Romans 9:26

KJV

And it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} it shall come to pass {G2071}, that in {G1722} the place {G5117} where {G3757}{G3739} it was said {G4483} unto them {G846}, Ye {G5210} are not {G3756} my {G3450} people {G2992}; there {G1563} shall they be called {G2564} the children {G5207} of the living {G2198} God {G2316}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and in the very place where they were told,
‘You are not my people,’
there they will be called sons of the living God!”

Berean Standard Bible

and, “It will happen that in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”

American Standard Version

And it shall be, thatin the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:26, a profound quotation from the prophet Hosea, serves as a cornerstone in Paul's intricate argument concerning God's sovereign faithfulness to Israel and His expansive plan of salvation. This verse articulates a radical reversal of status: those once deemed "not my people" by God, whether unfaithful Israelites or formerly alienated Gentiles, are now, through His redemptive work, brought into an intimate covenant relationship and identified as "the children of the living God," demonstrating the boundless scope of divine mercy and inclusion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:26 is situated within Paul's deeply theological and often challenging discourse in [Romans chapters 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Faithfulness to Israel and the Gentiles"). Having established the universal need for righteousness by faith in [Romans 1-8](/romans/1 "Romans 1-8 - Righteousness by Faith"), Paul now addresses the perplexing question of Israel's apparent rejection and the inclusion of Gentiles. He grapples with God's justice and faithfulness, particularly concerning His covenant promises to Israel. This verse is a direct citation from [Hosea 1:10](/hosea/1-10 "Hosea 1:10 - Israel's Restoration") (and implicitly [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - God's Mercy on Lo-Ruhamah and Lo-Ammi")), which originally referred to the restoration of unfaithful Israel. Paul masterfully recontextualizes this prophecy to demonstrate that God's plan always encompassed a broader people, now fulfilled in the inclusion of Gentiles alongside believing Jews in the new covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with significant tension between Jewish and Gentile believers. Jewish Christians often struggled to accept Gentiles as full members of God's people without adherence to the Mosaic Law, while Gentiles, historically outside the covenant, were now being welcomed. The concept of "people of God" (`am YHWH` in Hebrew) was central to Israel's identity, signifying their unique, chosen status. To be called "not my people" (Hebrew: `Lo-Ammi`) was the ultimate pronouncement of covenant judgment and alienation, as seen in Hosea's prophecy against a disobedient Israel. Paul's application of this Old Testament prophecy to Gentiles, who were never ethnically "God's people" in the same way Israel was, underscores the radical nature of God's redemptive work in Christ, breaking down long-standing ethnic and religious barriers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Inclusion**, emphasizing God's sovereign right and gracious will to bring into His family those who were once alienated. This expands the definition of God's people beyond ethnic Israel to encompass all who believe, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations ([Romans 4:16-17](/romans/4-16-17 "Romans 4:16-17 - Abraham, Father of Many Nations")). Secondly, it underscores the **Reversal of Status**, a profound transformation from rejection to adoption. Those who were "not my people" are now elevated to "children of the living God," signifying a complete change in identity and relationship, a theme echoed in [Galatians 3:26](/galatians/3-26 "Galatians 3:26 - Children of God by Faith"). Thirdly, the verse points to **God's Sovereignty and Mercy**, demonstrating that salvation is not based on human merit, lineage, or works, but solely on God's gracious initiative and call, as Paul further elaborates in [Romans 9:15-16](/romans/9-15-16 "Romans 9:15-16 - God's Mercy and Compassion")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **place (Greek, _tópos'_):** This word, G5117, denotes a specific "spot" or "location." Its use here is crucial because it emphasizes a literal, identifiable location where the declaration of rejection was made. The prophecy suggests that the very ground where they were disowned will become the ground of their re-adoption, highlighting the tangible and observable nature of God's redemptive work.
* **not (Greek, _ou'_):** As G3756, this is the absolute negative adverb, indicating a complete and categorical denial. When applied to "my people," it signifies a definitive state of alienation and disinheritance from God's covenant family, underscoring the severity of the spiritual separation that existed.
* **people (Greek, _laós'_):** G2992 refers to "a people in general," distinguishing it from a specific populace. In the context of the Old Testament, `laós` often refers to Israel as God's chosen people. Paul's use here, in quoting Hosea, applies this term to those who were not ethnically Israel or who had been disowned by God, demonstrating a radical redefinition of who constitutes God's `laós`.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** G2564 means "to call," often aloud, implying a public declaration or naming. In this verse, it signifies a divine act of naming and identification. To be "called the children of the living God" is not merely a title but a new, divinely bestowed identity and status, signifying adoption into God's family.
* **living (Greek, _záō'_):** G2198, meaning "to live," emphasizes the active, dynamic, and life-giving nature of God. This contrasts sharply with the dead idols of pagan worship and underscores that the God who calls them His children is not a static or distant deity, but a vibrant, active, and present Lord who bestows life and relationship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass":** This introductory phrase, drawn directly from the Old Testament prophetic tradition, signals the certainty and divine orchestration of the events to follow. It emphasizes that what is about to be described is not a mere possibility but a guaranteed fulfillment of God's plan.
* **"that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people":** This clause directly references the prophetic judgment from Hosea, particularly against Northern Israel (Ephraim/Samaria), who had been disowned by God due to their idolatry and unfaithfulness. The "place" signifies the very context or historical reality of their alienation, highlighting the depth of their former separation from God's covenant.
* **"there shall they be called the children of the living God":** This is the climactic reversal. The same "place" or context of rejection becomes the setting for a profound transformation. Those who were once disowned are now divinely named and recognized as "children" (sons and daughters) of the "living God." This signifies a new, intimate, and familial relationship, replacing alienation with adoption and judgment with grace.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 9:26 prominently employs **Allusion** and **Prophetic Fulfillment**, as Paul directly quotes and reinterprets Hosea's prophecy. This demonstrates God's consistent plan woven throughout history, culminating in Christ. The verse also utilizes powerful **Contrast** and **Antithesis**, juxtaposing "not my people" with "the children of the living God." This stark opposition highlights the radical transformation wrought by God's grace, moving individuals from a state of alienation to one of intimate sonship. Furthermore, there is an element of **Irony** in that the very "place" or context of rejection becomes the scene of divine embrace, underscoring God's ability to redeem and reverse seemingly irreversible judgments. The phrase "living God" also serves as a subtle **Contrast** to the dead idols worshipped by Gentiles, emphasizing the true, active, and life-giving nature of the God who adopts them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:26 is a profound statement on God's redemptive sovereignty and His expansive definition of His covenant people. It underscores that God's plan of salvation is not limited by human lineage or national identity, but is extended through grace to all whom He calls, whether Jew or Gentile. This verse speaks to the doctrine of **adoption**, where those once estranged are brought into the intimate family of God, receiving the full rights and privileges of sonship. It highlights the **new covenant** reality, where the Spirit of God enables a relationship of true intimacy and belonging, transforming identity from `Lo-Ammi` (not my people) to `Ammi` (my people), and beyond, to `Benei Elohim` (children of God). This transformation is a testament to God's boundless mercy and His unwavering commitment to gather a people for Himself from every tribe and tongue.

