(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

ROMANS 9:11KJV
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Romans 9:11 (KJV)

What does Romans 9:11 mean?

Romans 9:11 explains that before Jacob and Esau were born or had done anything good or bad, God’s purpose in choosing one over the other was established—not based on their actions, but on God’s own call. This verse highlights that God’s choices are not determined by human deeds but by His own purpose and initiative.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, discussing why God chose Jacob over Esau as part of His plan for Israel. He points out that God’s decision was made before the twins had done anything, to show that His selection is not about human effort or merit. This helps set up Paul’s larger point about God’s freedom in how He works out His promises.

The Greek behind Romans 9:11

  • ἐκλογή (eklogē, "election"): This word refers to God’s act of choosing or selecting. Here, it emphasizes that God’s decision is rooted in His own purpose, not in anything the children would do.
  • πρόθεσις (prothesis, "purpose"): This term means a deliberate plan or intention. Paul uses it to stress that God’s choices are intentional and guided by His own reasons, not by human actions.
  • ἔργων (ergōn, "works"): This word means deeds or actions. Paul points out that God’s choice was not based on anything the children had done or would do, underlining the idea that God’s call is not earned.

Why Romans 9:11 matters

  • Romans 9:11 clears up the misunderstanding that God’s choices depend on human effort, showing that His plan is based on His own purpose and not on our actions.
  • The verse emphasizes God’s freedom and initiative in how He fulfills His promises, which is a key theme in Paul’s letter to the Romans.
  • By pointing to Jacob and Esau before their birth, Paul shows that God’s plan for His people has always been about His own calling, not about human merit or lineage.

Where else these words appear

“yet” Greek G3380 · used in 2 verses

  • Hebrews 9:8 The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing:

“election” Greek G1589 · used in 7 verses

  • Acts 9:15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
  • Romans 11:7 What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded
  • 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

“purpose” Greek G4286 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 12:4 How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests?
  • Acts 11:23 Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord.
  • Ephesians 3:11 According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:

“done” Greek G4238 · used in 36 verses

  • Luke 3:13 And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.
  • Acts 17:7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.
  • Romans 2:3 And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?