Romans 11:26 – “And in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: ‘The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.’”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of the most discussed passages in the Bible regarding God’s plan for Israel. Paul has been explaining how Israel’s spiritual hardening (Romans 11:25) is temporary. Now, he makes a bold statement: “All Israel will be saved.”

The phrase “all Israel” does not necessarily mean every Jewish person throughout history will be saved. Instead, it refers to a future moment when a significant number of Jewish people will turn to Jesus as their Messiah. Paul backs this up by quoting Isaiah 59:20, which speaks of a deliverer—Jesus—who will come and remove sin from Jacob (another name for Israel).

This salvation will happen in connection with the completion of God’s plan for the Gentiles (non-Jews). Once the full number of Gentiles has come into God’s family (Romans 11:25), Israel will experience a spiritual awakening. This verse points to God’s faithfulness in keeping His promises, ensuring that Israel has a future in His redemptive plan.

Historical Context

Paul wrote Romans around A.D. 57, during a time when most Jewish people had rejected Jesus as the Messiah. This was a challenging reality for early Christians, especially since Jesus Himself was Jewish, and the first believers were Jewish.

Throughout history, Israel had struggled with faithfulness to God. They often turned away from Him, leading to periods of judgment and restoration. The prophets, especially Isaiah and Jeremiah, spoke of a future time when God would restore Israel spiritually. Paul saw this future restoration as part of God’s plan, which was unfolding through Jesus Christ.

At the time Paul was writing, the Roman Empire controlled Israel. The Jewish people were looking for political deliverance, but Paul was speaking of a deeper spiritual deliverance. He was pointing ahead to a future time when Israel would recognize Jesus as their true Messiah.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals several key truths about God’s plan:

1. God is not done with Israel – Some may think God has abandoned Israel because of their rejection of Jesus. But Paul makes it clear that God still has a plan to bring many of them to salvation.
2. Salvation is through Jesus – Paul quotes the Old Testament to show that salvation for Israel comes through the “Deliverer”—Jesus Christ.
3. God’s plan includes both Jews and Gentiles – The salvation of Israel is tied to the inclusion of the Gentiles. God is working in both groups to accomplish His purposes.
4. God keeps His promises – This verse is a reminder that God does not break His covenant. What He has promised, He will fulfill.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses Old Testament prophecy to support his claim. He quotes Isaiah 59:20, which speaks of a deliverer coming to turn people from their sins. In Jewish thought, Zion was often used to refer to Jerusalem or God’s kingdom, symbolizing His presence and salvation.

The phrase “all Israel” has been interpreted in different ways. Some believe it refers to the nation of Israel as a whole turning to Christ at the end of history. Others believe it means a remnant of Jewish people throughout time who come to faith in Jesus. In either case, the emphasis is on God’s ongoing work in saving Israel.

Paul also connects this idea to his previous argument in Romans 9-11, where he discusses God’s mercy and His right to save people according to His plan.

Biblical Cross-References

• Isaiah 59:20-21 – The prophecy Paul quotes about the deliverer coming from Zion.
• Jeremiah 31:33-34 – God’s promise to give Israel a new heart and forgive their sins.
• Ezekiel 36:24-27 – A prophecy about God gathering Israel and giving them a new spirit.
• Zechariah 12:10 – A prophecy that Israel will one day mourn for the One they pierced (Jesus) and turn to Him.
• Luke 2:32 – Simeon proclaims that Jesus is a light for the Gentiles and the glory of Israel.
• Romans 9:6 – Paul clarifies that not all who are descended from Israel are truly part of God’s people—faith is key.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, this verse is a reminder of God’s faithfulness. Just as He has a plan for Israel, He also has a plan for each of us. His promises do not fail.

It also teaches humility. Some Gentile Christians in Paul’s time may have thought they were superior to the Jews because they had accepted Christ while most Jews had not. But Paul makes it clear that salvation is God’s work, not ours. There is no place for arrogance—only gratitude for His grace.

This verse should also encourage Christians to pray for Jewish people to come to faith in Jesus. God’s plan includes them, and we should desire to see His promises fulfilled in their lives.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s love is evident in this verse because it shows His patience and commitment to His people. Even though Israel turned away from Him many times, He never gave up on them. He has a plan for their redemption, just as He has a plan for all who trust in Him.

This verse also shows that God’s love extends beyond one group of people. He is bringing both Jews and Gentiles into His family, demonstrating that His grace is available to all.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the “Deliverer” that Paul talks about. His first coming brought salvation to the world, but Israel as a whole did not recognize Him. However, this verse points to a future time when many Jewish people will turn to Him.

• Luke 19:41-44 – Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they did not recognize Him as their Savior.
• John 1:11-12 – Jesus came to His own people, but many did not receive Him. Yet, to those who did, He gave the right to become children of God.
• John 10:16 – Jesus spoke of bringing together His people from different groups into one flock.
• Romans 10:1 – Paul expresses his deep desire for Israel to be saved.
• Zechariah 12:10 – A prophecy about Israel recognizing Jesus as the Messiah in the future.

God’s plan for salvation is centered on Jesus. He is the fulfillment of God’s promises, and one day, Israel will see Him as their Redeemer.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach us about God’s long-term plan for Israel?
2. How should this verse shape the way Christians think about Jewish people today?
3. How does God’s faithfulness to Israel encourage us in our own faith?
4. What does this verse reveal about Jesus as the Deliverer?
5. How does this passage challenge pride and promote humility among believers?