New Testament

Romans 11:14

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul expresses his desire to reach out to his fellow Jews.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

in the hope that I may somehow provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.

KJVKing James Version

If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.

Verse Analysis

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. Explore related fear.

Related Bible verses

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

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.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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