Romans 9:7

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Romans 9:7 continues Paul's profound theological argument in Romans chapter 9, where he grapples with the perplexing question of God's faithfulness to Israel. Having established that God's word has not failed, Paul begins to explain that not all who are physically descended from Abraham are automatically part of God's chosen people. This verse directly follows the crucial statement in Romans 9:6, "For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel." Paul is laying the groundwork for understanding God's sovereign right to choose, and how His promises are fulfilled.

Key Themes and Messages

  • God's Sovereign Election: The primary message is that God's promises and purposes are fulfilled through His sovereign choice, not simply through natural descent. The selection of Isaac over Ishmael illustrates that God chooses whom He will use for His redemptive plan and covenant blessings.
  • Distinction Between Physical and Spiritual Lineage: Paul clarifies that being a "seed of Abraham" physically does not automatically mean one is a "child" in the sense of being an heir to the spiritual promises. This challenges the common Jewish understanding of their privileged status based solely on ancestry.
  • Covenant Specificity: The phrase "In Isaac shall thy seed be called" directly quotes Genesis 21:12, where God explicitly tells Abraham that His covenant line would be through Isaac, not Ishmael. This emphasizes God's precise and deliberate fulfillment of His promises, which are not generic but specific to His chosen vessel.

Linguistic Insights

The term "seed" (Greek: sperma) in this context is crucial. While it literally refers to offspring or descendants, Paul uses it to differentiate between a broad physical lineage and a specific, chosen spiritual lineage through whom God's promises are inherited. This distinction is vital for understanding Paul's argument about the nature of God's covenant with Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles through faith.

Practical Application

Romans 9:7 reminds us that salvation and spiritual privilege are not inherited or based on family lineage, ethnicity, or any human qualification. It highlights that God's grace and His sovereign call are the true basis for inclusion in His family. This verse encourages believers to understand that being a true "child of Abraham" today is about faith in Christ, as spiritual heirs of the promise, rather than physical descent. It challenges any notion of automatic religious privilege and underscores the personal nature of faith and God's unmerited favor.

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, 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.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to Romans: The Power of the Gospel Understanding Romans 9: God's Sovereign Choice 7 Major Themes in the Book of Romans The Relationship Between Israel and the Church Election and Predestination

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.
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