Bible Dictionaries
Graft

Holman Bible Dictionary

To unite a scion (the detached, living portion of a plant which provides the leafy portion of a graft) with a stock (the part of the graft providing the roots). Olives were frequently caused to multiply by removing shoots from the base of a cultivated tree (compare Psalm 128:3 ) and grafting them onto the trunks of wild olive trees. Paul's illustration (Romans 11:17-24 ) portrays the incomprehensible grace of God who does what no farmer would do—break off cultivated limbs (representing descendants of Israel) to graft in wild limbs (representing Gentile believers). The illustration also serves as a warning to believing Gentiles not to be proud and despise the contribution of Israelites who made their faith possible but to stand firm in faith.