What does Romans 11:27 mean?

Explanation

Romans 11:27 is a verse situated in a passage where the Apostle Paul speaks about the relationship between Israel and the Church.

The verse reflects a promise God made to Israel, highlighting the theme of Israel's salvation and restoration.

It is part of a larger argument where Paul is discussing the mystery of God's plan for salvation, which includes both Jews and Gentiles.

The phrase "this is my covenant unto them" refers to an agreement or promise made by God.

In the context of biblical covenants, this is often understood as an unbreakable commitment made by God to His people.

The specific covenant Paul is alluding to here is most likely the one mentioned in Jeremiah 31:31-34, which promises a new relationship with God where laws would be written on hearts rather than stone, signalling an intimate knowledge of God and a new way of relating to Him.

"When I shall take away their sins" refers to the forgiveness and removal of sin through the Messiah. This is an integral part of the new covenant, where God promises to deal decisively with sin, not just outwardly but also within the hearts of His people.

Historical Context

Paul wrote the Letter to the Romans during the mid-first century AD, a time when Christianity was spreading among both Jewish and Gentile populations.

The early Church grappled with the inclusion of Gentiles and the relationship between the Law of Moses and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

At this time, Israel's national rejection of Jesus as the Messiah was a pressing issue, which led Paul to address the question of Israel's spiritual future.

The mention of the covenant reflects Jewish expectations of a messianic age and echoes the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, particularly Jeremiah, which anticipated a time when God would initiate a new relationship with His people.

Theological Insights

This verse has been interpreted in various ways across different theological traditions.

Some understand it as a prophecy concerning the future mass conversion of the Jewish people to faith in Christ. Others see it as symbolic of God's ongoing relationship with Israel, which is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus.

This verse has also been central to the debate on supersessionism or replacement theology, which posits that the Church has replaced Israel in God's plan.

Those who oppose this view argue that Romans 11:27 affirms God's enduring covenant with the Jews as an ethnic and religious group, implying that their identity and role in salvation history remain significant.

Practical Applications

Romans 11:27 encourages believers to have hope in the faithfulness of God to fulfill His promises. This can offer comfort to individuals who struggle with guilt or sin, reminding them that God has provided a means for forgiveness through Jesus Christ.

Additionally, this verse can foster a spirit of humility and compassion among Christians toward the Jewish people, emphasizing the shared spiritual heritage and God’s ongoing purposes for Israel.

Cross-References

• Jeremiah 31:31-34: "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah:"
• Isaiah 59:20-21: "And the Redeemer shall come to Zion, and unto them that turn from transgression in Jacob, saith the Lord."
• Romans 11:26: "And 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:"

Language Study

In the original Greek text, the word for "covenant" is "diatheke," which can denote a will, testament, or an agreement between parties.

The phrase "take away" is translated from the Greek "aphaireo," which means to remove or take off completely.

The term "sins" in Greek is "hamartia," implying a missing of the mark, an offense, or wrongdoing.

An analysis of these Greek terms enriches the understanding of the verse, as it confirms the totality and completeness of the removal of sins promised by God in the covenant.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The idea of a covenant between a deity and their people is not unique to Judaism or Christianity. Ancient civilizations, such as the Hittites and Babylonians, also had covenant concepts, typically in the form of treaties between rulers and their subjects with conditions and promises.

However, the relationship described in Romans 11:27 is distinct in its unconditional nature, based on the grace and mercy of God rather than human achievement or obedience to a set of laws.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientific perspectives do not directly relate to theological promises or spiritual covenants.

However, the study of psychology and sociology could provide insight into the impact of beliefs about forgiveness and covenantal relationships on individual and group behaviors.

For example, the assurance of forgiveness as described in Romans 11:27 could be associated with psychological benefits such as reduced guilt, greater well-being, and increased social cohesion.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have varied perspectives on Romans 11:27.

Some, like John Stott, emphasize the faithfulness of God to His irrevocable promises to Israel. Others, such as N.T. Wright, see the verse as part of a larger narrative of God's redemptive work for all humanity through Jesus Christ.

Dispensationalists, on the other hand, might stress the future aspect of this covenant, predicting a national revival of Israel.

In contrast, Covenant Theologians might interpret it more in terms of the ongoing spiritual reality of the Church, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers united in Christ.