Romans 9:8

KJV

That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

KJV (with Strong's)

That is {G5123}, They which are the children {G5043} of the flesh {G4561}, these {G5023} are not {G3756} the children {G5043} of God {G2316}: but {G235} the children {G5043} of the promise {G1860} are counted {G3049} for {G1519} the seed {G4690}.

Complete Jewish Bible

In other words, it is not the physical children who are children of God, but the children the promise refers to who are considered seed.

Berean Standard Bible

So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

American Standard Version

That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:8 serves as a crucial clarification in Paul's intricate argument concerning God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It definitively asserts that physical descent from Abraham, while significant, does not automatically confer the status of being a "child of God." Instead, true sonship and participation in God's redemptive plan are reserved for those who are "children of the promise," highlighting a profound distinction between mere biological lineage and a spiritual inheritance rooted in divine election and grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:8 is embedded within Paul's profound and often challenging discourse in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice"), where he addresses the perplexing question of Israel's apparent rejection of Jesus as Messiah. Following his heartfelt lament for his kinsmen in [Romans 9:1-5](/romans/9-1-5 "Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Sorrow for Israel"), Paul immediately tackles the potential accusation that God's word has failed ([Romans 9:6](/romans/9-6 "Romans 9:6 - God's Word Has Not Failed")). To counter this, he meticulously demonstrates that God's promises were never intended for *all* physical descendants of Abraham, but rather for a select group chosen according to God's sovereign purpose. He illustrates this principle through the examples of Isaac and Ishmael in [Romans 9:7](/romans/9-7 "Romans 9:7 - Isaac, the Child of Promise") and then Jacob and Esau in [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - Jacob and Esau: God's Sovereign Choice"). Verse 8 functions as the interpretive key to the Isaac and Ishmael example, explicitly stating the principle that physical birth alone is insufficient for true spiritual lineage, thus setting the stage for the broader argument of God's elective grace.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, lineage and physical descent from Abraham were paramount. Being a "son of Abraham" was understood as the primary qualification for covenant membership and access to God's blessings. This deeply ingrained cultural and theological understanding meant that the idea of God's chosen people being defined by anything other than physical birthright was revolutionary and potentially offensive. Paul, himself a Jew, understood this perspective intimately. His argument in Romans 9 directly challenges this traditional view, not to diminish Israel's heritage, but to redefine true Israel in light of God's ultimate redemptive plan in Christ. The Roman church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile believers, needed this clarification to understand their shared identity in Christ and the true nature of God's ongoing faithfulness, transcending ethnic boundaries.

* **Key Themes:**
* **Spiritual vs. Physical Descent:** This verse sharply distinguishes between those born merely by natural means ("children of the flesh") and those who are truly God's children through divine promise and election ("children of the promise"). This highlights that salvation and true sonship with God are not inherited biologically or through human effort, but are a result of God's sovereign initiative. This theme is foundational to understanding the New Covenant, where spiritual rebirth, not physical birth, defines God's family, as seen in [John 3:3-8](/john/3-3-8 "John 3:3-8 - Born Again of the Spirit").
* **God's Sovereignty and Promise:** Romans 9:8 underscores that God's plan for salvation is rooted in His sovereign will and His promises, not in human lineage or works. The "children of the promise" are those whom God has chosen and called according to His divine purpose, demonstrating that God's faithfulness is not contingent on human response but on His immutable character and word. This divine initiative is a recurring motif in Paul's theology, emphasizing grace over merit, as also articulated in [Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith").
* **The True "Seed" of Abraham:** Paul asserts that the true inheritors of God's covenant blessings, the genuine "seed" of Abraham, are not all his physical descendants, but specifically those who are "children of the promise." This concept is foundational to understanding the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family through faith, a theme further explored in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise"), where Paul explicitly states that those who are in Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **flesh (Greek, _sárx'_):** G4561 - This term, in the context of "children of the flesh," refers to human nature in its natural, unregenerate state, particularly emphasizing physical descent and human capabilities or limitations. It denotes birth according to natural processes, in contrast to a spiritual birth or divine intervention. Here, it signifies those who are Abraham's descendants merely by biological lineage, without the accompanying divine election or promise that defines true spiritual sonship.
* **promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** G1860 - Meaning "a divine assurance of good," this word is central to Paul's argument. It highlights that God's choice is not arbitrary but is based on His specific, declared word and covenant. The "children of the promise" are those whose existence and spiritual standing are a direct result of God's sovereign declaration and faithfulness, as exemplified by Isaac's miraculous birth through God's promise to Abraham and Sarah ([Genesis 18:10-14](/genesis/18-10-14 "Genesis 18:10-14 - The Promise of Isaac's Birth")).
* **counted (Greek, _logízomai'_):** G3049 - This verb means "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively); to reckon, impute, or account." It is a crucial theological term in Paul's writings, especially in Romans, where it describes how righteousness is "imputed" or "reckoned" to believers by faith, not by works ([Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham's Faith Reckoned as Righteousness")). In Romans 9:8, it signifies that God's divine accounting or reckoning determines who is truly considered the "seed" of Abraham, emphasizing a divine declaration rather than a natural fact.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God:"** This opening clause clarifies the preceding statement in [Romans 9:7](/romans/9-7 "Romans 9:7 - Isaac, the Child of Promise") regarding Abraham's descendants. Paul asserts that simply being born into Abraham's physical lineage ("children of the flesh") does not automatically qualify one as a "child of God" in the spiritual, covenantal sense. This directly challenges the prevailing Jewish assumption that physical descent guaranteed divine favor and salvation. It sets up a fundamental distinction between natural birth and spiritual sonship, indicating that God's family is defined by more than mere biology.
* **"but the children of the promise are counted for the seed."** This contrasting clause introduces the true criterion for being considered the legitimate "seed" (heirs) of Abraham: being "children of the promise." This refers to those whose existence and identity as God's people are a direct result of God's sovereign promise and election, rather than natural procreation or human effort. The term "counted" (λογίζομαι, _logízomai_) is key, emphasizing that it is God's divine reckoning or imputation that determines who belongs to His true spiritual lineage, thereby establishing a theological basis for the inclusion of those not physically descended from Abraham, who nevertheless respond to God's promise by faith.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Antithesis** as a primary literary device in Romans 9:8, sharply contrasting "children of the flesh" with "children of the promise." This stark opposition highlights the fundamental difference between a relationship with God based on natural lineage and one based on divine election and grace. Furthermore, **Metonymy** is present, where "flesh" stands in for human nature, physical descent, and natural capabilities, while "promise" represents God's sovereign, gracious, and supernatural initiative. The term "seed" also functions as **Symbolism**, representing the true, spiritual heirs of Abraham's covenant, transcending mere biological offspring. These devices collectively serve to underscore Paul's central argument: God's covenant faithfulness is not undermined by Israel's unbelief, because God's true people have always been defined by His sovereign choice and promise, not by human birthright.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:8 is a theological linchpin, redefining the true nature of God's people and the basis of salvation. It decisively shifts the understanding of "Israel" from a purely ethnic or national identity to a spiritual one, determined by God's sovereign election and promise. This verse asserts that God's faithfulness is not compromised by the unbelief of many physical descendants of Abraham, because His original intention was always to call a people according to His divine purpose, not human merit. This reorientation is crucial for understanding the inclusion of Gentiles into God's family, demonstrating that the gospel's universal reach is not an afterthought but consistent with God's long-standing method of choosing and calling. It underscores that spiritual inheritance is a gift of grace, not a birthright, and that God's true covenant people are those who respond to His promise by faith, whether Jew or Gentile.

