Romans 9 6

Romans 9:6 kjv

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

Romans 9:6 nkjv

But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel,

Romans 9:6 niv

It is not as though God's word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.

Romans 9:6 esv

But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,

Romans 9:6 nlt

Well then, has God failed to fulfill his promise to Israel? No, for not all who are born into the nation of Israel are truly members of God's people!

Romans 9 verses

Romans 9 6 Meaning

Paul unequivocally states that God's divine word and promises have not been annulled or failed, despite Israel's general unbelief in Jesus Christ. This declaration introduces a crucial distinction: not all who are ethnically descended from Israel are true members of God's covenant people. The verse highlights that there is an "inner" spiritual Israel, chosen by God, separate from the "outer" national or ethnic Israel.

Romans 9 6 Context

Romans chapters 9-11 address the profound theological problem of Israel's widespread rejection of Jesus as the Messiah. Paul begins Chapter 9 with a lament over his kinsmen (Rom 9:1-5), emphasizing their numerous spiritual advantages and privileges. The central question arising from this lament is implicit: if Israel, God's chosen nation, has failed to receive the Messiah, does it mean that God's promises and covenant with them have somehow been invalidated? Romans 9:6 directly responds to this by asserting the continuing reliability of God's word and introduces the necessary clarification that membership in "Israel" must be understood in two distinct senses. This verse serves as the foundation for Paul's subsequent exposition on God's sovereign election and his plan for both Jew and Gentile, paving the way for the examples of Isaac and Jacob to illustrate God's elective freedom. The historical context reflects a time when many Jews derived security and identity solely from their physical lineage and outward adherence to the Law, believing this automatically secured their place in God's kingdom. Paul, being a Jew himself, sensitively, but firmly, challenges this assumption.

Romans 9 6 Word analysis

• But it is not as though: This opening phrase (ouk hoion de hoti, οὐχ οἷον δὲ ὅτι) serves as a strong rebuttal, correcting a potential misunderstanding or objection. It anticipates the thought that might arise from Israel's current state and emphatically dismisses it. It signals Paul's intention to clarify rather than concede.
• the word of God: ho logos tou Theou (ὁ λόγος τοῦ Θεοῦ). Refers collectively to God's entire revelation, especially His promises and covenants made to Israel concerning their unique status, election, and future blessings. It encapsulates God's plan and prophetic declarations.
• has failed: ekpeptōken (ἔκπεπτωκεν). The perfect tense verb ekpiptō signifies "to fall out, fall off, fall down, lose its hold, become ineffective, or annulled." Its use here implies that God's word could have become void, invalid, or simply failed to accomplish its purpose. Paul’s strong negation affirms that God’s intentions are never thwarted or abandoned.
• For they are not all Israel who are of Israel: This is the core interpretative key of the verse, a paradox explained by the subsequent argument.
  • they are not all Israel: This first instance of "Israel" refers to the true, spiritual "people of God" whom He has chosen according to His purposes. It indicates an elect remnant, chosen by grace, whether Jew or Gentile, who belong to God.
  • who are of Israel: This second instance of "Israel" refers to ethnic or national Israel—those descended physically from Jacob. It points to outward, historical membership in the nation.
• Words-group by Words-group analysis:
  • "But it is not as though the word of God has failed": This statement firmly grounds the entire discussion of Israel's fate in God's unswerving faithfulness. Paul dismisses the idea that God's character or plan could be compromised by human actions or disobedience. It sets the stage for a divine perspective on the unfolding events.
  • "For they are not all Israel who are of Israel": This declarative clause introduces a profound and foundational distinction between two kinds of "Israel." It distinguishes between the external, national Israel (those physically descended from Jacob) and the internal, spiritual Israel (those whom God has truly chosen to be His people, irrespective of physical lineage). This internal, spiritual Israel represents the true recipients and heirs of God's promises, ensuring that the word of God has indeed not failed. This phrase unveils God's sovereign right to choose within a chosen nation, reframing the very definition of who constitutes the "true" covenant people.

Romans 9 6 Bonus section

The distinction in Romans 9:6 establishes a foundational theological principle applicable beyond ancient Israel: that outward profession, ritual, or heritage does not guarantee inward spiritual reality or acceptance before God. While addressed to Jewish identity, this principle also prefigures the inclusion of Gentiles and the formation of the Church as the true spiritual heirs of Abraham through faith in Christ, redefining who constitutes the "people of God." This verse sets the stage for understanding the broader concept of spiritual sonship over mere biological descent in God's redemptive plan. It implies that God's covenant blessings always target a spiritual reality, not merely a physical lineage or national entity.

Romans 9 6 Commentary

Romans 9:6 is pivotal, anchoring Paul's discussion on Israel's present rejection and future hope. Paul asserts God's word remains unfailing because His promises were never universally applied to all physical descendants of Jacob, but selectively to those He sovereignly chose. This means "Israel" exists on two levels: an ethnic nation (who are "of Israel" by birth) and a true spiritual body (who are "Israel" in God's sight through election and faith). God's design has always included a distinction, a remnant chosen not by human will or effort, but by divine prerogative. This selective aspect, illustrated throughout the Old Testament with figures like Isaac over Ishmael and Jacob over Esau, explains why Israel's corporate rejection does not signify God's failure, but rather His consistent working out of a specific, spiritual people.