Romans 9:7 kjv
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Romans 9:7 nkjv
nor are they all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "In Isaac your seed shall be called."
Romans 9:7 niv
Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham's children. On the contrary, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned."
Romans 9:7 esv
and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named."
Romans 9:7 nlt
Being descendants of Abraham doesn't make them truly Abraham's children. For the Scriptures say, "Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted," though Abraham had other children, too.
Romans 9 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 9:7 | not all who are of Israel are Israel. | Rom 2:28-29, Phil 3:3 |
| Gen 21:12 | "Through Isaac shall your offspring be named." | Gal 4:22-23, Heb 11:18 |
| Gal 4:23 | But the child of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the child of the free woman was born by promise. | Gal 4:21-31 |
| John 1:13 | who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. | 1 Peter 1:23, 1 John 3:9 |
| Rom 4:13 | For the promise to Abraham and his offspring, that he should be heir of the world, did not come through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. | Gal 3:16-18 |
| 1 Cor 15:45 | Thus it is written, “The first man Adam became a living soul.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. | Gen 2:7, Phil 3:20-21 |
| Acts 4:12 | And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. | John 14:6, Titus 2:11 |
| Rom 11:5-6 | So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace. But if it is by grace, it is not by works. Otherwise grace would no longer be grace. | Eph 2:8-9, Tit 3:4-5 |
| John 15:16 | You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide. | John 6:44, 1 John 4:19 |
| 2 Tim 1:9 | who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, | Eph 1:4, Col 1:26-27 |
| Acts 13:48 | And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord, and a number of those who were appointed to eternal life believed. | John 6:37, Rom 8:30 |
| Gal 3:18 | For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it does not depend on a promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise. | Gal 3:15-17 |
| Rom 9:11 | though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— | Rom 11:5-6, Mal 1:2-3 |
| Heb 12:17 | For you know that afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no chance to change his father's mind, though he sought it with tears. | Gen 27:30-40, Heb 1:14 |
| John 3:3 | Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” | John 1:13, 1 Peter 1:23 |
| 1 Peter 2:9 | But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. | Ex 19:6, Eph 2:10 |
| Eph 2:11-13 | Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— remember that at that time you were without Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who were once far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. | Eph 4:17-19, Col 1:21 |
| Rom 4:11 | and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was uncircumcised. The purpose was to be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness might be counted to them also. | Gen 17:10-11, Rom 4:9-12 |
| Rom 11:28 | As regards the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But as regards election, they are beloved for the sake of the forefathers. | Rom 11:25-27, Deut 7:6-8 |
| Gen 25:23 | The LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you shall be divided; the elder shall serve the younger.” | Rom 9:10-12, Gen 25:22 |
Romans 9 verses
Romans 9 7 Meaning
The descendants of Abraham are not all automatically considered Abraham's true spiritual offspring. Rather, salvation and God's promises are based on God's sovereign choice, specifically through the line of Isaac, not Ishmael, despite both being Abraham's sons.
Romans 9 7 Context
Romans 9 is part of Paul's extended meditation on God's sovereign election and the status of Israel in relation to the Gospel. He addresses the seeming problem that many in ethnic Israel have rejected Jesus as the Messiah, while many Gentiles have believed. Paul is demonstrating that God's plan of salvation is not invalidated by Israel's unbelief. He establishes that God's promises are based on His sovereign choice, not solely on ethnic lineage or human effort. This verse is specifically illustrating the principle of selective election, emphasizing that not all who are physically descended from Abraham or are part of ethnic Israel are necessarily part of the true spiritual Israel, which is defined by God's election.
Romans 9 7 Word Analysis
- Οὐ (ou): "Not." A simple negation, clearly stating the opposite.
- πάντες (pantes): "All." This is a universal quantifier. Its use here is crucial as it is being negated. The point is not that some are not Israel, but that the entirety of the physical descendants do not automatically equate to the true Israel of God.
- οἱ (hoi): "The" (masculine plural article). Refers to "all" in a collective sense.
- ἐκ (ek): "From" or "out of." Indicates origin or derivation.
- τοῦ (tou): "The" (genitive masculine singular article). Part of the phrase "of Israel."
- Ἰσραήλ (Israēl): "Israel." In this context, it can refer to both the physical descendants of Jacob (Israel) and the spiritual people of God, encompassing both believing Jews and Gentiles. The tension between these two meanings is central to Paul's argument.
- εἰσὶν (eisin): "Are" (third person plural present indicative of εἰμί - eimi, "to be"). States existence or identity.
- Ἰσραηλῖται (Israēlitai): "Israelites." This is the key word. While referring to descendants of Israel, Paul is using it in a specific, theological sense. The immediate context, referring back to Abraham's sons, contrasts the lineage of Isaac (through whom the promise ran) with that of Ishmael. The spiritual Israel are those who are children of promise, not merely children of the flesh. The implication is that outward, physical identification with Israel does not guarantee inclusion in God's true covenant people.
Words-Group Analysis:
- "Οὐ πάντες οἱ ἐκ τοῦ Ἰσραήλ": "Not all who are from Israel." This phrase sets up the contrast. It highlights that the national designation of "Israel" is not a blanket guarantee of being included in God's true people. The "Israel" here is primarily referring to the national, physical entity.
- "εἰσὶν Ἰσραηλῖται": "are Israelites." This second use of "Israel" (as Israelites) refers to those who are truly, spiritually Israel. It's not about bloodline but about the spiritual reality defined by God's covenant and promise, demonstrated through faith and obedience to God's calling, as seen in Isaac's line. The argument is that one can be physically "of Israel" (born into the nation) but not be a true "Israelite" in the spiritual sense God intends.
Romans 9 7 Bonus Section
The term "Israel" carries a dual meaning throughout Scripture: the physical nation descended from Jacob, and the spiritual people of God who embody the covenant promises through faith. Paul here emphasizes the primacy of the spiritual designation. This argument anticipates the broader discussion in Romans 11 about God's faithfulness to Israel, clarifying that a remnant chosen by grace has always characterized the true people of God. The historical pattern shows God choosing through specific lines (e.g., Seth over Cain, Noah's line, Abraham's line through Isaac). This verse serves as a foundational principle for understanding that God's salvation plan transcends ethnic boundaries and relies on His divine initiative and choice. The passage doesn't negate the Old Testament covenant with the nation of Israel but clarifies its ultimate fulfillment and continuation in Christ, for both Jews and Gentiles who believe.
Romans 9 7 Commentary
Paul uses the principle of God's selection within Abraham's family to demonstrate God's sovereign prerogative. Just as Abraham's line of promise passed through Isaac, not Ishmael, despite Ishmael also being Abraham's son, so God’s spiritual Israel comprises those chosen by Him, irrespective of their physical descent alone. The physical nation of Israel is contrasted with the spiritual reality. Being a descendant of Abraham or a member of the nation of Israel does not automatically qualify one for salvation or inclusion in God's covenant people. True Israel comprises believers in Jesus Christ, a concept extended to Gentiles as well. This is about God's unconditional election based on His purposes and promises, not human merit or lineage.
Examples for Practical Usage:
- A person born into a religious family is not automatically spiritual. True faith and personal commitment to Christ are essential.
- Membership in a church or denomination doesn't guarantee salvation. One must be "born again."
- God’s favor and inclusion in His kingdom are based on His sovereign choice and grace received through faith in Jesus Christ, not on heritage or outward religious observance.