Romans 9:9

KJV

For this [is] the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} this {G3778} is the word {G3056} of promise {G1860}, At {G2596} this {G5126} time {G2540} will I come {G2064}, and {G2532} Sara {G4564} shall have {G2071} a son {G5207}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For this is what the promise said: “At the time set, I will come; and Sarah will have a son.”

Berean Standard Bible

For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

American Standard Version

For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:9 serves as a pivotal example in Paul's argument concerning God's sovereign election and the faithfulness of His promises to Israel, demonstrating that true lineage and covenant inheritance are determined by divine choice rather than mere physical descent. By quoting God's specific promise regarding Isaac's miraculous birth to Abraham and Sarah, Paul underscores that God's redemptive plan operates according to His unchangeable word and perfect timing, highlighting a principle of divine selection that transcends natural human capabilities or expectations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9 initiates a crucial three-chapter section (Romans 9-11) where Paul addresses the perplexing question of Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah and God's continued faithfulness to His covenant people. Having established the universal need for salvation by grace through faith in chapters 1-8, Paul now grapples with the apparent failure of God's promises to Israel. In [Romans 9:1-5](/romans/9-1-5 "Romans 9:1-5 - Paul's Anguish for Israel"), Paul expresses deep sorrow for his kinsmen. He then clarifies in [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel Is Israel") that "not all who are from Israel are Israel," introducing the concept of a spiritual Israel chosen by God. Verse 9, by quoting the promise of Isaac's birth, provides the first concrete, historical illustration of this principle: God's covenant promises are fulfilled through His sovereign choice, not through natural descent (e.g., Ishmael) or human effort, thereby setting the stage for further arguments about Jacob and Esau, and ultimately, the inclusion of Gentiles.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, lineage and physical descent were paramount, especially concerning covenant promises and inheritance. Being a descendant of Abraham was a source of immense pride and a perceived guarantee of God's favor. The concept of "seed" or "offspring" (Hebrew: *zera'*) carried profound theological weight, linking individuals directly to the Abrahamic covenant. For Paul's Jewish audience, the idea that not all physical descendants of Abraham were "true Israel" would have been revolutionary and potentially offensive. The story of Sarah's barrenness and Isaac's miraculous birth (found in [Genesis 18:10-14](/genesis/18-10-14 "Genesis 18:10-14 - The Promise of Isaac's Birth") and [Genesis 21:1-3](/genesis/21-1-3 "Genesis 21:1-3 - Isaac's Birth")) was a foundational narrative, universally understood as a testament to God's power and faithfulness. By invoking this specific promise, Paul taps into a shared heritage to redefine the terms of God's covenant relationship, shifting the focus from physical birthright to divine election.
* **Key Themes:** Romans 9:9 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the chapter and the broader letter. Firstly, it highlights **God's Unwavering Faithfulness to His Promises**. Despite human unfaithfulness or natural impossibilities, God's word stands firm and is perfectly fulfilled. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Election**. Isaac's birth was not a natural outcome but a direct result of God's specific, chosen intervention, illustrating that God's redemptive plan is based on His free and unmerited choice, not on human merit or lineage. This sets the stage for Paul's subsequent discussion of Jacob and Esau in [Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - Jacob and Esau, Chosen by God"). Finally, the verse implicitly touches upon the **Nature of True Israel**, suggesting that the "children of the promise" (as mentioned in [Romans 9:8](/romans/9-8 "Romans 9:8 - Children of the Promise")) are those whom God sovereignly chooses, foreshadowing the inclusion of Gentiles and the spiritual nature of God's people.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **promise (Greek, _epangelía'_):** This word denotes an announcement or a divine assurance of good. In the context of Romans 9:9, it emphasizes that the birth of Isaac was not a natural occurrence or a human achievement, but a direct, authoritative declaration from God. It signifies a guaranteed future event based solely on God's word and character, highlighting His reliability and the certainty of His declared intentions.
* **time (Greek, _kairós'_):** This term refers to a specific, set, or proper occasion, a divinely appointed season, rather than merely chronological duration. Its use here emphasizes God's meticulous and perfect timing in fulfilling His promise to Sarah. It underscores that God's actions are not arbitrary but occur at the precise moment He has ordained, often in ways that defy human expectation or natural limitations, thereby maximizing the demonstration of His power and sovereignty.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** This verb signifies movement towards a place or state, often implying arrival or manifestation. In the phrase "At this time will I come," it conveys God's active, personal, and intentional involvement in bringing about the promised event. It is not merely a passive declaration but an active, decisive intervention by God Himself to ensure the fulfillment of His word, demonstrating His immanence and power in human affairs.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this is the word of promise,"**: This introductory clause establishes the divine origin and authoritative nature of what follows. Paul emphasizes that the subsequent statement is not a human prediction or wish, but a direct, certain declaration from God Himself, making its fulfillment absolutely guaranteed. It sets the stage for understanding Isaac's birth as a demonstration of God's faithfulness to His covenant.
* **"At this time will I come,"**: This phrase highlights God's perfect timing and active involvement. "At this time" (Greek: *kata touton ton kairon*) refers to a specific, divinely appointed season, not a general period. "I will come" signifies God's personal, direct intervention to bring about the promised event. This underscores that Isaac's birth was a supernatural act, precisely orchestrated by God, rather than a natural occurrence.
* **"and Sara shall have a son."**: This is the core of the promise, directly stating the miraculous outcome. Given Sarah's advanced age and barrenness, this was humanly impossible. The declaration emphasizes God's power to transcend natural limitations and fulfill His word, establishing Isaac as the "child of promise" and a testament to God's sovereign choice in the lineage of the covenant, distinct from Ishmael, who was born through human means.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 9:9 primarily employs **Quotation** and **Allusion**. Paul directly quotes God's promise from [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - The Promise of Isaac's Birth"), embedding it within his theological argument. This direct quotation lends immense authority and historical weight to his point, grounding his abstract theological claims in a concrete, well-known biblical narrative. The use of this specific promise also serves as a powerful **Illustration** or **Example**, demonstrating God's sovereign election and faithfulness in a tangible way. Furthermore, the verse contains **Emphasis** on God's timing ("At this time") and His direct action ("I will come"), highlighting the supernatural nature of the event and the certainty of divine fulfillment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:9 profoundly illustrates the theological truth that God's promises are not contingent upon human ability, merit, or natural lineage, but solely on His sovereign will and unchangeable character. The miraculous birth of Isaac, against all natural odds, serves as a foundational example of God's power to bring about His purposes in ways that transcend human limitations. This principle is crucial for understanding God's election, not as arbitrary favoritism, but as a demonstration of His freedom to choose whom He will use to advance His redemptive plan, ensuring that His word never fails. It underscores that the true "seed" of Abraham is defined by divine promise and spiritual reality, rather than mere physical descent.

