A.T. Robertson Commentary Romans 11:1

"I say then, Did God cast off his people? God forbid. For I also am an Israelite, of the seed of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." — Romans 11:1 (ASV)

I say then (λεγω ουν). As in verse 11. Ουν looks back to 9:16-33 and 10:19-21. Did God cast off? (μη απωσατο ο θεοσ?). An indignant negative answer is called for by μη and emphasized by μη γενοιτο (God forbid). Paul refers to the promise in the O.T. made three times: 1 Samuel 12:22; Psalms 94:14 (Psalms 93:14 LXX); Psalms 94:4. First aorist middle indicative (without augment) of απωθεω, to push away, to repel, middle, to push away from one as in Ac 7:27.

For I also (κα γαρ εγω). Proof that not all the Jews have rejected Christ. See Php 3:5 for more of Paul's pedigree.