Romans 9:10

And not only [this]; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac;

And {G1161} not {G3756} only {G3440} this; but {G235} when Rebecca {G4479} also {G2532} had conceived {G2845} by {G1537} one {G1520}{G2192}, even by our {G2257} father {G3962} Isaac {G2464};

And even more to the point is the case of Rivkah; for both her children were conceived in a single act with Yitz’chak, our father;

Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.

And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac—

Commentary

Romans 9:10 is a pivotal verse in Paul's profound discussion on God's sovereign choice and justice, especially concerning His dealings with Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles. This verse continues Paul's argument from the preceding verses, further illustrating that God's promises and covenant are not based on physical descent alone, but on His divine election.

Context

In Romans chapter 9, Paul grapples with the apparent paradox of Israel's rejection of Jesus Christ, despite being God's chosen people. He asserts that God's word has not failed, because not all who are descended from Israel are truly "Israel" (see Romans 9:6-8). To demonstrate this principle, he first uses the example of Isaac being chosen over Ishmael, though both were sons of Abraham. Verse 10 then introduces the next example: Rebecca, the wife of Isaac, who conceived twins, Jacob and Esau, from the same father.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Election: The primary theme here is God's absolute freedom and power to choose whom He wills, independent of human merit or lineage. The fact that Rebecca conceived "by one, even by our father Isaac" underscores that both children had the same parentage, removing any natural basis for distinction and highlighting that the choice was solely God's. This sets the stage for the dramatic statement in Romans 9:11-13 regarding Jacob and Esau.
  • God's Purpose According to Election: Paul emphasizes that God's purpose is "not of works, but of him that calleth" (Romans 9:11). The conception of Jacob and Esau from the same parents, at the same time, without either having done good or evil, serves as a powerful illustration that God's choice precedes and is not based on human performance.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "by one" (Greek: ek henos) is crucial. It stresses the singular source of both children – the same father, Isaac. This detail removes any possibility that their differing destinies or God's differing regard for them could be attributed to different fathers or circumstances of conception. It powerfully emphasizes the sovereign nature of God's choice, making it clear that His election was not based on any inherent difference in their parentage.

Historical and Cultural Context

The narrative of Rebecca conceiving twins, Jacob and Esau, is found in Genesis 25:21-26. In ancient cultures, birth order often conferred specific rights and blessings (primogeniture). However, in the case of Jacob and Esau, God explicitly stated His choice for the younger, Jacob, even before their birth (Genesis 25:23). This historical account provides a powerful Old Testament precedent for Paul's argument about God's selective purpose, which was also later affirmed in Malachi 1:2-3.

Practical Application

Romans 9:10, in its broader context, challenges our human tendency to believe that our standing with God is based on our lineage, works, or merit. Instead, it directs our focus to God's unmerited favor and sovereign will. Understanding this aspect of God's character can foster humility, deepen our trust in His mysterious yet perfect plan, and remind us that salvation is entirely a gift of grace (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 25:21

    And Isaac intreated the LORD for his wife, because she [was] barren: and the LORD was intreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Genesis 25:23

    And the LORD said unto her, Two nations [are] in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and [the one] people shall be stronger than [the other] people; and the elder shall serve the younger.

  • Luke 16:26

    And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that [would come] from thence.

  • Romans 5:11

    And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
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