In a large number of manuscripts, the text of Romans 11:6 is slightly longer. Therefore, for example, in the KJV we also read the following sentence which is not found in the ESV: But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
The first part of this sentence can simply be regarded as a repetition of what had preceded it, but the final clause, otherwise work is no more work
is difficult to understand. Perhaps its intention is that work
will lose the very characteristic of work
if it were to be accepted out of grace (see also Romans 4:4).1
6 Or, si c'est par grâce, ce n'est plus par les œuvres; autrement la grâce n'est plus une grâce. [Et si c'est par les œuvres, ce n'est plus une grâce; autrement l'œuvre n'est plus une œuvre.]