Romans 9:1-26

God's Sovereign Choice

1 a I am speaking the truth in Christ - I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit - 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For b I could wish that I myself were c accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, 1 my kinsmen d according to the flesh. 4 They are e Israelites, and to them belong f the adoption, g the glory, h the covenants, i the giving of the law, j the worship, and k the promises. 5 To them belong l the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ m who is God over all, n blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham o because they are his offspring, but p "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but q the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: r "About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son." 10 And not only so, but s also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad - in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of t him who calls - 12 she was told, u "The older will serve the younger." 13 As it is written, v "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated."

14 What shall we say then? w Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, x "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, 2 but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, y "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

19 You will say to me then, "Why does he still find fault? For z who can resist his will?" 20 But who are you, O man, a to answer back to God? b Will what is molded say to its molder, "Why have you made me like this?" 21 c Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump d one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? 22 What if God, desiring to show his wrath and to make known his power, has endured with much patience e vessels of wrath f prepared for destruction, 23 in order to make known g the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he h has prepared beforehand for glory - 24 even us whom he i has called, j not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles?

25 As indeed he says in Hosea,
k "Those who were not my people I will call 'my people,'
and her who was not beloved I will call 'beloved.'"
 26 l "And in the very place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,'
there they will be called m 'sons of the living God.'"

