Romans 11:27

Romans 11:27, in plain English

This is the covenant God made—when He removes their sins, they'll be restored to Him.

Why it's here

Paul continues quoting Isaiah, showing that God's promise to Israel includes both the Messiah's arrival and the forgiveness of sins. For Paul's readers, this means the salvation of Israel isn't an afterthought—it's woven into God's original covenant promises.

Who's speaking

Paul, quoting Isaiah's prophecy

Where it sits in the story

This grounds Israel's future hope in the oldest promises God made. It shows that God's ultimate plan for both Jews and Gentiles was set long before any of this history unfolded.

The scholarly reading

Paul cites God's covenant promise that His sins will be removed, confirming that Israel's ultimate salvation involves both forgiveness and restoration through the mediatorial work of the Messiah.

Language and setting

This citation continues from Isaiah 59:21, embedding Israel's salvation within the covenantal framework. The Greek aphaireo (to take away) emphasizes not merely forgiveness but active removal—the burden of unbelief and transgression is lifted. This operates within what Gerhard von Rad called the 'covenant lawsuit' tradition: God's complaint against Israel is ultimately resolvable through redemption, not through permanent rejection.

Voice

Paul, quoting God through Isaiah

Significance

The covenant motif connects back to Abraham (Romans 4), through Moses (Romans 9), and forward to the new covenant inaugurated by Christ. Israel's salvation is not a new arrangement but the fulfillment and consummation of the old covenant promises, now extended to include the nations.

25I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers, so that you will not be conceited: A hardening in part has come to Israel, until the full number of the Gentiles has come in.

26And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer will come from Zion; He will remove godlessness from Jacob.

27And this is My covenant with them when I take away their sins.”

28Regarding the gospel, they are enemies on your account; but regarding election, they are loved on account of the patriarchs.

29For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

Read all of Romans 11 — Israel's stumbling opened the door for the Gentiles, but the story isn't over. The roots are holy, and God can graft broken branches back in.