If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
Read it in contextGod's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles
Start reading at Romans 11:1 (Romans 11:1 to Romans 11:36).
This verse is part of Paul's detailed explanation in Romans chapter 11 regarding God's continued faithfulness to Israel, the role of the Gentile church, and the ultimate restoration of Israel. The entire chapter forms a cohesive unit on this theme.
11:1I say then, Hath God cast away his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.
11:2God 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,
11:3Lord, they have killed thy prophets, and digged down thine altars; and I am left alone, and they seek my life.
11:4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
11:5Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.
11:6And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
11:7What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.
11:8(According as it is written, God hath given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see, and ears that they should not hear;) unto this day.
11:9And David saith, Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumblingblock, and a recompence unto them:
11:10Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway.
11:11I say then, Have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid: but rather through their fall salvation is come unto the Gentiles, for to provoke them to jealousy.
11:12Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
11:13For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.
11:15For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?
11:16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.
11:17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;
11:18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
11:19Thou wilt say then, The branches were broken off, that I might be graffed in.
11:20Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
11:21For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
11:22Behold 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.
11:23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
11:24For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
11:25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in.
11:26And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:
11:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
11:28As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.
11:29For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
11:30For as ye in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief:
11:31Even so have these also now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.
11:32For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.
11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!
11:34For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor?
11:35Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again?
11:36For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 9:1–11:36): Paul addresses the Roman believers about Israel and the Gentiles, explicitly speaking to Gentiles in 11:13. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is Paul's earnest desire and strategic effort to provoke his fellow Israelites to 'emulation' (jealousy) through the salvation of the Gentiles, with the ultimate goal of saving some of them.
What is God revealing? God is revealing His ongoing plan for Israel, demonstrating that their partial hardening has led to the salvation of the Gentiles, which in turn is intended to stir Israel to seek salvation. This shows God's mercy and faithfulness to His covenant people, even in their unbelief.
What is the literary style? The literary style is an epistle, characterized by theological argumentation, personal appeal, and didactic instruction.
When
When was it written? Circa A.D. 57.
When does the event take place? The events described, such as the partial hardening of Israel and the salvation of the Gentiles, were ongoing during Paul's ministry (his third missionary journey) and continue to unfold in God's redemptive plan.
Where
Where did it happen? The letter was written from Corinth.
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Corinth when he wrote this epistle.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles (Romans 11:1 to Romans 11:36).
Start reading at Romans 11:1. This verse is part of Paul's detailed explanation in Romans chapter 11 regarding God's continued faithfulness to Israel, the role of the Gentile church, and the ultimate restoration of Israel. The entire chapter forms a cohesive unit on this theme.
How
How does it fit the broader context? Romans 11:14 is part of Paul's extended argument in chapters 9-11 concerning God's faithfulness to Israel. Specifically, it follows his explanation that Israel's 'fall' led to salvation for the Gentiles, which was intended 'to provoke them to jealousy' (Romans 11:11). Paul, as the apostle to the Gentiles, magnifies his office precisely because his ministry to Gentiles serves this purpose of provoking his 'flesh' to emulation and saving some of them. stated in the text
How does it point to Christ? Paul's fervent desire to 'save some of them' (his kinsmen) reflects the very heart of Christ's mission, who came to 'seek and to save that which was lost' (Luke 19:10). The salvation Paul seeks for his people is ultimately found only through faith in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah of Israel. interpretation
How do I apply it today? This passage encourages believers to actively seek the salvation of their own people, family, and community, using their blessings and testimony to 'provoke to emulation' those who do not yet believe. It emphasizes a strategic and loving approach to evangelism, demonstrating that God can use unexpected means (like the salvation of others) to draw people to Himself. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 11
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Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects the conclusion that God has simply abandoned His people, appealing to his own identity and the scriptural example of a remnant.
Connection to the wholeThe branches illustration places Gentile believers under a warning: they stand by faith and must continue in God's goodness rather than presume on it.
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.