New Testament

Romans 11:28

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 addresses the complex relationship between the Jewish people and the gospel.

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

CBTClear Bible Translation

Regarding the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But regarding election, they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.

KJVKing James Version

As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul addresses the complex relationship between the Jewish people and the gospel. He acknowledges that, from the perspective of the gospel, many Jews oppose the message of Christ, which can be seen as them being 'enemies' to believers. However, he emphasizes that in terms of God's chosen people, the Jews remain beloved because of the promises made to their ancestors, the patriarchs. This duality highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with Israel, despite their current rejection of the gospel. Paul reassures believers that God's election is not based on current behavior but on His unchanging love and purpose. This verse serves as a reminder that God's plans encompass both judgment and mercy, and that He has not abandoned His people, even when they seem distant from Him. Explore related fear.

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 11:28 to your life

This verse encourages us to understand that even when people oppose the gospel, they can still be part of God's plan. It reminds us to approach those who reject faith with love and patience, recognizing that God's grace can reach anyone. We should remain hopeful for their eventual acceptance of the truth.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 11:28 mean?

Romans 11:28 explains the relationship between the Jewish people and the gospel. It states that while many Jews oppose the gospel, they are still loved by God because of the promises made to their ancestors.

What is the meaning of 'enemies for your sake' in Romans 11:28?

The phrase 'enemies for your sake' indicates that many Jews reject the gospel, which can create tension with believers. However, this opposition is part of a larger divine plan.

What does 'beloved for the fathers' sake' mean in Romans 11:28?

'Beloved for the fathers' sake' means that God continues to love the Jewish people because of His covenant with their ancestors, showing His faithfulness to His promises.

How does Romans 11:28 relate to God's election?

The verse illustrates that God's election is based on His unchanging love and purpose, not on current behavior, emphasizing that He has not abandoned the Jewish people despite their rejection of the gospel.

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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