Devine Scripture

Romans 9:26

What does Romans 9:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:26 means

Continuing with Hosea, Paul highlights the transformation so complete that those once told “You are not my people” are now called “sons of the living God,” and in the very place of former rejection. This underscores adoption and identity: God not only claims a people; He brings them into filial relationship. The “living God” contrasts with idols and dead religion, signaling a vibrant, covenant bond. For Gentiles and any formerly estranged, this is hope: God can reverse verdicts and plant sons where there was barrenness. The church’s existence testifies to this life-giving word of grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And it shall be, thatin the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And it shall be, thatin the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And in the place where it was said to them, You are not my people, there they will be named the sons of the living God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and it shall be--in the place where it was said to them, Ye <FI>are<Fi> not My people; there they shall be called sons of the living God.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And it shalt be in the place where it was said unto them: you are not my people; there they shall be called the sons of the living God.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And it shall be, in the place where it was said to them, Ye [are] not my people, there shall they be called Sons of [the] livingGod.

Context

Verse 26 complements verse 25’s citation from Hosea by highlighting the new filial status granted to those once outside—now called sons. This underscores that the called (v. 24) are not merely tolerated but adopted. Next, in verses 27–29, Paul turns to Isaiah to address Israel’s situation: despite vast numbers, only a remnant will be saved, yet God preserves a seed. The balance shows that Gentile inclusion does not mean Israel’s total rejection, nor does Israel’s size guarantee salvation.

v.25As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved.

v.26This passage

v.27And Isaiah crieth concerning Israel, If the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, it is the remnant that shall be saved:

Cross references

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

  • Hosea 1:9

    And Jehovah said, Call his name Lo-ammi; for ye are not my people, and I will not be your God.

  • Isaiah 43:6

    I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back; bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the end of the earth;

  • Galatians 3:26

    For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.

  • John 11:52

    and not for the nation only, but that he might also gather together into one the children of God that are scattered abroad.

  • 1 John 3:1

    Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called children of God; and such we are. For this cause the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

  • Romans 8:16

    The Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are children of God:

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