Romans 9:7

KJV

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

KJV (with Strong's)

Neither {G3761}, because {G3754} they are {G1526} the seed {G4690} of Abraham {G11}, are they all {G3956} children {G5043}: but {G235}, In {G1722} Isaac {G2464} shall {G2564} thy {G4671} seed {G4690} be called {G2564}.

Complete Jewish Bible

indeed, not all the descendants are seed of Avraham; rather, “What is to be called your ‘seed’ will be in Yitz’chak.”

Berean Standard Bible

Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.”

American Standard Version

neither, because they are Abraham’s seed, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:7 is a pivotal verse in Paul's argument concerning God's faithfulness to Israel, asserting that physical descent from Abraham does not automatically qualify one as a true "child" or heir of God's covenant promises. By quoting God's declaration to Abraham regarding Isaac, Paul demonstrates that God's redemptive plan operates by sovereign election and divine designation, not by natural lineage, thereby laying the groundwork for understanding the spiritual nature of God's chosen people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:7 immediately follows Paul's profound declaration in [Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - Not all Israel is Israel"), "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel." This verse serves as the initial, concrete example to substantiate that claim. Paul is addressing the theological dilemma of Israel's widespread rejection of Christ, which might lead some to question God's fidelity to His covenant promises. To resolve this, he argues that God's promises were never intended for every physical descendant of Abraham, but rather for a select, divinely chosen lineage. The mention of Isaac sets the stage for further examples of God's selective election, such as Jacob over Esau in [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - Jacob and Esau's Election"), illustrating that God's choice is based on His purpose, not on human merit or natural birthright.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, being a physical descendant of Abraham was considered a paramount privilege and a guarantee of one's standing with God. Jewish identity was inextricably linked to this lineage, often leading to a sense of inherent righteousness or entitlement to God's blessings. This belief is evident in passages like [Matthew 3:9](/matthew/3-9 "Matthew 3:9 - John the Baptist's Warning") where John the Baptist warns against relying on Abrahamic descent. Paul, himself a Jew, understood this deeply ingrained conviction. His argument in Romans 9:7 directly challenges this prevailing cultural and theological assumption, asserting that God's covenant promises, while made to Abraham, are fulfilled through a specific, divinely chosen "seed," which transcends mere physical procreation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes within Romans and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it underscores **God's Sovereign Election**, demonstrating that God's choice is not dependent on human will or effort, but on His divine purpose and grace. Secondly, it highlights the crucial **Distinction Between Physical and Spiritual Lineage**, clarifying that true membership in God's covenant people is not determined by biological ancestry but by God's call and spiritual relationship. This theme is further developed as Paul explains how Gentiles can become spiritual children of Abraham through faith in Christ ([Romans 4:11-12](/romans/4-11-12 "Romans 4:11-12 - Abraham, Father of All Believers")). Thirdly, it emphasizes **Covenant Specificity**, showing that God's promises are precise and directed to His chosen instrument, as seen in His explicit declaration concerning Isaac in [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "Genesis 21:12 - God's Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seed (Greek, _spérma'_):** (G4690) This term, while literally referring to offspring or descendants, carries significant theological weight here. Paul uses it to distinguish between the broad physical lineage of Abraham and the specific, divinely designated line through whom God's promises would be inherited. It points to a chosen, spiritual remnant rather than a general biological multitude.
* **children (Greek, _téknon'_):** (G5043) Meaning "a child (as produced)," this word contrasts sharply with "seed" in this context. While all Abraham's physical "seed" are his descendants, not all are considered "children" in the sense of being heirs to the spiritual promises and blessings. This highlights the qualitative difference between natural birth and divine adoption or designation.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** (G2564) This word, meaning "to call" or "to name," is crucial. In the context of "In Isaac shall thy seed be called," it signifies more than just a naming. It implies divine designation, selection, and constitution. God's "calling" of Isaac's line is an act of sovereign choice, establishing the specific channel through which His covenant promises would be fulfilled. It's a declaration of divine purpose and identity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children":** This opening clause directly refutes a common Jewish misconception. Paul asserts that merely being a physical descendant ("seed") of Abraham does not automatically confer the status of a true "child" or heir of God's covenant promises. It introduces the critical distinction between biological lineage and spiritual sonship, setting the stage for the subsequent clarification.
* **"but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called."**: This is the pivotal counter-statement, a direct quotation from [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "Genesis 21:12 - God's Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac"). It reveals God's sovereign method of fulfilling His promises. The covenant line was not through Ishmael, or any other of Abraham's sons, but specifically through Isaac. The phrase "shall thy seed be called" signifies that God Himself designated Isaac as the one through whom Abraham's true "seed" — the inheritors of the promise — would be identified and established. This divine "calling" or naming is an act of election, demonstrating that God's choice is independent of human merit or natural birth order.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several significant literary devices in [Romans 9:7](/romans/9-7 "Romans 9:7 - God's Election through Isaac"). The most prominent is **Quotation**, as he directly cites [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "Genesis 21:12 - God's Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac"). This direct appeal to Scripture serves as irrefutable proof for his argument, grounding his theological assertion in the authoritative word of God. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between "seed of Abraham" (physical descendants) and "children" (spiritual heirs). This juxtaposition highlights the qualitative difference Paul is emphasizing, challenging the prevailing understanding of inherited privilege. The use of Isaac as an example functions as an **Exemplum**, providing a historical precedent that illustrates God's sovereign method of election. Finally, there's a subtle use of **Synecdoche** or **Metonymy** where "seed" initially refers broadly to descendants, but then is narrowed by divine designation to refer specifically to the line of promise through Isaac, representing the true inheritors of God's covenant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:7 is foundational to understanding the nature of God's covenant with humanity and the identity of His true people. It establishes that divine blessing and covenant participation are not based on human lineage, ethnicity, or works, but solely on God's sovereign choice and grace. This truth dismantles any notion of inherited spiritual privilege and underscores that God's promises are fulfilled according to His specific, elective purpose. It shifts the focus from human effort or birthright to God's unmerited favor, revealing that the true "Israel" is a spiritual entity, defined by God's call rather than by physical descent. This principle is crucial for understanding the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, as it demonstrates that God has always operated by election, even within Abraham's own household.