* [Hosea 1:10](/hosea/1-10 "Hosea 1:10 - Israel's Future Restoration")
* [Hosea 2:23](/hosea/2-23 "Hosea 2:23 - God's Compassion and New Covenant")
* [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, a Holy Nation")
* [Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - All Are One in Christ Jesus")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:26 offers profound comfort and a challenging call to contemporary believers. For those who have ever felt like outsiders, unchosen, or unworthy, this verse declares that God's grace transcends all human barriers and previous statuses. Our identity as Christians is not rooted in our past failures, our social standing, our ethnicity, or our accomplishments, but solely in God's gracious act of calling and adopting us into His family. We are "the children of the living God," a status that grants us intimate access to Him and an eternal inheritance. This truth should inspire deep gratitude, humility, and a radical sense of belonging. It compels us to live in a manner worthy of our new identity, reflecting the character of our Father and extending the same grace and inclusion to others that we have received. It also challenges us to dismantle any human-made distinctions that contradict God's inclusive heart for all people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways have you personally experienced a "reversal of status" through God's grace, moving from feeling like an outsider to feeling like a beloved child of God?**
* **How does the truth of being "children of the living God" impact your daily life, your self-perception, and your interactions with others?**
* **What practical steps can you take to extend God's radical inclusion to those who feel marginalized or "not my people" in your community or church?**
* **How does understanding God as the "living God" (in contrast to dead idols or abstract concepts) deepen your worship and trust in Him?**

