FocusIsrael and the promised line
Connection to the wholePaul expresses sorrow for Israel and distinguishes physical descent from the line through which the promise is carried.
interpretation Romans 9:4
KJVWho are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
Read it in context
Paul's grief and the promise
Start reading at Romans 9:1 (Romans 9:1 to Romans 9:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul expresses sorrow for Israel and distinguishes physical descent from the line through which the promise is carried.
- 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
- 9:2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
- 9:3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
- 9:4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
- 9:5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
- 9:6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
- 9:7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
- 9:8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
- 9:9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
- 9:10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
- 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
- 9:12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
- 9:13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle wrote Romans, using Tertius as the scribe who put the letter into writing. Biblical references: Romans 1:1; Romans 16:22. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Romans 9:1–11:36): Paul addresses the Roman believers about Israel and the Gentiles, explicitly speaking to Gentiles in 11:13. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The believers in Rome, called saints: a church including Gentile and Jewish believers. Paul specifically addresses Gentiles, speaks to those who know the law, and assumes Christian baptism and life in the Spirit; he is not addressing an undifferentiated modern public. Biblical references: Romans 1:7; Romans 6:3; Romans 7:1; Romans 8:9; Romans 11:13. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Paul's grief and the promise. Read Romans 9:1 through Romans 9:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul expresses sorrow for Israel and distinguishes physical descent from the line through which the promise is carried. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? Paul writes while planning further travel, including a visit to Rome. The letter does not supply a modern calendar date; reconstructions depend on comparing its travel notices with other texts. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The addressees are at Rome. Paul discusses other locations and travel plans, while the letter itself does not directly name the city where he is writing. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Paul's grief and the promise (Romans 9:1 to Romans 9:13). Start reading at Romans 9:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter explains the gospel of Jesus Christ, baptism into His death, life in the Spirit, and hope of glory. Promises in Romans 8 address those in Christ and stand with the chapter's stated conditions. See Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Read the argument as a connected appeal to an addressed church. Keep obedience, continuing in God's goodness, and warnings against presumption visible when speaking of grace, inheritance, and assurance. interpretation
Cited: Romans 9:1, Romans 9:13, Romans 1:7, Romans 6:3, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:13, Romans 8:17
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse, and Tertius names himself as the scribe.
Romans 1:1Romans 16:22
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- are Israelites Rom 9:6 Gen 32:28 Exod 19:3-6 Deut 7:6 Ps 73:1 Isa 41:8 Isa 46:3 John 1:47
- the adoption Exod 4:22 Deut 14:1 Jer 31:9,20 Hos 11:1
- and the glory Num 7:89 1 Sam 4:21-22 1 Kgs 8:11 Ps 63:2 Ps 78:61 Ps 90:16 Isa 60:19
- covenants Gen 15:18 Gen 17:2,7,10 Exod 24:7-8 Exod 34:27 Deut 29:1 Deut 31:16 Neh 13:29 Ps 89:3,34
- the giving Rom 3:2 Neh 9:13-14 Ps 147:19 Ezek 20:11-12 John 1:17
- the service Exod 12:25 Isa 5:2 Matt 21:33 Heb 9:3,10
- promises Luke 1:54-55,69-75 Acts 2:39 Acts 3:25-26 Acts 13:32-33 Eph 2:12 Heb 6:13-17
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Romans 9
Paul addresses the saints at Rome. His promises and exhortations belong to a letter that already speaks of baptism into Christ, newness of life, and the indwelling Spirit; identify the addressed people and retain the stated conditions. Romans 9–11 develops one extended discussion of Israel, Gentiles, promise, faith, and mercy.
Romans 1:1 Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4 Romans 8:9
Mercy and God's purpose
Romans 9:14–29FocusThe Creator's freedom and the called people
Connection to the wholePaul answers objections through scriptural examples and the potter image, then speaks of the called from Jews and Gentiles and a remnant of Israel.
interpretation The issue of faith
Romans 9:30–33FocusRighteousness sought in contrasting ways
Connection to the wholeThe chapter's conclusion contrasts Gentile reception with Israel's pursuit and identifies stumbling at Christ, carrying the argument into chapter 10.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Romans
Paul addresses the saints at Rome (Romans 1:7). Read this outline alongside his discussion of baptism into Christ and newness of life (Romans 6:3–4).
Romans 1:7 Romans 6:3 Romans 6:4
Opening and theme
Romans 1:1–17FocusThe gospel and faith
Connection to the wholePaul introduces his calling and his desire to visit Rome, then announces the gospel as the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes.
interpretation The need for righteousness
Romans 1:18–3:20FocusSin and accountability
Connection to the wholePaul describes human sin and God’s judgment, bringing Jews and Gentiles under the charge of sin and establishing humanity’s need.
interpretation God’s provision in Christ
Romans 3:21–5:21FocusFaith, grace, and reconciliation
Connection to the wholePaul explains righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, uses Abraham as an example, and contrasts Adam’s offense with Christ’s obedience.
interpretation Newness of life
Romans 6:1–8:39FocusBaptism, service, and life in the Spirit
Connection to the wholePaul rejects continuing in sin, recalls baptism into Christ’s death, discusses sin and the law, and describes walking after the Spirit and the hope of glory.
interpretation FocusPromise, faith, and mercy
Connection to the wholePaul considers Israel’s place in God’s purpose, the response of faith, and mercy toward Jews and Gentiles. He warns Gentile believers against boasting and urges them to continue in God’s goodness.
interpretation Living out God’s mercies
Romans 12:1–15:13FocusService, love, and mutual care
Connection to the wholePaul moves to offering oneself to God, serving others, loving one’s neighbour, and receiving one another while seeking peace and edification.
interpretation Ministry and closing
Romans 15:14–16:27FocusPlans, greetings, and final exhortation
Connection to the wholePaul explains his ministry and travel plans, commends and greets fellow workers, warns against divisions, and closes with praise to God.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.