“and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The promise of a covenant and the removal of sins isn't just about a future event; it highlights that God's covenant is His action of taking away sins. This shifts the focus from a legalistic agreement to God's active grace, showing the covenant's power lies in His initiative to cleanse and restore.
“and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah to explain the future restoration of Israel. He has just described a partial, temporary blindness falling upon Israel until the Gentiles have fully come in, and then all Israel will be saved. This verse points to God's covenant promise to forgive their sins, a key element in their eventual salvation and return to God.
What does it mean for God to have a covenant with His people? It's not just a contract, but a deep, unbreakable promise.
Paul quotes Old Testament promises to show God's faithfulness to Israel. This verse highlights a key aspect of that promise: the forgiveness of sins. It's not merely about removing guilt, but a complete cleansing that makes a new relationship possible.
The Heart of the Promise
This covenant isn't based on Israel's perfect behavior, but on God's initiative. The promise is that God Himself will 'take away their sins.' This points to the ultimate work of the Messiah, who would bear the penalty for sin, making a way for reconciliation.
A Future Hope
While Christ's sacrifice has already dealt with sin, this promise also speaks to a future fulfillment for Israel. It's about the full realization of God's plan, where their sins are completely removed, and they fully embrace Him.
Is God's covenant with His people dependent on them performing perfectly, or is it something else entirely?
The wording of this verse emphasizes God's active role. It's not 'when you take away your sins,' but 'when I take away their sins.' This is crucial.
God's Initiative
The Old Testament covenants, and especially the new covenant in Christ, are initiated and fulfilled by God. He is the one who acts, who forgives, and who makes reconciliation possible. This assurance is what gives strength and certainty to the covenant promises.
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A Completed Work
Paul points to a future reality where God will fully deal with the sin of His people. It's a testament to His unwavering faithfulness, ensuring that His promises will ultimately be realized, not because of any merit in humanity, but because of His own steadfast love and power.
Understand the original words
diathēkē · Greek Noun
A formal, binding agreement between God and His people, typically involving promises, conditions, and signs of relationship. Biblical covenants are inaugurated by God's initiative and grace.
Paul connects the future salvation of Israel with the fulfillment of ancient prophecies about a new covenant and the forgiveness of sins, directly linking it to Christ's redemptive work.
c. 700 BC
Prophets Foretell Future Restoration
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah speak of a future time when God will restore Israel, forgive their sins, and establish a new covenant with them.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah falls to Babylon, its Temple is destroyed, and many of its people are exiled. This event deeply shapes Jewish identity and their understanding of God's promises.
c. 538 BC
Return from Exile
Some Jewish exiles return to Jerusalem and begin rebuilding the Temple and the city, but the full restoration promised by the prophets is still anticipated.
c. 400 BC - 1 BC
Intertestamental Period
Centuries pass with various empires ruling Judea. Messianic expectation grows among many Jews, who anticipate a deliverer who will bring about God's promised salvation.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus, believed by Christians to be the promised Messiah, is crucified and resurrected. This event marks the beginning of the new covenant for both Jews and Gentiles.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, explaining God's plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, which includes both Jews and Gentiles.
This Old Testament passage is directly quoted and expanded upon by Paul in Romans 11:26-27, showing the promise of a Redeemer coming to Zion to turn away ungodliness and establish a covenant.
Jeremiah 31:31-34Paul is also drawing from this prophecy of a 'new covenant' where God promises to forgive sins and write His laws on their hearts, which is the essence of the covenant mentioned in Romans 11:27.
Hebrews 8:8-12This passage in Hebrews also quotes Jeremiah 31, reiterating the promise of a new covenant characterized by the forgiveness of sins and an intimate relationship with God, mirroring the theme in Romans.
Ezekiel 36:25-27This prophetic passage describes God promising to sprinkle clean water on Israel, cleanse them from their sins, give them a new heart, and put His Spirit within them, which directly relates to the covenant of sin removal.
clarkeRomans 11:27: "For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins - The reader on referring to Isaiah 59:20 , Isaiah 59:21 , will find that the words of the original are here greatly abridged. They are the following: - And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord, My Spirit that is upon thee…
gillRomans 11:27: "For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins."
For this is my covenant unto them,.... This is what God has promised to them in covenant, and he will be as good as his word; his covenant will never be broken, it will always remain sure and inviolable; so that there is not only a possibility, and a probability, but even a certainty, of the call and conversion of the Jews; which promise and covenant will have their accomplishment, when I, saith the Lord, shal…
The promise of a covenant and the removal of sins isn't just about a future event; it highlights that God's covenant is His action of taking away sins. This shifts the focus from a legalistic agreement to God's active grace, showing the covenant's power lies in His initiative to cleanse and restore.
Paul quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah to explain the future restoration of Israel. He has just described a partial, temporary blindness falling upon Israel until the Gentiles have fully come in, and then all Israel will be saved. This verse points to God's covenant promise to forgive their sins, a key element in their eventual salvation and return to God.
Paul quotes from Isaiah and Jeremiah to explain the future restoration of Israel. He has just described a partial, temporary blindness falling upon Israel until the Gentiles have fully come in, and then all Israel will be saved. This verse points to God's covenant promise to forgive their sins, a key element in their eventual salvation and return to God.
"“and this will be my covenant with them when I take away their sins.”" — The promise of a covenant and the removal of sins isn't just about a future event; it highlights that God's covenant is His action of taking away sins. This shifts the focus from a legalistic agree…
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Last reviewed October 2026