Romans 11:7
What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's observation that 'the elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened' in relation to Israel's response to the gospel crystallizes the predestinarian element of his argument in Romans 9-11 without abandoning his earlier affirmation of Jewish moral responsibility. The 'hardening' (porosis) language draws on the Old Testament tradition of pharaoh's hardening (Exodus 4-14) and the prophetic texts Paul cites (Isaiah 29:10; Psalm 69:22-23), placing current Jewish unbelief within a pattern of divinely permitted resistance. The concept of a 'remnant' according to election (verse 5) functions as both a theological category (grace, not merit) and a historical observation (not all of Israel has rejected the gospel). The verse sits within Paul's larger mystery (11:25-26) that current hardening is temporary and serves the eschatological purposes of God for both Jew and Gentile.
Other Translations
What then? That which Israel seeketh for, that he obtained not; but the election obtained it, and the rest were hardened:
What then? What Israel doth seek after, this it did not obtain, and the chosen did obtain, and the rest were hardened,
What then? That which Israel was searching for he did not get, but those of the selection got it and the rest were made hard.
Cross References
Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not …
Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with …
They have not known nor understood: for he hath shut their eyes, that they cannot see; and their hearts, that …
And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; …
For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; …
Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and …
He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with …
What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, …
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the …