Romans 11:18
do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you.
do not boast
The Greek word for "boast" is "καυχάομαι" (kauchaomai), which means to glory or take pride in something. In the context of Romans 11, Paul is addressing Gentile believers who might feel superior to the Jewish people because they have been grafted into the spiritual blessings of Israel. The admonition against boasting serves as a reminder of humility and gratitude. Historically, boasting was a common human tendency, often leading to division and strife. Paul’s warning is a call to recognize that any spiritual standing is a result of God’s grace, not personal merit.

over the branches
The "branches" refer to the Jewish people, the original recipients of God's promises. In the metaphor of the olive tree used by Paul, the branches represent the people of Israel. The imagery of the olive tree is deeply rooted in Jewish tradition, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and the covenant relationship with God. By cautioning against boasting over the branches, Paul emphasizes the continuity and importance of Israel in God’s redemptive plan. The Gentiles are reminded that they are not replacing Israel but are being included in the blessings promised to Abraham and his descendants.

If you do, remember this
This phrase serves as a conditional warning and a call to mindfulness. The Greek word "μνημόνευε" (mnēmoneue) means to remember or keep in mind. Paul is urging the Gentile believers to maintain a conscious awareness of their spiritual heritage and the source of their blessings. This remembrance is not just intellectual but should lead to a heart posture of humility and reverence for God’s overarching plan.

You do not support the root
The "root" symbolizes the patriarchs and the foundational promises made to them by God. In the Greek, "ῥίζα" (rhiza) refers to the root or origin. The root is the source of nourishment and stability for the tree, representing the covenantal promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul is reminding the Gentiles that their spiritual life and blessings are derived from these Jewish roots. The historical context underscores the importance of the Jewish heritage in the Christian faith, affirming that the Gentiles are beneficiaries of the promises made to Israel.

but the root supports you
This phrase highlights the dependency of the Gentile believers on the Jewish patriarchs and the promises of God. The Greek word "βαστάζει" (bastazei) means to bear or carry. The root, representing the covenantal promises, is what sustains and upholds the Gentile believers. This imagery reinforces the idea that the Gentiles are grafted into an existing, divinely established relationship between God and Israel. It is a call to recognize the interconnectedness of God’s people and the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises through history.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul the Apostle
The author of the Book of Romans, addressing the Gentile believers in Rome.

2. Gentile Believers
Non-Jewish Christians who have been grafted into the spiritual heritage of Israel.

3. Israel
Represented by the "root" and "branches," symbolizing the original people of God and their covenant relationship.

4. Olive Tree
A metaphor used by Paul to describe the relationship between Israel and the Gentile believers.

5. Grafting
An agricultural process used metaphorically to describe the inclusion of Gentiles into the spiritual blessings of Israel.
Teaching Points
Humility in Faith
Recognize that our spiritual standing is not based on our own merit but on being grafted into the rich heritage of God's people.

Unity in Christ
Embrace the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers, understanding that both are supported by the same root.

Dependence on God
Acknowledge that our spiritual life and growth are sustained by God, the root, and not by our own efforts.

Avoiding Arrogance
Guard against boasting or feeling superior to others in the faith, remembering that all believers are equally dependent on God's grace.

Gratitude for Inclusion
Cultivate a heart of gratitude for being included in God's redemptive plan, which began with Israel and extends to all nations.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding the metaphor of the olive tree in Romans 11:18 help us appreciate our spiritual heritage?

2. In what ways can we guard against boasting over other branches in our faith community?

3. How does the concept of being grafted into the root challenge our understanding of unity in the body of Christ?

4. What practical steps can we take to ensure we remain dependent on God as our root and source of spiritual life?

5. How can the teachings in Ephesians 2:11-22 enhance our understanding of the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers in Christ?
Connections to Other Scriptures
John 15:1-8
Jesus speaks of Himself as the true vine and His followers as branches, emphasizing the importance of remaining connected to Him for spiritual life and fruitfulness.

Ephesians 2:11-22
Paul discusses the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ, breaking down the dividing wall and creating one new humanity.

Jeremiah 11:16-17
The imagery of the olive tree is used to describe Israel, highlighting the nation's covenant relationship with God.