* [Galatians 3:7-9](/galatians/3-7-9 "Galatians 3:7-9 - Faith Makes One a Son of Abraham"): "Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham."
* [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God"): "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart"): "For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:7 offers a profound challenge to any form of spiritual complacency or reliance on external markers of faith. It powerfully reminds us that our standing with God is never based on our family background, ethnic identity, religious heritage, or any human achievement. Instead, it is entirely dependent on God's sovereign grace and His divine call. This truth should cultivate deep humility within us, recognizing that our inclusion in God's family is a gift, not a right. It compels us to examine the true nature of our faith: Is it a genuine, personal relationship with God, or merely an inherited tradition? This verse also provides immense comfort, assuring us that God's promises are unfailing because they rest on His immutable character and sovereign purpose, not on the fickle faithfulness of humanity. Our security is found in His election, not in our lineage or performance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be tempted to rely on my background, family, or religious tradition rather than on a personal, living faith in Christ?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign choice, as exemplified by Isaac, deepen my appreciation for His grace in my own salvation?**
* **What does it mean for me to be a "true child of Abraham" today, and how does that influence my daily walk and witness?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 9:7 imply that God rejects all ethnic Jews?**

Answer: No, Romans 9:7 does not imply that God rejects all ethnic Jews. Instead, it clarifies that God's covenant promises were never universally applied to *all* physical descendants of Abraham, but rather to a specific, divinely chosen line. Paul's argument throughout [Romans 9-11](/romans/9 "Romans 9-11 - God's Plan for Israel and the Gentiles") is complex. While he highlights God's sovereign election and the current hardening of some in Israel, he also affirms God's continued love for Israel and prophesies a future restoration for them ([Romans 11:25-27](/romans/11-25-27 "Romans 11:25-27 - The Fullness of the Gentiles and Israel's Salvation")). The verse simply distinguishes between physical descent and spiritual heirship, a distinction that applies to all people, whether Jew or Gentile.

**What is the significance of the phrase "In Isaac shall thy seed be called"?**

Answer: This phrase, directly quoted from [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "Genesis 21:12 - God's Promise to Abraham Regarding Isaac"), is profoundly significant. It means that God unilaterally and sovereignly designated Isaac, not Ishmael or any other son, as the specific channel through whom Abraham's true "seed" – the inheritors of the covenant promises – would be identified. The word "called" (Greek: _kaléō_) here implies more than just naming; it means to be divinely designated, constituted, or brought into existence as the true line of promise. It underscores that God's plan of salvation is not based on human merit, natural birth order, or Abraham's personal desires (he initially desired Ishmael to be the heir, [Genesis 17:18](/genesis/17-18 "Genesis 17:18 - Abraham's Plea for Ishmael")), but solely on His own sovereign will and purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:7, by emphasizing that God's promises are fulfilled through a divinely chosen "seed" rather than through universal physical descent, ultimately points to Jesus Christ as the singular and ultimate "seed" of Abraham. As [Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Seed is Christ") declares, "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ." Christ is the true Isaac, the one uniquely "called" and designated by God to inherit and fulfill all the Abrahamic promises. Through His perfect obedience, sacrificial death, and resurrection, Jesus became the means by which all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile, are grafted into the spiritual lineage of Abraham, becoming "children of Abraham by faith" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")). Thus, the principle of divine election, first illustrated with Isaac, finds its ultimate and inclusive fulfillment in Christ, through whom God's family is expanded to encompass all who are born "not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" ([John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")).

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

Genesis 21:12

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Hebrews 11:18

Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

John 8:37

I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you.

John 8:39

They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

Galatians 4:23

But he [who was] of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman [was] by promise.

Luke 3:8

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to [our] father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Philippians 3:3

For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.