What does the world system mean in Romans 11:12?
In Romans 11:12, 'world' translates the Greek word kosmos, meaning the world system. It is not the physical earth but the human system—politics, economy, and the predominantly Gentile population. Through Israel's fall, this world system receives spiritual riches that Gentiles have enjoyed.
Les explains that in Romans 11:12 the word 'world' is the Greek word kosmos, which means the world system. He clarifies it is not talking about terra firma, the earth, but the human system: the politics and economy, and the world population, predominantly Gentiles. The context is Israel's fall—their rejection and God setting them aside—and turning to the Gentiles. Les emphasizes that the riches spoken of are not wealth, money, gold, or silver, but spiritual riches, which Gentiles have enjoyed. He also notes that God intended Israel's fall to provoke them to jealousy, though human history shows the opposite reaction.
Now if the fall of them be the riches of the world, and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles; how much more their fulness?
More Questions
What does Romans 11:12 mean?
The verse means that if the fall of the Jews because they rejected their Messiah brought riches to the Gentile world, how much more will their fullness bring after the Gentiles have received the riches.