* [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")
* [John 1:12-13](/john/1-12-13 "John 1:12-13 - Born of God")
* [Romans 2:28-29](/romans/2-28-29 "Romans 2:28-29 - True Circumcision of the Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:8 carries profound implications for understanding our identity and assurance as believers today. It serves as a powerful reminder that our standing with God is never based on our lineage, family background, religious tradition, or any human achievement or merit. Instead, our spiritual sonship is solely a gracious gift rooted in God's sovereign promise and our response of faith. This truth should cultivate deep humility, recognizing that our salvation is entirely God's work, and profound gratitude for His undeserved favor. Furthermore, this verse broadens our perspective on God's family, reminding us that all believers, regardless of their ethnic or social background, are equally "children of the promise," united by faith in Christ. It calls us to embrace and celebrate the diversity within the body of Christ, recognizing that our common bond is not human heritage but divine election and the shared promise of salvation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding "children of the promise" impact your view of spiritual inheritance and your personal assurance of salvation?**
* **In what ways might we, even today, be tempted to rely on external factors (e.g., church attendance, good works, family tradition) rather than God's sovereign call and promise for our spiritual identity?**
* **How does this verse encourage humility, gratitude, and a deeper appreciation for God's grace in your walk with God?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 9:8 imply that God has completely abandoned ethnic Israel?**

Answer: No, Romans 9:8 does not imply that God has completely abandoned ethnic Israel. Rather, it clarifies that God's promises were never intended for *all* physical descendants of Abraham, but for a spiritual remnant chosen by His sovereign promise. Paul continues in [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Plan for Israel") to explain that God has not cast away His people, and that a remnant of Israel will ultimately be saved. The verse distinguishes between physical lineage and spiritual lineage, emphasizing that God's true Israel has always been defined by His election and promise, not solely by birth.

**Who are the "children of the promise" in Paul's theology?**

Answer: In Paul's theology, the "children of the promise" are those whom God has sovereignly chosen and called, not based on their works or physical descent, but purely on His divine promise and grace. This includes not only a faithful remnant of ethnic Israel but also Gentiles who believe in Christ. Paul argues in [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise") that "if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." Thus, the "children of the promise" are all who are united to Christ by faith, becoming spiritual descendants of Abraham and inheritors of God's covenant blessings.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus Himself, who is the ultimate "Child of the Promise" and the true "Seed" of Abraham. While born of the flesh, Jesus's very existence and mission are the direct result of God's divine promise and sovereign initiative, as seen in the miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit ([Matthew 1:18-25](/matthew/1-18-25 "Matthew 1:18-25 - The Birth of Jesus Christ")). He perfectly embodies the spiritual Israel, the one truly obedient Son who fulfills all of God's covenant stipulations. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus establishes the New Covenant, making it possible for all, both Jew and Gentile, to become "children of the promise" by being united to Him through faith ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons through Jesus Christ")). He is the means by which God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), and it is through Him that believers are "counted for the seed," becoming spiritual heirs of Abraham and co-heirs with Christ ([Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, the distinction in Romans 9:8 ultimately points to Christ as the one through whom God's true family is constituted, not by natural birth, but by supernatural grace and faith in the promised Son.

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

John 1:13

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

Romans 4:11

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Romans 4:16

Therefore [it is] of faith, that [it might be] by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Galatians 3:26

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

Galatians 3:29

And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Romans 8:14

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

Galatians 4:22

For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.