New Testament

Romans 11:22

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

At a Glance

In Romans 11:22, Paul emphasizes two key aspects of God's character: His kindness and His severity.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Consider then the kindness and severity of God: severity toward those who fell, but kindness toward you — provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.

KJVKing James Version

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 11:22, Paul emphasizes two key aspects of God's character: His kindness and His severity. The verse highlights that God shows severity to those who have rejected Him, while extending kindness to those who accept His grace. However, this kindness is conditional; it requires ongoing faithfulness. If one does not continue in God's kindness, they risk being cut off from His grace, just as those who fell were. This serves as a warning to remain steadfast in faith and to recognize the seriousness of turning away from God. The duality of God's nature—both loving and just—reminds believers to appreciate His mercy while also respecting His judgment. This verse encourages self-examination of one's faith and commitment to God, urging believers to remain in His grace to avoid spiritual peril.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 11:22 to your life

This verse challenges us to reflect on our relationship with God. We must actively pursue His kindness through faith and obedience. It serves as a reminder to stay committed to our spiritual journey, recognizing that our choices have consequences in our walk with God.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 11:22 mean?

Romans 11:22 highlights God's dual nature of kindness and severity. It explains that God shows severity to those who reject Him, while offering kindness to those who accept His grace, but this kindness requires ongoing faithfulness.

What is the meaning of kindness in Romans 11:22?

In Romans 11:22, kindness refers to God's grace and mercy extended to believers. It emphasizes that this kindness is conditional upon their continued faith and obedience to Him.

What is the meaning of severity in Romans 11:22?

Severity in Romans 11:22 signifies God's judgment and consequences for those who turn away from Him. It serves as a warning that rejecting God's grace leads to being cut off from His blessings.

How can I apply Romans 11:22 to my life?

You can apply Romans 11:22 by actively pursuing a relationship with God through faith and obedience. It encourages you to remain committed to your spiritual journey and recognize the importance of your choices.

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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