Paragraph 11:28–29

11:28a

The Greek does not have a conjunction to connect to the previous verses. This probably indicates that 11:28 does not continue the sequence of thoughts from the previous verses. Many scholars see 11:28–32 as a summary of chapters 9–11. Consider how to indicate that in your language, or follow the Greek and do not begin this verse with a conjunction.

Regarding the gospel: The words Regarding mean here “with reference to.” When considering the gospel of Jesus and the Jews, the Jews are enemies (see notes below). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

As concerning the gospel (King James Version)
-or-
with respect to the gospel ⌊of Jesus⌋

the gospel: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as gospel means “good news.” Here this word refers to God’s good news about Jesus Christ. See how you translated this word in 1:1 or 10:16.

11:28b

they are enemies: Some English versions add the words “of God.” The context implies that God is an enemy to them.

they: Here this word refers to the Jews who do not believe in Jesus.

on your account: This phrase indicates that the Gentile believers in Rome (and implying all Gentile believers) benefited from the Jews being enemies with God (see also 11:11). Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

which helped you
-or-
and this benefits you Gentiles (New Living Translation (2004))

11:28c

election: Here this word refers to God choosing the Jews to be his people. For example:

God’s choice (Good News Translation)

11:28d

they are loved: This clause indicates that God loves them. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

they are still well loved (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
they are still the people he loves (New Living Translation (2004))

on account of the patriarchs: This phrase indicates that God had made promises to the forefathers of the Jews, and he will keep those promises, even if the fact that many of the Jews do not accept Jesus as the Messiah makes it seem like he should not. Here are other ways to translate this phrase:

for the sake of their forefathers (English Standard Version)
-or-
because of the promises he made to their ancestors (New Century Version)

the patriarchs: Here this phrase refers to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was the founder of the nation of Israel. They lived about two thousand years before the time Paul wrote this letter. Indicate or imply that patriarchs refers to many, many generations before this time. For example:

the forefathers of the nation of Israel
-or-
because of His promise long ago to their ancestors

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