Romans 11:28 Meaning: Why Israel Is Enemies Yet Beloved
Concerning the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.
As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
As touching the gospel, they are enemies for your sake: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake.
As regards, indeed, the good tidings, they are enemies on your account; and as regards the choice--beloved on account of the fathers;
As regards the glad tidings, [they are] enemies on your account; but as regards election, beloved on account of the fathers.
Meaning in one sentence
Paul shows that Israel is hostile to the gospel but still loved by God because of His covenant with the patriarchs.
Context
Paul is near the end of a long, careful argument in Romans 9, 11. He has wrestled with a painful question: if God chose Israel, why have most of them rejected the Messiah? In chapter 11 he uses the image of an olive tree, some natural branches were broken off so wild branches (the Gentiles) could be grafted in. But the pruning is not final. The hardening is partial and temporary, a mystery revealed only now. Verse 28 sits at the climax, pulling together two realities about Israel that seem impossible to hold at once. Paul states them plainly, without softening either side. The verse is primarily for Gentile believers, explaining why the Jews' present enmity serves their salvation, and why the Jews themselves remain deeply loved.
Key Words
Paul uses two Greek words that stand at opposite ends of the emotional spectrum. Echthroi means enemies, people who are hostile, opposed, at war. It is the word used elsewhere for those who are at enmity with God because of sin. Against it he sets agapetoi, beloved, the same word used at Jesus' baptism: 'This is my beloved Son.' It means cherished, dear, someone you would never let go.
The key to the paradox is the word ekloge, election, God's free choice, His act of picking a people before the foundation of the world. Paul's point is not that the Jews have two different natures, but that God sees them from two different perspectives. From the angle of the gospel, they are enemies, rejecting the very message that would save them, and in doing so opening the door for the Gentiles. But from the angle of God's eternal purpose and covenant, they are still beloved, not because of their current behavior, but because of His faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christian readers across the centuries have heard this verse as a key to understanding God's ongoing relationship with the Jewish people. John Calvin saw here that the Jews were 'blinded for a time by God's providence, that a way to the gospel might be made for the Gentiles.' The Cambridge Bible explains that the Jews 'are still dear to Him; for His Covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is sovereign and unchangeable.' Adam Clarke adds: 'they are beloved for the fathers' sake; he has still favor in store for them.' Most traditions agree that the enmity describes a real opposition, while the beloved status rests on God's unchanging choice. No side resolves the tension easily; Paul leaves it standing.
A common misunderstanding
A common misreading is that Paul means the Jews are permanently rejected by God because they rejected the gospel. But the whole point of the verse is that their enmity is partial and temporary. The word 'enemies' describes their stance toward the gospel, not God's final verdict on them. In fact, Paul immediately adds that they are 'beloved' on account of the election. The rest of the chapter goes on to say that God's gifts and calling are irrevocable (v29) and that all Israel will be saved (v26). The enmity is real, but it is not the last word.
Living This Out
This verse includes a word for every side. If you are a Christian from a non-Jewish background, Paul says, 'Your salvation came through their rejection.' That calls for humility, not pride. When you meet someone hostile to the gospel, you are not to treat them as cast away. They are beloved in God's eyes, kept safe by an ancient promise. And if you struggle to believe you are loved yourself, notice that this love does not depend on how well you respond to God. It depends on His calling, which He never revokes. You are beloved, not because you are good, but because He is faithful.
Main takeaway: The same people who oppose the gospel remain beloved by God because His covenant promises never fail.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
Paul says some people were enemies of the good news, but God still loved them because He promised their ancestors He would. Even when we make mistakes, God keeps His promises and loves us.
For ages 9, 12
In Romans 11:28, Paul shows a surprising truth: the Jewish people had rejected Jesus, which opened the door for non-Jews to be saved. But that rejection didn't change God's love for them, He still called them 'beloved' because of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This teaches us that God's love is bigger than our failures, and His plans always work out.
Questions People Ask
What does 'enemies for your sake' mean in Romans 11:28?
Paul means that the Jewish rejection of the gospel served to open the door for the Gentiles to receive it. Their enmity had a purpose in God's plan, your benefit. This is not about them being personally hateful, but about the role their rejection played in spreading the gospel.
What is 'the election' in Romans 11:28?
The Greek word ekloge means a choosing or selection. Here it likely refers both to God's act of choosing Israel as His people and to the chosen ones themselves, the remnant of believing Jews. The verse says that from the perspective of God's choice, Israel is still beloved.
Does this verse mean all Jewish people are saved?
The verse itself does not teach universal salvation for every Jew. Paul says they are 'beloved for the fathers' sake,' meaning God still has a plan for them and will bring many to faith. In context, he says 'all Israel will be saved' (v26), which Christians interpret in different ways, some as the whole nation at the end, some as the total number of elect Jews throughout history.
How can someone be both an enemy and beloved at the same time?
Paul is looking from two perspectives. With respect to the gospel, they are enemies, opposing God's message. But with respect to God's eternal election, they are beloved, still the objects of His covenant love. It is not a contradiction in God; it shows that His purposes unfold in stages.
What does 'for the fathers' sake' refer to?
It refers to the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to whom God made unconditional promises. God's love for Israel is grounded in His faithfulness to those ancient covenants, not in their current worthiness.
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