Devine Scripture

Romans 9:11

What does Romans 9:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:11 means

Before Jacob and Esau were born, before they had done anything good or bad, God’s purpose according to election was declared. This timing matters: election is not a response to foreseen works; it rests on God who calls. His choice aims to display that salvation is of grace from start to finish. The verse distinguishes clearly between works as a basis and God’s call as the basis. Paul’s point is not to deny human responsibility but to affirm that God’s saving plan does not hinge on human merit. The twins’ prenatal status dramatizes the freedom and primacy of divine grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

for 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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

(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;)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

for 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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Before the children had come into existence, or had done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose and his selection might be effected, not by works, but by him whose purpose it is,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

(for they being not yet born, neither having done anything good or evil, that the purpose of God, according to choice, might remain; not of works, but of Him who is calling,) it was said to her--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For when the children were not yet born, nor had done any good or evil (that the purpose of God according to election might stand):

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

[the children] indeed being not yet born, or having done anything good or worthless (that the purpose ofGod according to election might abide, not of works, but of him that calls),

Context

Verse 11 explains why Rebecca’s twins are a crucial example (v. 10): God issued His purpose before any deeds could be performed, so that election might be shown to stand on His call alone. Verse 12 applies this by recalling God’s oracle about the twins’ roles. Verse 13 adds a prophetic summary of God’s stance toward Jacob and Esau. Together, these verses build the foundational claim for the rest of the chapter: God’s mercy and choice are sovereign, not earned.

v.10And not only so; but Rebecca also having conceived by one, even by our father Isaac—

v.11This passage

v.12it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

Cross references

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

  • Ephesians 1:4

    even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:

  • Isaiah 23:9

    Jehovah of hosts hath purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory, to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:12

    to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.

  • Titus 3:5

    not by works done in righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit,

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  • Romans 11:5

    Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

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