### FAQ

**Who are the "them" referred to as "not my people" in this verse?**

Answer: In its original context in the book of Hosea, "them" primarily referred to the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim), whom God had declared "Lo-Ammi" (not my people) due to their persistent idolatry and unfaithfulness, signifying a temporary but severe covenant judgment and alienation. However, Paul, in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice"), applies this prophecy in a broader sense within the framework of God's redemptive history. He uses it to refer not only to unfaithful Israelites but also, crucially, to the Gentiles. The Gentiles were historically outside the covenant promises made to Israel, and thus, in a theological sense, were "not God's people." Paul's genius here is showing that God's plan always included bringing these "outsiders" into His family through faith in Christ, fulfilling the prophetic trajectory of restoration and expansion.

**How does this verse relate to God's faithfulness to Israel?**

Answer: This verse is central to Paul's argument in [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles") regarding God's faithfulness to Israel. While it speaks powerfully of Gentile inclusion, it does not negate God's promises to Israel. Instead, it demonstrates the complexity and multi-faceted nature of God's redemptive plan. Paul argues that God's election is not based solely on ethnic descent but on His sovereign choice and mercy. The prophecy in Hosea originally promised restoration for Israel, and Paul shows that this restoration, along with the inclusion of Gentiles, is now being realized in the new covenant community of the Church. It highlights that God's faithfulness is ultimately to His own character and His overarching purpose to gather a people for Himself, both Jew and Gentile, through faith in Christ.

**What does it mean to be "the children of the living God"?**

Answer: To be called "the children of the living God" signifies a profound and transformative change in identity and relationship. It means moving from a state of alienation and spiritual death to one of intimate sonship and vibrant life in God's family. The term "living God" ([G2198](/romans/9-26 "Romans 9:26 - Key Word Analysis for 'living'")) emphasizes that the God who adopts us is not a distant, passive deity, but an active, dynamic, and life-giving presence. Being His "children" implies not only a new spiritual birth but also adoption, inheritance, and a deep, personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. This status is granted by grace through faith in Christ, and it bestows upon believers the rights, privileges, and responsibilities of being part of God's eternal household, as further elaborated in [John 1:12](/john/1-12 "John 1:12 - Children of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:26 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the very means by which those who were once "not my people"—whether unfaithful Israelites or Gentiles alienated from the covenant promises—are brought near and transformed into "the children of the living God." Christ's atoning work on the cross broke down the dividing wall of hostility between Jew and Gentile, making "one new humanity" ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). Through faith in Him, believers are no longer strangers and aliens but "fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Jesus, as the "Son of God," perfectly embodies what it means to be a child of the living God, and through union with Him by the Spirit, believers participate in His sonship, crying out "Abba, Father!" ([Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption")). Thus, the prophetic words of Hosea, re-articulated by Paul, are not merely a historical observation but a powerful testament to the universal, redemptive, and inclusive work of God accomplished definitively in Christ, forming a new covenant people for His glory.

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

Hosea 1:9

Then said [God], Call his name Loammi: for ye [are] not my people, and I will not be your [God].

Hosea 1:10

Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye [are] not my people, [there] it shall be said unto them, [Ye are] the sons of the living God.

1 John 3:1

¶ Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

1 John 3:3

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

Romans 8:16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

Isaiah 43:6

I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;

Galatians 3:26

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.