ῥίζα … ἐγκεντρίζω … ἀποτομία (11:17–24)

Says Some branches were broken off, and “you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in” (11:17, BSB), “contrary to nature” (11:24, BSB). κλάδος (klados): “a young tender shoot broken off for grafting; then, a branch.” ἀγριέλαιος (agrielaios): “the wild olive.” ἐγκεντρίζω (enkentrizō) means to graft in. Cultivation explains the image only: note.historical.Rom.11.1-Rom.11.36.olive-grafting. See var.Rom.11.17.kai-tes-piotetos, var.Rom.11.21.mepos and var.Rom.11.23.estin-order.

Says “do not boast over those branches” (11:18, BSB). κατακαυχάομαι (katakauchaomai): “to boast against, exult over.” “you stand by faith” (11:20, BSB).

Uncertain Who the root is (11:16–18): the patriarchs, Abraham, Christ, or Israel's covenant. This note leans to the patriarchs: Abbott-Smith files ῥίζα in 11:16–18 under “of ancestors,” and 11:28 loves them “on account of the patriarchs” (BSB). Christ and the covenant are the alternatives.

Uncertain “Otherwise you also will be cut off” (11:22, BSB). No lean is taken. Reformed: the warning is a means by which true faith perseveres (8:28–39). Arminian/Wesleyan: “if you continue in His kindness” (11:22, BSB) makes continuance a real condition of remaining. Corporate: the singular “you” addresses Gentile believers as a body over against Israel's branches (11:13, 17–18). See note.exegetical.Rom.8.28-Rom.8.39.can-believers-fall-away. ἀποτομία (apotomia): “steepness, sharpness; metaph., severity.”