Isaiah 11:10
The root of Jesse is a prophecy about the Messiah, connecting the idea of the root to Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 10:12
A warning against pride and self-reliance, reminding believers to stand firm in humility.
Church Offices and Magnifying ThemJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Concern for KindredJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Necessaries of the Ministerial OfficeR. M'All, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Paul Magnifying His OfficeJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Provoking to EmulationS. Martin.Romans 11:11-22
The Benefit Resulting from the Conversion of the JewsElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Calling of the Jews the Enriching of the WorldElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Conversion of the JewsN. Emmons, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Dignity of the Christian MinistryD. Kennedy, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Fall of IsraelJ. Lyth, D.DRomans 11:11-22
The Holiness of the Firstfruit and the LumpElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:11-22
The Ministerial Office not an Easy OneRomans 11:11-22
The Rejection of IsraelJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:11-22
Israel's FutureR.M. Edgar Romans 11:11-32
The Jewish People: Their Past History and Their Future ProspectsC.H. Irwin Romans 11:11-32
All Which Continue not in Grace Shall be Broken OffElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:17-24
BoastingJ. Lyth, D.DRomans 11:17-24
Gentile and JewT. Robinson, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
Gentile and JewJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
God's CharacterW. W. Wythe.Romans 11:17-24
God's Grace to the Gentile an Argument for the Recovery of the JewsJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
Haughtiness of Mind and its AntidoteA. Farindon, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
HighmindednessElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:17-24
Highmindedness and FearHomilistRomans 11:17-24
Our Duty to the JewJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
Salvation Barred by Unbelief Possible to FaithElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:17-24
Severity and GoodnessDean Vaughan.Romans 11:17-24
Standing by FaithJ. Vaughan, M.A.Romans 11:17-24
The Gentiles Like a Wild Olive-TreeT. Robinson, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Gentiles May not Despise the JewsElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Goodness and Severity of GodT. Levi.Romans 11:17-24
The Goodness and Severity of GodT. Chalmers, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Goodness and Severity of GodDean Goulburn.Romans 11:17-24
The Natural Branches BrokenW. P. Taylor.Romans 11:17-24
The Olive-TreeT. Robinson, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Parable of the OliveJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Parable of the OliveElnathan Parr, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Privilege and Duty of the GentileJ. Lyth, D.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Prospects of Jew and GentileElnathan Parr, B.D.Romans 11:17-24
The Rejection of the Jews a Warning to ChristiansW. Knight, M.A.Romans 11:17-24
The Restoration of the JewsJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 11:17-24
The Solemn WarningT.F. Lockyer Romans 11:17-24
The True Hope of IsraelJ. Lyth, D. D.Romans 11:17-24
People
Benjamin, David, Elias, Elijah, Jacob, Paul, Romans
Places
Rome, Zion
Topics
Arrogant, Bear, Bearest, Beware, Boast, Boastest, Branches, Consider, Forget, Gloriest, Glory, Glorying, Natural, Pride, Remember, Root, Support, Supported, Supports, Uphold, Upholds, Uplifted
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Romans 11:1-18

     7125   elect, the

Romans 11:1-36

     4492   olive

Romans 11:11-21

     7512   Gentiles, in NT

Romans 11:11-24

     4416   branch

Romans 11:13-21

     4504   roots

Romans 11:17-18

     5961   superiority
     8820   self-confidence

Romans 11:17-20

     8803   pride, evil of

Romans 11:17-21

     6121   boasting
     8744   faithlessness, as disobedience

Romans 11:17-24

     5571   surgery
     7024   church, nature of

Library
June 19. "Who Hath First Given to Him, and it Shall be Recompensed unto Him Again" (Rom. xi. 35).
"Who hath first given to Him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again" (Rom. xi. 35). The Christian women of the world have it in their power, by a very little sacrifice, to add millions to the treasury of the Lord. Beloved sisters, have you found the joy of sacrifice for Jesus? Have you given up something that you might give it to Him? Are you giving your substance to Jesus? He will take it, and He will give you a thousandfold more. I should rather be connected with a work founded on great sacrifice
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

Trinity Sunday the Article of Faith on the Trinity.
Text: Romans 11, 33-36. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and the knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past tracing out! 34 For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? 35 or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? 36 For of him and through him, and unto him, are all things. To him be the glory for ever. Amen. THE ARTICLE OF FAITH ON THE TRINITY. 1. This epistle is read today because the festival
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Trinity Sunday the Doctrine of the Trinity.
Second Sermon. Text: Romans 11, 33-36. THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY.[1] [Footnote 1: This sermon was first printed in 1535, at Wittenberg.] 1. This festival requires us to instruct the people in the dogma of the Holy Trinity, and to strengthen both memory and faith concerning it. This is the reason why we take up the subject once more. Without proper instruction and a sound foundation in this regard, other dogmas cannot be rightly and successfully treated. The other festivals of the year present
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

