Grafting(engrafting, ingrafting)

ἐγκεντρίζω/GRAF-ting/

“To graft or inoculate”

Summary

The horticultural practice of inserting a branch from one tree into another, used by Paul as a metaphor for Gentile inclusion in God's people.

☩Paul's Metaphor

Paul uses the image of grafting in Romans to explain how Gentiles have been incorporated into God's covenant people. Like wild olive branches grafted into a cultivated olive tree, Gentile believers share in the root and fatness of Israel's spiritual heritage. Paul notes that contrary to nature, wild branches have been grafted into the good olive tree, making God's grace all the more remarkable.