Romans 11:20

Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:

Romans 11:20 (KJV)

Context

Romans 11:20 is part of Paul’s discussion of Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan of salvation. In the preceding verses, some natural branches—the Jewish people—were broken off from the olive tree, which symbolizes God’s covenantal relationship with His people, because of unbelief. The Gentiles, once outsiders, were grafted in by God’s grace.

Meaning

The first part of the verse states, “Because of unbelief they were broken off.” Paul refers to the Jewish people who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. Due to their lack of faith, they were separated from the spiritual blessings and covenantal relationship with God. The phrase “broken off” indicates the severance of their connection with God’s covenant community.

The next part says, “and thou standest by faith.” Paul contrasts the situation of the Jewish people with that of the Gentiles. While the Jews were broken off due to unbelief, the Gentiles were grafted in by faith. This emphasizes the significance of faith in God’s redemptive plan. It is through faith that the Gentiles were included in God’s family and received salvation. Faith is the sole basis of continuing in God’s favor, and it is a gift to be exercised, not a ground for boasting.

The verse continues, “Be not highminded, but fear.” Paul admonishes the Gentiles against becoming proud or arrogant because of their inclusion in God’s covenant. Instead, they are to maintain a humble attitude, recognizing that their standing is solely by God’s grace. The phrase “but fear” does not imply a sense of terror but rather a healthy reverence and awe for God, understanding His sovereignty and the seriousness of His judgment. This fear is not terror but a reverent awe and humility before God, recognizing that one’s standing is entirely by grace.

Biblical connections

The warning against pride is central; spiritual privilege brings responsibility, not arrogance. The verse implies that the same unbelief that caused Israel’s removal could apply to Gentiles if they become proud and presumptuous. The context of Romans 11 emphasizes God’s sovereign plan and the temporary hardening of Israel, but the immediate application to the believer is personal humility and perseverance in faith.

Application

Paul highlights the importance of faith in maintaining one’s position in God’s covenant and warns against pride and complacency. It serves as a reminder to both Jewish and Gentile believers to rely on God’s grace, to remain humble, and to cultivate a reverent fear of God. The verse serves as a sober reminder that God’s kindness is conditional on continued faith, and his severity is real for those who fall into unbelief. Therefore, the believer is to live in a posture of gratitude, watchfulness, and holy fear, avoiding any attitude of superiority over Israel or others. The practical outworking is a life marked by humility, dependence on God’s grace, and a serious commitment to remain faithful.

Reflection

Consider your own standing before God. It is not by your own merit but by faith. Let this truth guard your heart against pride and lead you to a deeper reverence for God, who alone sustains you.