Romans 9:11

KJV

(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;)

KJV (with Strong's)

(For {G1063} the children being {G1080} not yet {G3380} born {G1080}, neither {G3366} having done {G4238} any {G5100} good {G18} or {G2228} evil {G2556}, that {G2443} the purpose {G4286} of God {G2316} according {G2596} to election {G1589} might stand {G3306}, not {G3756} of {G1537} works {G2041}, but {G235} of {G1537} him that calleth {G2564};)

Complete Jewish Bible

and before they were born, before they had done anything at all, either good or bad (so that God’s plan might remain a matter of his sovereign choice, not dependent on what they did, but on God, who does the calling),

Berean Standard Bible

Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,

American Standard Version

for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:11 encapsulates a pivotal aspect of Paul's argument concerning God's sovereign election, illustrating that divine choice is not predicated on human merit or performance but solely on God's unchangeable purpose and initiative. By referencing the pre-natal state of Jacob and Esau, Paul demonstrates that God's plan of salvation operates independently of human works, highlighting the foundational principle that election originates entirely from the Caller, God Himself.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:11 is situated within Paul's profound and often challenging discourse in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles"), where he grapples with the question of Israel's present rejection of Christ and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. This verse specifically grounds Paul's argument in the Old Testament narrative of Jacob and Esau, found in [Genesis 25:23](/genesis/25-23 "Genesis 25:23 - The Prophecy to Rebekah"). Paul uses this historical example to assert God's sovereign freedom in choosing individuals, thereby refuting any notion that God's election is based on human works, whether past, present, or foreseen. The immediate context of [Romans 9:6-13](/romans/9-6-13 "Romans 9:6-13 - God's Sovereign Choice") emphasizes that not all physical descendants of Abraham are true Israel, introducing the concept of a chosen remnant based on God's call, not human lineage or deeds.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite culture, primogeniture—the right of the firstborn son to inherit a double portion of the inheritance and the family leadership—was a deeply ingrained social and legal norm. The story of Jacob and Esau, where the younger son, Jacob, was chosen over the elder, Esau, despite the cultural expectation, serves as a powerful counter-cultural example of God's sovereign prerogative. This divine reversal of human custom challenged the prevailing Jewish understanding that election was solely tied to physical descent or adherence to the Law. Paul's argument would have confronted the Jewish belief that their status as God's chosen people was an automatic right based on their ancestry and observance of the Law, rather than God's unmerited, sovereign choice.
* **Key Themes:** The verse profoundly contributes to several major theological themes. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Election**, asserting that God's choice is independent of human action or merit, as seen in the pre-birth election of Jacob over Esau. This is foundational to understanding God's initiative in salvation, a theme echoed in [Ephesians 1:4-5](/ephesians/1-4-5 "Ephesians 1:4-5 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World"), where believers are described as chosen in Christ before the world's foundation. Secondly, it champions **Grace Over Works**, explicitly stating that God's purpose stands "not of works, but of him that calleth." This Pauline hallmark, central to the gospel, declares that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not something earned by human effort, a truth powerfully articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith"). Thirdly, the phrase "that the purpose of God...might stand" highlights the **Immutability of God's Purpose**, emphasizing the steadfastness and unalterable nature of God's redemptive plan, which is not contingent upon fluctuating human performance.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **election (Greek, _eklogḗ'_):** From G1589, meaning (divine) selection, abstractly or concretely. This term emphasizes God's deliberate and sovereign act of choosing, highlighting that His choice is not a passive recognition of human merit but an active, decisive determination. It points to a divine initiative that predates and transcends human action.
* **works (Greek, _érgon'_):** From G2041, meaning toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act. In this context, "works" refers to human deeds, whether good or evil, performed in obedience to the law or moral principles. Paul explicitly states that God's election is "not of works," thereby dismantling any notion that human effort or performance can earn or influence God's sovereign choice.
* **calleth (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, meaning to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise). This word points directly to God as the active agent, the one who issues the divine summons or invitation. It underscores that the origin of election is God's sovereign call, further reinforcing that His purpose is based on His own will and not on any pre-existing human condition or action.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil":** This clause sets the stage for Paul's argument by emphasizing the state of Jacob and Esau before their birth. By highlighting their pre-natal existence, Paul negates any possibility that God's choice was based on their foreseen actions, whether righteous ("good") or sinful ("evil"). This establishes a baseline of human neutrality, making it clear that their future deeds played no role in God's decision.
* **"that the purpose of God according to election might stand":** This is the core theological assertion. "Purpose" (G4286, _próthesis_) signifies God's pre-determined intention or plan. "Election" (G1589, _eklogḗ_) refers to God's sovereign choice. The phrase "might stand" (G3306, _ménō_) conveys the immutability and steadfastness of this divine purpose. It means that God's plan, rooted in His sovereign choice, is firm, unshakeable, and not subject to human influence or failure.
* **"not of works, but of him that calleth;":** This final phrase provides the decisive contrast. It explicitly states the basis of God's election: it is "not of works" (G2041, _érgon_), meaning not based on human performance, merit, or obedience. Instead, it is "of him that calleth" (G2564, _kaléō_), identifying God as the sole initiator and the one whose sovereign will is the foundation of His choice. This powerfully reinforces the concept of divine grace and initiative over human effort.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his profound theological point in [Romans 9:11](/romans/9-11 "Romans 9:11 - God's Sovereign Election"). Foremost is **Allusion** to the Old Testament narrative of Jacob and Esau from [Genesis 25](/genesis/25 "Genesis 25 - The Birth of Jacob and Esau"), using their pre-birth state as a historical case study to illustrate a universal theological principle. This specific reference serves as an irrefutable example from Israel's own history. Furthermore, Paul utilizes **Antithesis** by sharply contrasting "not of works" with "but of him that calleth." This direct opposition powerfully highlights that the basis of God's election is not human merit but divine initiative, making the distinction clear and emphatic. The entire passage also functions as a form of **Argumentation**, as Paul is systematically building a theological case to explain God's justice and faithfulness in His dealings with both Israel and the Gentiles, using logical progression and scriptural examples to support his claims.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:11 serves as a cornerstone for understanding the doctrine of divine election, asserting that God's choice is an act of sovereign grace, independent of human merit. This verse dismantles any notion of salvation or divine favor being earned through works, instead pointing to God's unconditioned purpose as the sole foundation. It highlights God's absolute freedom and initiative in His redemptive plan, a truth that humbles human pride and magnifies divine grace. The pre-natal election of Jacob over Esau demonstrates that God's choice is not a response to foreseen human goodness or wickedness, but an expression of His own eternal counsel and will, ensuring that His purpose "might stand" immutably.