Spiritual Blindness.
"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."--ROMANS xi. 8. "Blindness in part is happened to Israel."--ROMANS xi. 25. It is a sad and painful reflection, and one which is continually forced upon us as we read the New Testament, that the long training and preparation of the Jews brought them at the last not to the acceptance but to the rejection of Jesus. They had been taught, generation after generation, that they
John Percival—Sermons at Rugby

Christianity Requires the Temper of Childhood.
MARK x. 15.--"Verily I say unto you, whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein." These words of our Lord are very positive and emphatic, and will, therefore, receive a serious attention from every one who is anxious concerning his future destiny beyond the grave. For, they mention an indispensable requisite in order to an entrance into eternal life. "Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein."
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

The Hardening of Nations.
"The election hath obtained it, and the rest were hardened."-- Rom. xi. 7. St. Paul's word, at the head of this article, is strikingly impressive, and its content exceedingly rich and instructive. It clearly announces the fact that the hardening is not exceptional or occasional, but universal, affecting all, who, being in contact with the divine Love, are not saved by it. The last limitation is necessary, for of the heathen it can not be said that they are hardened. Only they can be hardened who
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

Of Holy virginity
Of Holy Virginity. [De Virginitate.] Translated by Rev. C. I. Cornish, M.A., of Exeter College, Oxford Retr. ii. 23. "After I had written on the Good of Marriage,' it was expected that I should write on Holy Virginity; and I did not delay to do so: and that it is God's gift, and how great a gift, and with what humility to be guarded, so far as I was able I set forth in one volume. This book begins," &c. c1. We lately put forth a book "of the Good of Marriage," in which also we admonished and admonish
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Now this Election the Apostle Demonstrating to Be...
17. Now this election the Apostle demonstrating to be, not of merits going before in good works, but election of grace, saith thus: "And in this time a remnant by election of grace is saved. But if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace." [2672] This is election of grace; that is, election in which through the grace of God men are elected: this, I say, is election of grace which goes before all good merits of men. For if it be to any good merits that it is given,
St. Augustine—On Patience

History of Arian Opinions.
Arius's own sentiments; his Thalia and Letter to S. Alexander; corrections by Eusebius and others; extracts from the works of Asterius; letter of the Council of Jerusalem; first Creed of Arians at the Dedication of Antioch; second, Lucian's on the same occasion; third, by Theophronius; fourth, sent to Constans in Gaul; fifth, the Macrostich sent into Italy; sixth, at Sirmium; seventh, at the same place; and eighth also, as given above in §8; ninth, at Seleucia; tenth, at Constantinople; eleventh,
Athanasius—Select Works and Letters or Athanasius

Epistle Xliii. To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops.
To Eulogius and Anastasius, Bishops. Gregory to Eulogius, Bishop of Alexandria, and Anastasius, Bishop of Antioch. When the excellent preacher says, As long as I am the apostle of the Gentiles I will honour my ministry (Rom. xi. 13); saying again in another place, We became as babes among you (1 Thess. ii. 7), he undoubtedly shews an example to us who come after him, that we should retain humility in our minds, and yet keep in honour the dignity of our order, so that neither should our humility be
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Beatific vision. (Continued. )
In the Beatific Vision our intellect is glorified, and our thirst for knowledge completely satisfied. Man was created with a thirst for knowledge which can never be satiated in this world. Sin, which greatly weakened and darkened his mental faculties, has not taken away his desire and love for knowledge. And the knowledge which he acquired by eating the forbidden fruit, rather increased than satisfied his thirst. But all his efforts to reach the perfection of knowledge, even in the natural order,
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

The Sovereignty of God in Operation
"For of Him, and through Him, and to Him, are all things: to whom be the glory for ever. Amen" (Romans 11:36). Has God foreordained everything that comes to pass? Has He decreed that what is, was to have been? In the final analysis this is only another way of asking, Is God now governing the world and everyone and everything in it? If God is governing the world then is He governing it according to a definite purpose, or aimlessly and at random? If He is governing it according to some purpose, then
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

