Devine Scripture

Romans 9:10

What does Romans 9:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:10 means

Paul introduces a second, sharper example: Rebecca conceived twins by one father, Isaac. This removes any thought that different mothers or circumstances explain God’s choice. The twins share the same womb and lineage, highlighting that the decisive difference between them will be God’s electing purpose. By appealing to this case, Paul prepares to show that God’s choice operates prior to and independent of human works. The story shifts from the broader Abraham-Ishmael-Isaac distinction to a more refined, intra-Israel selection that took place before the children were even born.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac—

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac—

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And not only so, but Rebecca being about to have a child by our father Isaac--

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And not only <FI>so<Fi> , but also Rebecca, having conceived by one--Isaac our father--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And not only she. But when Rebecca also had conceived at once of Isaac our father.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And not only [that], but Rebecca having conceived by one, Isaac our father,

Context

After establishing the promise through Isaac (vv. 7–9), Paul turns to Rebecca’s twins (v. 10) to press the point further. The unity of parentage (one father, Isaac) serves to eliminate natural explanations for God’s differentiating choice. Verses 11–12 will interpret why this example matters: to uphold God’s purpose according to election. Verse 13 will then cite Scripture’s summary of God’s disposition toward Jacob and Esau, reinforcing the theme of sovereign selection.

v.9For this is a word of promise, According to this season will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

v.10This passage

v.11for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 5:11

    and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

  • Romans 5:3

    And not only so, but we also rejoice in our tribulations: knowing that tribulation worketh stedfastness;

  • Genesis 25:21

    And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren: and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived.

  • Luke 16:26

    And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that they that would pass from hence to you may not be able, and that none may cross over from thence to us.

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