Romans 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;)

(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};)

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),

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

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,

Romans 9:11 is a foundational verse within Paul’s profound discussion (Romans 9-11) concerning God’s sovereign plan for both Israel and the Gentiles. This particular verse refers to the twin sons of Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Esau, whose story is recounted in Genesis 25:23. Paul uses their pre-birth state, before they had performed any good or evil deeds, to illustrate a crucial theological point: God’s choice, or election, is not based on human merit or action, but solely on His divine purpose and initiative.

Key Themes

  • Divine Election and Sovereignty: The central message is that God's "purpose... according to election might stand." This highlights God's absolute sovereignty in choosing individuals, not based on their foreseen actions or inherent worthiness. It emphasizes that God's choice originates entirely with Him, made "not of works, but of him that calleth." This concept is foundational to understanding God's active role in salvation history, as seen in passages discussing believers being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world.
  • Grace Over Works: The phrase "not of works" is a cornerstone of Pauline theology. It powerfully asserts that God's decisions regarding His elect are not contingent upon human effort, obedience, or righteousness. This principle resonates throughout Paul's letters, particularly in his emphasis that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works, so that no one can boast.
  • God's Unchanging Purpose: The verse stresses that God's purpose "might stand." This implies the immutability and steadfastness of God's plan, which is not swayed by human performance or lack thereof. God's call is steadfast and true.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "election" is eklogē, which literally means a choice or selection. It emphasizes the active role of God in making a deliberate selection. Similarly, "him that calleth" (from the Greek kalountos) points directly to God as the initiator, the one who issues the divine summons or invitation. This reinforces the idea that God's choice originates entirely with Him and not with the called, consistent with God's faithfulness in calling believers into fellowship with His Son.

Practical Application

Romans 9:11 offers profound theological comfort and a call to humility. It reminds us that our standing with God, and indeed His entire redemptive plan, is not based on our achievements, good deeds, or inherent worthiness, but entirely on His gracious choice and sovereign purpose. This truth liberates believers from the burden of earning God's favor and cultivates deep gratitude for His unmerited grace. It encourages us to trust in God's unchanging character and His perfect plan, knowing that His purposes will always "stand." For those who wrestle with feelings of inadequacy or the pressure of performance, this verse offers a powerful anchor in God's unshakeable love and initiative, reminding us that He is the one who calls and establishes His purposes.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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:
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