* [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - The Lord's Promise to Abraham and Sarah") - The original promise of Isaac's birth, highlighting God's direct declaration and the impossible circumstances.
* [Hebrews 11:11](/hebrews/11-11 "Hebrews 11:11 - Sarah's Faith") - Sarah's faith is commended because she "judged Him faithful who had promised," underscoring the reliability of God's word.
* [Galatians 4:28](/galatians/4-28 "Galatians 4:28 - Children of Promise") - Paul applies the concept of "children of promise" to believers in Christ, emphasizing that they, like Isaac, are born not of natural descent but through the supernatural working of God's promise.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:9 offers profound encouragement and a call to deeper trust in the character of God. In a world where promises are often broken and expectations frequently unmet, this verse reminds us that God's word is eternally reliable. Just as He miraculously intervened to fulfill His promise to Sarah, He remains faithful to every promise He has made to us—concerning salvation, provision, guidance, and His enduring presence. This should cultivate in us a patient and persistent faith, especially when circumstances seem impossible or when God's timing differs from our own. We are invited to rest in His sovereign control, knowing that His plans are perfect, His timing is impeccable, and His power is limitless. Our hope is not in our own efforts or natural abilities, but in the God who speaks and brings into being that which was not.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you struggling to trust God's promises, perhaps because the circumstances seem impossible or the waiting period is long?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereignty in fulfilling His promise to Sarah encourage you to surrender your own plans and timing to His perfect will?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the nature of God's faithfulness, and how can that truth deepen your worship and reliance on Him?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul use the example of Isaac's birth to explain God's election?**

Answer: Paul uses Isaac's birth as a foundational example because it vividly illustrates that God's covenant promises and the inheritance of His blessings are not based on natural descent or human will, but on God's sovereign choice and miraculous intervention. Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, long after human possibility, and specifically chosen by God over Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn through Hagar. This demonstrates that being a "child of promise" (as mentioned in [Romans 9:8](/romans/9-8 "Romans 9:8 - Children of the Promise")) is a matter of divine election, not physical lineage. It helps Paul argue that God's word has not failed, even though many physical Israelites rejected Christ, because the true Israel is defined by God's spiritual choosing.

**Does "At this time will I come" imply a specific, literal visitation of God?**

Answer: The phrase "At this time will I come" (Greek: *kata touton ton kairon elthō*) in the context of [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - The Lord's Promise to Abraham and Sarah") refers to the Lord's active and personal presence in fulfilling His promise. While it doesn't necessarily mean a visible, physical manifestation in every instance, it certainly signifies God's direct, purposeful, and perfectly timed intervention in human affairs. In this case, it indicates that God Himself would ensure the birth of Isaac at the appointed season, demonstrating His power and faithfulness to His word. It emphasizes that the event was not a coincidence but a divine act.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:9, while historically rooted in the birth of Isaac, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "word of promise" that brought forth Isaac, the child of promise, foreshadows the greater promise of a spiritual seed, fulfilled in Christ. Just as Isaac's birth was a miraculous, sovereign act of God, defying natural limitations, so too was the incarnation of Jesus, born of a virgin through the power of the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - Birth of Jesus Foretold")). Christ is the ultimate "Son" whom God "came" to bring into the world at the perfect "time" ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son")). He is the true heir of all God's promises, and through Him, all who believe become "children of promise" ([Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")), not by natural descent or human effort, but by divine election and grace. Thus, God's faithfulness in Romans 9:9 points forward to His ultimate faithfulness in sending His Son to establish a new covenant and gather a people for Himself, fulfilling the Abrahamic promise in a spiritual and global sense ([Romans 4:13-16](/romans/4-13-16 "Romans 4:13-16 - Righteousness Through Faith")).

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 18:10

And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard [it] in the tent door, which [was] behind him.

Genesis 18:14

Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Genesis 17:21

But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

Hebrews 11:11

Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

Hebrews 11:12

Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, [so many] as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.

Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Hebrews 11:17

By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten [son],