New Testament
Romans 11:2
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Don't you know what Scripture says about Elijah? He pleaded with God against Israel, saying,
Compare translations
God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
What Romans 11:2 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul emphasizes that God has not abandoned the people of Israel, whom He has chosen and known in advance. He references the prophet Elijah, who, during a time of great apostasy in Israel, cried out to God on behalf of his people. This highlights God's ongoing relationship with Israel, despite their unfaithfulness. Paul is reminding his readers that God's promises and plans for His people remain intact. The mention of Elijah serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, God preserves a remnant of faithful followers. This assurance is crucial for understanding God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant with Israel, showing that rejection is not the final word for God's chosen people.
How to apply Romans 11:2 to your life
This verse encourages believers to trust in God's faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire. It reminds us that God has a plan for His people and that He hears our prayers. We can take comfort in knowing that God does not abandon us, and we should intercede for others as Elijah did.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from John the Apostle's story: Mending Their Nets (Mark 1:19–20)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
John the Apostle
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 11:2
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 11:2
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 11:2 mean?
Romans 11:2 means that God has not rejected the people of Israel, whom He has chosen and known in advance. It highlights God's ongoing relationship with Israel, even during times of unfaithfulness.
What is the significance of Elijah in Romans 11:2?
Elijah is significant in Romans 11:2 because he represents a faithful intercessor who pleaded with God for Israel. His example shows that even in difficult times, God preserves a remnant of faithful followers.
What does 'foreknew' mean in Romans 11:2?
In Romans 11:2, 'foreknew' refers to God's prior knowledge and choice of the people of Israel. It emphasizes that God's relationship with them is intentional and based on His divine plan.
How does Romans 11:2 relate to God's faithfulness?
Romans 11:2 relates to God's faithfulness by assuring believers that He has not abandoned His promises to Israel. It reinforces the idea that God's covenant remains intact despite Israel's unfaithfulness.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.