New Testament
Romans 11:14
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in the hope that I may somehow provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
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If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
What Romans 11:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to reach out to his fellow Jews. He hopes that by showing them the blessings of faith in Christ, he can stir a sense of jealousy or longing in them. This jealousy is not negative; rather, it is a motivation for them to seek the same relationship with God that the Gentiles have found. Paul believes that if he can provoke this response, it may lead to the salvation of some of his people. His passion for his heritage drives him to find ways to connect with them, emphasizing the importance of sharing faith and the transformative power of God’s grace. This verse highlights the idea that sometimes, seeing others experience joy and fulfillment in faith can inspire individuals to seek that same joy for themselves.
How to apply Romans 11:14 to your life
We can learn from Paul’s approach by actively seeking ways to share our faith with those around us, especially those from our own backgrounds. By living out our faith authentically, we may inspire others to explore their own spiritual journeys and consider the hope we have in Christ.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
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Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 11:14 mean?
In Romans 11:14, Paul expresses his hope to inspire his fellow Jews to seek a relationship with God through Christ by showing them the blessings that Gentiles have received. He believes that this sense of jealousy can lead some of his people to salvation.
What is the meaning of jealousy in Romans 11:14?
The jealousy mentioned in Romans 11:14 refers to a positive longing that Paul hopes will motivate his fellow Jews to pursue the faith and relationship with God that they see in Gentile believers.
How does Romans 11:14 relate to outreach?
Romans 11:14 highlights the importance of outreach by showing that sharing one's faith and experiences can inspire others, particularly those from similar backgrounds, to explore their own spiritual paths.
What can we learn from Romans 11:14?
From Romans 11:14, we learn the value of actively sharing our faith and living authentically, as this can encourage others to seek the hope and joy found in a relationship with Christ.
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