  1. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 11:10
    As the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia.
    1 Timothy 2:7
    For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle ( I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
    2 Corinthians 12:19
    Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved.
    Galatians 1:20
    (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!)
    Romans 1:9
    For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without ceasing I mention you
  2. Cross References
    Exodus 32:32
    But now, if you will forgive their sin - but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written.
  3. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 12:3
    Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says "Jesus is accursed!" and no one can say "Jesus is Lord" except in the Holy Spirit.
    1 Corinthians 16:22
    If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come!
    Galatians 1:8 - 9
    But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed.
  4. Cross References
    Romans 11:14
    In order somehow to make my fellow Jews jealous, and thus save some of them.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 9:6
    But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel.
    Romans 2:28 - 29
    For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical.
    Galatians 6:16
    And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
  6. Cross References
    Exodus 4:22
    Then you shall say to Pharaoh, 'Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son.
    Romans 8:15
    For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, "Abba! Father!
  7. Cross References
    Exodus 40:34
    Then the cloud covered the tent of meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle.
    1 Samuel 4:21
    And she named the child Ichabod, saying, "The glory has departed from Israel!" because the ark of God had been captured and because of her father-in-law and her husband.
    1 Kings 8:11
    So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord.
  8. Cross References
    Genesis 17:2
    That I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.
    Deuteronomy 29:14
    It is not with you alone that I am making this sworn covenant.
    Galatians 4:24
    Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar.
    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
  9. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 4:14
    And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and rules, that you might do them in the land that you are going over to possess.
    Psalms 147:19
    He declares his word to Jacob, his statutes and rules to Israel.
  10. Cross References
    Hebrews 9:1
    Now even the first covenant had regulations for worship and an earthly place of holiness.
    Romans 12:1
    I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.
  11. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:12
    Remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.
    John 4:22
    You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews.
    Acts 13:32
    And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers.
  12. Cross References
    Romans 11:28
    As regards the gospel, they are enemies of God for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of their forefathers.
  13. Cross References
    Ephesians 4:6
    One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
    Colossians 1:16 - 19
    For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities - all things were created through him and for him.
  14. Cross References
    Romans 1:25
    Because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.
    John 1:1
    In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
    2 Corinthians 11:31
    The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying.
    Hebrews 1:8
    But of the Son he says, "Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
  15. Cross References
    Galatians 4:23
    But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
    John 8:33
    They answered him, "We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, 'You will become free'?
  16. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:18
    Of whom it was said, "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
    Genesis 21:12
    But God said to Abraham, "Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
    Galatians 3:29
    And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise.
  17. Cross References
    Genesis 21:12
    But God said to Abraham, "Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named.
  18. Cross References
    Galatians 4:23
    But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise.
    Galatians 4:28
    Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.
  19. Cross References
    Genesis 18:10
    The Lord said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
    Genesis 18:14
    Is anything too hard for the Lord ? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.
    Genesis 17:21
    But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year.
  20. Cross References
    Genesis 18:10
    The Lord said, "I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son." And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.
    Genesis 18:14
    Is anything too hard for the Lord ? At the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah shall have a son.
  21. Cross References
    Genesis 25:21
    And Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. And the Lord granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived.
  22. Cross References
    Romans 4:17
    As it is written, "I have made you the father of many nations" - in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  23. Cross References
    Genesis 25:23
    And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.
  24. Cross References
    Genesis 25:23
    And the Lord said to her, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the older shall serve the younger.
  25. Cross References
    Malachi 1:2 - 3
    I have loved you," says the Lord. But you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob
  26. Cross References
    Malachi 1:2 - 3
    I have loved you," says the Lord. But you say, "How have you loved us?" "Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the Lord. "Yet I have loved Jacob
  27. Cross References
    Deuteronomy 32:4
    The Rock, his work is perfect, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness and without iniquity, just and upright is he.
    2 Chronicles 19:7
    Now then, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Be careful what you do, for there is no injustice with the Lord our God, or partiality or taking bribes.
    Job 8:3
    Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty pervert the right?
    Job 34:10
    Therefore, hear me, you men of understanding: far be it from God that he should do wickedness, and from the Almighty that he should do wrong.
    Psalms 92:15
    To declare that the Lord is upright; he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.
  28. Cross References
    Exodus 33:19
    And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
  29. Cross References
    Exodus 33:19
    And he said, "I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name 'The Lord.' And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.
  30. Cross References
    Exodus 9:16
    But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
  31. Cross References
    Exodus 9:16
    But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.
  32. Cross References
    2 Chronicles 20:6
    And said, "O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.
    Job 9:12
    Behold, he snatches away; who can turn him back? Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?
    Daniel 4:35
    All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, "What have you done?
  33. Cross References
    Job 33:13
    Why do you contend against him, saying, 'He will answer none of man's words'?
  34. Cross References
    Isaiah 29:16
    You turn things upside down! Shall the potter be regarded as the clay, that the thing made should say of its maker, "He did not make me"; or the thing formed say of him who formed it, "He has no understanding"?
    Isaiah 45:9
    Woe to him who strives with him who formed him, a pot among earthen pots! Does the clay say to him who forms it, 'What are you making?' or 'Your work has no handles'?
  35. Cross References
    Isaiah 64:8
    But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand.
    Jeremiah 18:6
    O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this potter has done? declares the Lord. Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel.
  36. Cross References
    2 Timothy 2:20
    Now in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver but also of wood and clay, some for honorable use, some for dishonorable.
  37. Cross References
    Romans 9:21
    Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
    Romans 9:23
    In order to make known the riches of his glory for vessels of mercy, which he has prepared beforehand for glory -
    Acts 9:15
    But the Lord said to him, "Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.
  38. Cross References
    Proverbs 16:4
    The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.
    1 Peter 2:8
    And "A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense." They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.
  39. Cross References
    Ephesians 3:16
    That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being.
    Romans 2:4
    Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?
  40. Cross References
    Romans 8:29
    For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
  41. Cross References
    Romans 8:28
    And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
  42. Cross References
    Romans 3:29
    Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also.
  43. Cross References
    Hosea 2:23
    And I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.'
    1 Peter 2:10
    Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
  44. Cross References
    Hosea 2:23
    And I will sow her for myself in the land. And I will have mercy on No Mercy, and I will say to Not My People, 'You are my people'; and he shall say, 'You are my God.
  45. Cross References
    Hosea 1:10
    Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God.
  46. Cross References
    Romans 8:14
    For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
    Matthew 16:16
    Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.
  47. Cross References
    Hosea 1:10
    Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And in the place where it was said to them, "You are not my people," it shall be said to them, "Children of the living God.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.