* [Deuteronomy 7:7-8](/deuteronomy/7-7-8 "Deuteronomy 7:7-8 - God's Love and Choice of Israel")
* [John 15:16](/john/15-16 "John 15:16 - Jesus Chooses His Disciples")
* [2 Timothy 1:9](/2_timothy/1-9 "2 Timothy 1:9 - Saved by God's Purpose and Grace")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:11 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to humility for every believer. It liberates us from the crushing burden of performance-based acceptance, reminding us that our standing with God is not precarious, dependent on our fluctuating efforts or inherent worthiness, but securely anchored in His unchanging purpose and sovereign grace. This truth cultivates deep gratitude, knowing that we are loved and chosen not because of anything we have done, but because of who God is and what He has purposed. It encourages us to rest in His faithfulness, trusting that His plans for our lives, and for all of history, will indeed "stand." For those who struggle with self-condemnation or the pressure to earn God's favor, this verse is a powerful reminder that God is the initiator, the Caller, and His love is unmerited and steadfast.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth that God's election is "not of works" impact your understanding of your own salvation and relationship with God?**
* **In what ways might a focus on personal merit or performance hinder your trust in God's sovereign grace?**
* **How does the immutability of God's purpose, as expressed in "that the purpose of God... might stand," provide comfort or challenge in your life?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more fully in the freedom of God's unmerited call, rather than striving to earn His favor?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 9:11 mean that human free will is irrelevant?**

Answer: Romans 9:11 primarily emphasizes the *source* and *basis* of God's election, asserting that it originates solely from God's sovereign purpose and not from human works or foreseen merit. While the verse highlights divine initiative, it does not directly negate human responsibility or free will. The broader biblical narrative consistently affirms both God's sovereignty and human accountability. Paul's point here is to underscore that salvation and divine election are gifts of grace, not earned achievements, ensuring that God receives all glory. The tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility is a complex theological discussion, but Romans 9:11's primary focus is on the unconditioned nature of God's choice.

**If God chooses, does that mean some people are not given a chance to believe?**

Answer: Romans 9:11 speaks to God's sovereign election of individuals for His purposes, as exemplified by Jacob and Esau. It does not explicitly address the universal offer of the gospel. The Bible consistently presents God as desiring "all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth" ([1 Timothy 2:4](/1_timothy/2-4 "1 Timothy 2:4 - God Desires All to Be Saved")). While God's election is unconditional from His side, the gospel call is extended to all, and faith is the human response. This verse focuses on *why* God chooses, emphasizing His unmerited grace, rather than *who* is excluded from hearing the gospel.

**What does "not of works" really mean in this context?**

Answer: In Romans 9:11, "not of works" means that God's choice, or election, is not based on any good deeds, righteous acts, or moral performance that a person has done or will do. Paul uses the example of Jacob and Esau being chosen *before* they were born and *before* they had done "any good or evil" to underscore this point. It directly refutes the idea that human effort, obedience to the Law, or inherent worthiness could ever be the basis for God's divine favor or election. This concept is central to Paul's theology of grace, emphasizing that salvation is a gift received by faith, not earned by human achievement ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:11, with its profound declaration that God's purpose according to election stands "not of works, but of him that calleth," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Christ Himself is the supreme embodiment of God's sovereign election; He is the chosen One, the Lamb "foreknown before the foundation of the world" ([1 Peter 1:20](/1_peter/1-20 "1 Peter 1:20 - Christ Foreknown Before the Foundation of the World")). In Him, God's eternal purpose for salvation is perfectly realized. Humanity's salvation is not achieved through our own "works" but entirely through the "him that calleth"—God Himself—who calls us into fellowship with His Son ([1 Corinthians 1:9](/1_corinthians/1-9 "1 Corinthians 1:9 - God's Faithfulness in Calling Us")). Jesus' life, death, and resurrection perfectly exemplify that God's redemptive plan is initiated and accomplished by divine grace, not by human merit. We are chosen *in Christ* ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ Before the Foundation of the World")), and our access to God's grace is solely through His finished work on the cross, a work that stands eternally, securing God's purpose for all who believe, apart from any works of the law ([Romans 3:28](/romans/3-28 "Romans 3:28 - Justification by Faith Apart from Works of the Law")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 1:9

Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Ephesians 1:4

According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

Ephesians 1:5

Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

2 Peter 1:10

Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Romans 8:30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Ephesians 1:9

Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: