Romans 9:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3748} are {G1526} Israelites {G2475}; to whom {G3739} pertaineth the adoption {G5206}, and {G2532} the glory {G1391}, and {G2532} the covenants {G1242}, and {G2532} the giving of the law {G3548}, and {G2532} the service {G2999} of God, and {G2532} the promises {G1860};

Complete Jewish Bible

the people of Isra’el! They were made God’s children, the Sh’khinah has been with them, the covenants are theirs, likewise the giving of the Torah, the Temple service and the promises;

Berean Standard Bible

the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory and the covenants; theirs the giving of the law, the temple worship, and the promises.

American Standard Version

who are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:4 is a pivotal verse within Paul's deeply emotional discourse concerning Israel's place in God's redemptive plan. Despite their widespread rejection of Jesus as Messiah, Paul expresses profound sorrow for his kinsmen and immediately proceeds to enumerate the extraordinary spiritual privileges and blessings divinely bestowed upon the nation of Israel. This verse highlights their unique historical position as God's chosen people, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent theological argument regarding God's faithfulness and sovereign election amidst Israel's unbelief.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:4 is embedded within a crucial section of Paul's letter (chapters 9-11) where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's widespread unbelief in Jesus Christ, despite their status as God's chosen people. Paul begins this section by expressing his profound anguish and willingness to be accursed for the sake of his people ([Romans 9:1-3](/romans/9-1-3 "Paul's Anguish for Israel")). Verse 4 then initiates a meticulous enumeration of Israel's unparalleled spiritual advantages and heritage, which continues into [Romans 9:5](/romans/9-5 "Christ's Lineage from Israel"). This detailed list serves as a foundational premise, establishing Israel's undeniable historical and theological privileges before Paul delves into the complex theological arguments concerning God's sovereignty, election, and the future of Israel. It underscores the severity of their present spiritual condition given such a rich past.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, a Jew writing to a diverse church in Rome (comprised of both Jewish and Gentile believers), was acutely aware of the historical and theological tensions surrounding Israel's role in God's plan. For centuries, Israel had been set apart by God through specific covenants, laws, and divine manifestations, distinguishing them from all other nations. The privileges listed in Romans 9:4 were central to Jewish identity and their understanding of their unique relationship with Yahweh. In the first century, the perceived "stumbling" of Israel in rejecting their Messiah posed a significant theological challenge for both Jewish and Gentile Christians, leading to questions about God's faithfulness. Paul addresses this by first affirming Israel's indisputable heritage, demonstrating that God had indeed honored His promises to them, before explaining the broader scope of God's redemptive work.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Election and Covenantal Faithfulness:** This verse powerfully underscores God's unwavering commitment to the nation of Israel. The sevenfold list of privileges serves as irrefutable evidence of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises and His unique choice of Israel as His people. This theme is central to Paul's argument throughout [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "God's Sovereign Choice") as he seeks to reconcile Israel's present unbelief with God's enduring faithfulness.
* **Israel's Unique Identity and Purpose:** Romans 9:4 meticulously details the distinct spiritual advantages bestowed upon Israel, highlighting their unparalleled role in salvation history. They were the recipients of divine revelation, the custodians of God's law, and the lineage through which the Messiah would come. This sets them apart from all other nations, emphasizing their special calling and the immense responsibility that accompanied such privilege, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Israel, a Holy People").
* **Theological Foundation for the Gospel:** The privileges enumerated—the adoption, glory, covenants, law, service, and promises—were not ends in themselves but divinely orchestrated preparations for the advent of the Messiah. They form the historical and theological bedrock upon which the New Covenant and the universal spread of the gospel are built. Paul implies that these blessings were given precisely to prepare the way for Christ, who is the fulfillment of all these promises, as he later states in [Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ is the End of the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Israelites (Greek, _Israēlítēs'_):** This term refers to the descendants of Jacob (Israel), specifically the Jewish people. Paul uses it to identify his kinsmen according to the flesh, emphasizing their national and ethnic identity as the recipients of the unique divine blessings enumerated in the verse.
* **covenants (Greek, _diathḗkē'_):** Properly, a disposition or contract, especially a devisory will. In this context, it refers to the foundational agreements God made with Israel, such as the Abrahamic, Mosaic, and Davidic covenants, which established their relationship with God, outlined His promises, and set the framework for His redemptive plan. The plural indicates the multiplicity and progression of these divine agreements.
* **promises (Greek, _epangelía'_):** An announcement, often implying a divine assurance of good. These are the numerous prophecies and assurances given by God to the patriarchs and prophets concerning Israel's future, their land, their seed, and ultimately, the coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. They represent God's faithful declarations of future blessings and redemptive acts.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who are Israelites;":** This opening clause directly identifies the people group Paul is discussing—his fellow Jews. It immediately establishes the subject of the verse as those who possess a unique national and spiritual identity, setting the stage for the subsequent list of their distinctive privileges.
* **"to whom pertaineth the adoption,":** This refers to Israel's national adoption as God's "firstborn" son among the nations, signifying a unique and special relationship with God, as declared in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Israel is My Firstborn Son"). This was a corporate, not individual, adoption, highlighting their distinct status among all peoples.
* **"and the glory,":** This denotes the visible manifestation of God's presence, often referred to as the Shekinah glory. This divine presence resided among Israel in the Tabernacle and Temple, symbolizing God's unique favor, presence, and dwelling among His chosen people, as exemplified in [Exodus 40:34](/exodus/40-34 "The Glory Fills the Tabernacle").
* **"and the covenants,":** This plural term encompasses the foundational agreements God established with Israel, including the Abrahamic Covenant ([Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Abrahamic Covenant")), the Mosaic Covenant ([Exodus 19:5-6](/exodus/19-5-6 "The Mosaic Covenant")), and the Davidic Covenant ([2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12-16 "The Davidic Covenant")). These formed the legal and theological framework of their relationship with God and His unfolding redemptive plan.
* **"and the giving of the law,":** This refers to the divine revelation of the Torah, the Mosaic Law, given at Mount Sinai. It provided Israel with God's perfect standard for righteousness, moral guidance, and the framework for their national life and worship, as detailed in [Exodus 20](/exodus/20 "The Ten Commandments").
* **"and the service [of God],":** This denotes the elaborate system of worship, sacrifices, and rituals prescribed in the Mosaic Law, centered around the Tabernacle and later the Temple. This "service" (Greek, _latreía_) was the divinely ordained means by which Israel could approach God, seek atonement for sin, and express their devotion.
* **"and the promises;":** This refers to the numerous divine assurances and prophecies given to Israel's patriarchs and prophets concerning their future, their land, their seed, and the ultimate coming of the Messiah and His kingdom. These promises provided hope, direction, and a glimpse into God's ultimate redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Enumeration** in Romans 9:4, listing seven distinct privileges bestowed upon Israel. This rhetorical device serves to emphasize the sheer abundance and uniqueness of God's blessings upon His chosen people, building a cumulative argument for their unparalleled spiritual heritage. The sequential listing creates a powerful rhetorical effect, underscoring the depth of Paul's sorrow for their present unbelief given such a richly endowed past. The consistent use of the definite article "the" before each privilege (e.g., "the adoption," "the glory," "the covenants") highlights their specific and singular nature, indicating that these were not generic blessings but unique divine endowments exclusively given to Israel. This detailed catalog serves to reinforce the profound significance of Israel's historical role in God's redemptive plan.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:4 serves as a crucial theological anchor, demonstrating God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people, Israel, despite their corporate rejection of the Messiah. The enumeration of these unique privileges underscores the depth of God's investment in Israel's history, revealing His sovereign plan to work through a chosen nation to bring about universal salvation. These blessings were not merely historical relics but foundational elements that prepared the way for the ultimate revelation of God's righteousness in Christ, highlighting that salvation has always been "from the Jews" ([John 4:22](/john/4-22 "Salvation is from the Jews")). Paul's argument throughout Romans 9-11 hinges on these privileges, affirming God's past fidelity to Israel even as He extends salvation to the Gentiles, ultimately promising a future restoration for Israel itself.