Reprobation Asserted: Or, the Doctrine of Eternal Election and Reprobation Promiscuously Handled, in Eleven Chapters.
WHEREIN THE MOST MATERIAL OBJECTIONS MADE BY THE OPPOSERS OF THIS DOCTRINE, ARE FULLY ANSWERED; SEVERAL DOUBTS REMOVED, AND SUNDRY CASES OF CONSCIENCE RESOLVED. BY JOHN BUNYAN OF BEDFORD, A LOVER OF PEACE AND TRUTH. 'What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded.'--Romans 11:7 London: Printed for G. L., and are to be sold in Turn-stile-alley, in Holbourn. Small 4to, 44 pages. EDITOR'S ADVERTISEMENT. This valuable tract
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Original and the Actual Relation of Man to Law.
ROMANS vii. 10.--"The commandment which, was ordained to life, I found to be unto death." The reader of St. Paul's Epistles is struck with the seemingly disparaging manner in which he speaks of the moral law. In one place, he tells his reader that "the law entered that the offence might abound;" in another, that "the law worketh wrath;" in another, that "sin shall not have dominion" over the believer because he is "not under the law;" in another, that Christians "are become dead to the law;" in
William G.T. Shedd—Sermons to the Natural Man

"Wash You, Make You Clean; Put Away the Evil of Your Doings from Before Mine Eyes; Cease to do Evil,"
Isaiah i. 16.--"Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil," &c. There are two evils in sin,--one is the nature of it, another the fruit and sad effect of it. In itself it is filthiness, and contrary to God's holiness; an abasing of the immortal soul; a spot in the face of the Lord of the creatures, that hath far debased him under them all. Though it be so unnatural to us, yet it is now in our fallen estate become, as it were, natural, so that
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

God's Works of Providence
Rom. xi. 36.--"For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory for ever, Amen."--Psal. ciii. 19.--"The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens and his kingdom ruleth over all."--Matt. x. 29.--"Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." There is nothing more commonly confessed in words, than that the providence of God reaches to all the creatures and their actions, but I believe there is no point of religion
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Because of Its Bearing Upon the Gentiles.
This aspect of our subject has not received the attention which it deserves. It has been assumed by some that the present dispensation is the time when God is blessing the Gentiles and that in the Millennium the Jews will be the special objects of God's favor. It is true that in the Millennium Israel shall enter into the enjoyment of their inheritance and that at that time they shall occupy the chief position, governmentally, among the nations, but it is a mistake to suppose that the Gentiles will
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Christ a Complete Saviour:
OR, THE INTERCESSION OF CHRIST, AND WHO ARE PRIVILEGED IN IT. BY JOHN BUNYAN Advertisement by the Editor. However strange it may appear, it is a solemn fact, that the heart of man, unless prepared by a sense of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, rejects Christ as a complete Saviour. The pride of human nature will not suffer it to fall, as helpless and utterly undone, into the arms of Divine mercy. Man prefers a partial Saviour; one who had done so much, that, with the sinner's aid, the work might be
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Some General Uses.
Before we come to speak of some particular cases of deadness, wherein believers are to make use of Christ as the Life, we shall first propose some useful consequences and deductions from what hath been spoken of this life; and, I. The faith of those things, which have been mentioned, would be of great use and advantage to believers; and therefore they should study to have the faith of this truth fixed on their hearts, and a deep impression thereof on their spirits, to the end, that, 1. Be their case
John Brown (of Wamphray)—Christ The Way, The Truth, and The Life

The Work of the Holy Spirit Distinguished.
"And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters."--Gen. i. 2. What, in general, is the work of the Holy Spirit as distinguished from that of the Father and of the Son? Not that every believer needs to know these distinctions in all particulars. The existence of faith does not depend upon intellectual distinctions. The main question is not whether we can distinguish the work of the Father from that of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, but whether we have experienced their gracious operations.
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

I Fear, I Say, Greatly for Thee, Lest...
39. I fear, I say, greatly for thee, lest, when thou boastest that thou wilt follow the Lamb wheresoever He shall have gone, thou be unable by reason of swelling pride to follow Him through strait ways. It is good for thee, O virgin soul, that thus, as thou art a virgin, thus altogether keeping in thy heart that thou hast been born again, keeping in thy flesh that thou hast been born, thou yet conceive of the fear of the Lord, and give birth to the spirit of salvation. [2142] "Fear," indeed, "there
St. Augustine—Of Holy Virginity.

Concerning the Ministry.
Concerning the Ministry. As by the light or gift of God all true knowledge in things spiritual is received and revealed, so by the same, as it is manifested and received in the heart, by the strength and power thereof, every true minister of the gospel is ordained, prepared, and supplied in the work of the ministry; and by the leading, moving, and drawing hereof ought every evangelist and Christian pastor to be led and ordered in his labour and work of the gospel, both as to the place where, as to
Robert Barclay—Theses Theologicae and An Apology for the True Christian Divinity

The Angel's Message and Song
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD . And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

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