As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

ROMANS 9:25KJV
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Romans 9:25 (KJV)

What does Romans 9:25 mean?

Romans 9:25 means that God is declaring He will call people His own—even those who were not originally considered His people—and will show love to those who were not previously loved. The verse quotes the prophet Hosea to show that God’s mercy can reach beyond the boundaries people expect.

Paul, writing to the Christians in Rome, is explaining how God’s promises are not limited to one group. By referencing Hosea, Paul shows that God had always planned to include outsiders—Gentiles, not just Israelites—in His people. This verse highlights God’s freedom to show mercy and love where He chooses, even to those once considered outsiders.

The Greek behind Romans 9:25

  • Ὁ λαός (ho laos, G2992): This word means "the people." In this verse, it refers to those who were not previously considered God's people, emphasizing the surprising expansion of God’s family.
  • Ἀγαπητή (agapētē, G25): This word means "beloved" or "loved one." Paul uses it to show that God’s love is extended to those who were once outside of His favor.
  • Οὐ (ou, G3756): This is the Greek word for "not." Its repetition stresses the transformation from not being God’s people or beloved to now being included and loved.

Why Romans 9:25 matters

  • Romans 9:25 clears up the misunderstanding that only a certain group (like ethnic Israel) could be God’s people, showing that God’s mercy is wider than human boundaries.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s love and acceptance are not based on human heritage or status, but on His own decision to show mercy.
  • This verse connects to Paul’s larger argument in Romans 9–11, where he explains how both Jews and Gentiles can be included in God’s promises, highlighting the surprising and gracious nature of God’s plan.

Where else these words appear

“beloved” Greek G25 · used in 109 verses

  • Matthew 5:43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.
  • John 15:9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
  • 2 Timothy 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

“call” Greek G2564 · used in 138 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 7:39 Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
  • Romans 9:26 And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

“people” Greek G2992 · used in 139 verses

  • Matthew 1:21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.
  • Luke 22:2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill him; for they feared the people.
  • Acts 19:4 Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.