* [Deuteronomy 4:7-8](/deuteronomy/4-7-8 "Israel's Uniqueness Among Nations")
* [Psalm 147:19-20](/psalms/147-19-20 "God's Word to Jacob, His Statutes to Israel")
* [Romans 3:1-2](/romans/3-1-2 "The Advantage of the Jew")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:4 invites us to reflect deeply on the nature of divine privilege and the responsibility that accompanies it. While the nation of Israel was uniquely blessed with an unparalleled spiritual heritage, their failure to embrace their Messiah highlights that privilege alone does not guarantee salvation; faithful response to God's revelation is paramount. For believers today, this verse reminds us that our spiritual heritage, though different from Israel's national one, is equally profound, rooted in Christ's work. We, too, have been adopted into God's family, share in His glory, are recipients of the New Covenant, and live by His Spirit, fulfilling His promises. This should lead to profound gratitude for our undeserved blessings and a sober awareness of the responsibility that comes with being God's people. It urges us to live in faithful obedience, to cherish the spiritual truths entrusted to us, and to actively participate in God's ongoing mission to share the gospel with all, including those who may not yet recognize their Messiah.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Israel's unique privileges deepen your appreciation for God's faithfulness throughout history?**
* **In what ways do you see parallels between the privileges given to Israel and the spiritual blessings believers receive in Christ today?**
* **What responsibilities accompany the spiritual privileges you have received as a follower of Christ?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "adoption" mentioned in Romans 9:4?**

Answer: The "adoption" (Greek, _huiothesía_) in this context refers to Israel's unique national status as God's "firstborn" son among the nations, as declared in [Exodus 4:22](/exodus/4-22 "Israel, God's Firstborn Son"). This was a corporate, national adoption, signifying their special relationship and covenantal privilege with God, distinguishing them from all other peoples. It is distinct from the individual spiritual adoption into God's family that believers experience through faith in Christ, as described in [Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Adoption as Sons Through Jesus Christ").

**How do the "covenants" and "promises" in this verse relate to the New Testament?**

Answer: The "covenants" (e.g., Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic) and "promises" given to Israel in the Old Testament are foundational to understanding God's redemptive plan. They established the framework for God's relationship with humanity and progressively revealed His intention to send a Messiah. The New Testament teaches that these covenants and promises find their ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. For instance, the New Covenant, prophesied in [Jeremiah 31:31-34](/jeremiah/31-31-34 "The New Covenant"), is inaugurated through Christ's blood, as explained in [Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "The New Covenant in My Blood"). All God's promises are "Yes" and "Amen" in Him ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), meaning they are affirmed and realized through His person and work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:4, while enumerating Israel's unique historical privileges, ultimately points to the profound truth that all these blessings—the adoption, glory, covenants, law, service, and promises—find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the true Israelite, the Son of God who perfectly embodies the national adoption, and through whom individual believers are adopted into God's family ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "Adoption as Sons Through Christ")). The glory of God, once veiled in the Tabernacle and Temple, is now fully revealed in the person of Christ, who is the "radiance of God's glory" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "The Son is the Radiance of God's Glory")) and in whom the disciples beheld His glory ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")). The old covenants, with their limitations and shadows, are superseded and perfected by the New Covenant established in His blood, which offers a better hope and direct access to God ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "A Better Covenant")). The Law, given to Israel, finds its purpose and end in Christ, who perfectly fulfilled its righteous demands and provides righteousness to all who believe ([Romans 10:4](/romans/10-4 "Christ is the End of the Law")). The temple service, with its sacrifices, is rendered complete by His once-for-all atoning sacrifice, making Him the perfect High Priest and the ultimate sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Finally, all the promises made to Abraham and his descendants are realized and made accessible to both Jew and Gentile through faith in Jesus, the promised Seed ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Promises Were Made to Abraham and to His Seed, Who Is Christ"); [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Gentiles are Fellow Heirs in Christ")). Thus, Israel's unique heritage was divinely orchestrated to prepare the way for the coming of Christ, in whom all God's redemptive purposes for humanity are brought to glorious fruition.

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

Ephesians 2:12

That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

Psalms 147:19

He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.

Romans 9:6

¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

Genesis 17:2

And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

Acts 2:39

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, [even] as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Deuteronomy 7:6

For thou [art] an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto himself, above all people that [are] upon the face of the earth.

Exodus 4:22

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel [is] my son, [even] my firstborn: