Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;

ROMANS 9:4KJV
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Romans 9:4 (KJV)

What does Romans 9:4 mean?

Romans 9:4 lists the special privileges and blessings that belonged to the Israelites, including being chosen as God’s people, receiving God’s glory, the covenants, the law, the worship, and the promises. Paul is highlighting the unique relationship and history the Israelites have with God.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining why Israel holds a special place in God’s plan. He names these blessings to show the depth of Israel’s heritage and to set up his discussion about God’s faithfulness and the unfolding of His promises. This verse sets the stage for understanding both the sorrow Paul feels for his people and the bigger story of God’s work among Jews and Gentiles.

The Greek behind Romans 9:4

  • ὑιοθεσία (huiothesia, “adoption”): This word refers to being made sons or children, pointing to Israel’s status as God’s chosen family, not just a nation among others.
  • δόξα (doxa, “glory”): This often means God’s visible presence, such as the cloud or fire in the Old Testament, reminding readers of God’s nearness to Israel.
  • διαθῆκαι (diathēkai, “covenants”): The plural form stresses that God made several binding promises with Israel, not just one, covering Abraham, Moses, David, and more.
  • λατρεία (latreia, “service”): This word means the specific worship and temple service God gave Israel, marking their unique way of relating to Him.

Why Romans 9:4 matters

  • Romans 9:4 clears up that Paul is not dismissing Israel’s history or role; instead, he deeply values their unique relationship with God.
  • The verse helps readers see the foundation for Paul’s later arguments about God’s promises and how they are fulfilled.
  • By naming these blessings, Paul shows that God’s plan for Israel is rooted in real, historical commitments, not just abstract ideas.

Where else these words appear

“adoption” Greek G5206 · used in 5 verses

  • Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
  • Romans 8:23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
  • Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

“service” Greek G2999 · used in 5 verses

  • John 16:2 They shall put you out of the synagogues: yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service.
  • Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
  • Hebrews 9:1 Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.

“Israelites” Greek G2475 · used in 9 verses

  • John 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
  • Acts 3:12 And when Peter saw it, he answered unto the people, Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this? or why look ye so earnestly on us, as though by our own power or holiness we had made this man to walk?
  • Acts 21:28 Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

“covenants” Greek G1242 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 26:28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
  • Hebrews 9:4 Which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant;