritual grafting described in Romans 11 and the potential for a renewed relationship with God.
Ezekiel 36:25-27Similar to Jeremiah, this passage describes God's promise to cleanse and give a new spirit, highlighting His active role in transforming His people, which is foundational to the concept of God's power to 'graft in again'.
2 Corinthians 3:14-18This passage discusses the 'veiling' of the Jewish heart and its eventual removal when turning to the Lord, directly relating to the 'unbelief' mentioned in Romans 11:23 and the spiritual transformation that allows for re-ingrafting.
John 15:1-5Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches to illustrate union with Him, where fruitful branches are pruned and unfruitful ones are removed. This helps understand the concept of being 'grafted in' and the consequences of remaining unfruitful or 'in unbelief'.
vincentRomans 11:23: "And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again."
Able (δυνατὸς)See on Romans 4:21.
clarkeRomans 11:23: "And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again."
If they abide not in unbelief - So, we find that their rejection took place in consequence of their wilful obstinacy: and, that they may return into the fold, the door of which still stands open. For God is able to graft them in again - Fallen as they are and degraded, God can, in the course of his providence and mercy, restore them to all their forfeited privileges;…
The verse highlights that God's ability to restore is not about a one-time fix, but about His power to re-graft, implying a potential for renewal even after being cut off. This suggests their rejection wasn't permanent exclusion, but a pause in God's ongoing work, where their return hinges on not continuing in unbelief.
Paul is explaining God's ongoing plan for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God hasn't abandoned Israel. He just argued that Israel's temporary rejection of Christ made way for the Gentiles' salvation. Now, he clarifies that this exclusion isn't permanent for the Jewish people; their return to God is entirely possible if they turn from their unbelief.
Paul is explaining God's ongoing plan for both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing that God hasn't abandoned Israel. He just argued that Israel's temporary rejection of Christ made way for the Gentiles' salvation. Now, he clarifies that this exclusion isn't permanent for the Jewish people; their return to God is entirely possible if they turn from their unbelief.
"And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again." — The verse highlights that God's ability to restore is not about a one-time fix, but about His power to re-graft, implying a potential for renewal even after being cut off. This suggests their rejecti…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026