That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

ROMANS 9:8KJV
Know the Bible

Romans 9:8 (KJV)

What does Romans 9:8 mean?

Romans 9:8 explains that being a physical descendant (“children of the flesh”) does not make someone a true child of God; instead, those who are considered “children of the promise” are counted as the true descendants (“seed”). This means that God’s family is defined by His promise, not just by ancestry or heritage.

Paul is writing to believers in Rome, explaining how God’s promises work in the story of Israel. He points out that not everyone born into Abraham’s family line is automatically part of God’s chosen people; rather, it is those who are included by God’s promise who truly belong. This helps his readers understand that God’s plan has always been about more than just physical lineage.

The Greek behind Romans 9:8

  • “children” (τέκνα, tekna): This word refers to offspring or descendants, but in this context, Paul uses it to highlight a deeper relationship—those who belong to God’s family because of His promise, not just biology.
  • “flesh” (σάρξ, sarx): Often used to mean human nature or physical descent. Here, it stresses that just being born into a certain family isn’t enough for inclusion in God’s people.
  • “promise” (ἐπαγγελία, epangelia): This word means a declaration or assurance from God. Paul uses it to show that God’s commitment, not human effort or ancestry, is what truly defines His people.
  • “counted” (λογίζομαι, logizomai): This means to reckon or consider. Paul is saying that God actively counts or regards the children of the promise as the true descendants.

Why Romans 9:8 matters

  • Romans 9:8 clears up the misunderstanding that physical descent from Abraham automatically makes someone part of God’s chosen people; it emphasizes God’s promise as the deciding factor.
  • The verse connects to Paul’s larger argument that God’s way of working has always involved His initiative and promise, not just human heritage or effort.
  • Understanding this verse helps readers see how Paul includes both Jews and Gentiles in God’s plan, based on faith and God’s promise rather than ancestry alone.

Where else these words appear

“is” Greek G5123 · used in 17 verses

  • Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
  • Romans 10:6 But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven?(that is, to bring Christ down from above:)
  • Hebrews 7:5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:

“counted” Greek G3049 · used in 40 verses

  • Mark 11:31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say, Why then did ye not believe him?
  • Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“seed” Greek G4690 · used in 41 verses

  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 20:28 Saying, Master, Moses wrote unto us, If any man's brother die, having a wife, and he die without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother.
  • Romans 9:29 And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

“promise” Greek G1860 · used in 51 verses

  • Luke 24:49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.
  • 2 Corinthians 1:20 For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.
  • Hebrews 4:1 Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.