though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text emphasizes that God's selection is independent of any actions by the individuals. It's not about what someone does or will do, but entirely rooted in God's sovereign choice and calling. This highlights that divine purpose is established before human deeds, good or bad, even begin.
though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining why God’s plan of choosing people for Himself (election) is based entirely on His own will, not on anything people do. He uses the example of twins Jacob and Esau, who hadn't even been born or done anything good or bad yet. This is to show that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau, and by extension, His choice of whom to save, is not based on merit but on His sovereign call.
How can God choose someone before they've even done anything?
Paul emphasizes that God's choice (election) concerning Jacob and Esau was made before they were born and therefore before they could do anything good or bad. This highlights that God's purposes aren't based on future actions or foreseen character.
If it's not about us, then who or what is it about?
The verse clearly states that God's purpose of election stands 'not because of works but because of him who calls.' This points to the sovereign initiative of God as the ultimate reason for His choices.
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Understand the original words
eklogē · Greek Noun
The divine decree by which God, before the foundation of the world, sovereignly chose certain individuals for salvation and adoption, based solely on His grace and not on foreseen merits or works.
ergon · Greek Noun
Actions or deeds performed by humans, which in a biblical context are often contrasted with faith or grace as a means of justification before God.
kaleō · Greek Verb
The divine act of summoning or inviting individuals to participate in the kingdom of God, often synonymous with the effective call of God that brings about salvation.
This verse hinges on the story of Jacob and Esau, emphasizing that God's choice is not based on human actions or merit, but on His sovereign purpose established even before their birth, illustrating a profound truth about divine election.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham receives God's promise
God promises Abraham numerous descendants and land, establishing a covenant. This promise is later passed to Isaac.
c. 1800 BC— this verse
Birth of Jacob and Esau
Isaac's wife Rebekah conceives twins. Even before their birth, God declares that the older will serve the younger.
c. 1770 BC
Jacob deceives Esau
Jacob tricks Esau out of his birthright and later deceives their father Isaac to steal the patriarchal blessing intended for Esau.
c. 1770 BC
Esau's lineage established
Esau and his descendants, the Edomites, become a distinct people. They often clash with Jacob's descendants, the Israelites.
c. 750 BC
Malachi prophesies
The prophet Malachi quotes God saying, 'Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated,' referencing the historical relationship between the nations descended from them.
c. AD 30
Jesus begins ministry
Jesus, a descendant of Jacob, begins his public ministry, initiating the New Covenant community.
c. AD 50-60
Paul writes Romans
Paul writes his letter to the church in Rome, explaining God's plan of salvation and addressing the role of Jews and Gentiles.
This is the foundational Old Testament passage directly quoted in Romans 9, revealing God's choice of Jacob over Esau before their birth and any actions they performed.
Malachi 1:2-3Paul uses this prophetic passage to further underscore God's sovereign choice, illustrating His love for Jacob (Israel) and His rejection of Esau (Edom), again based on God's purpose rather than works.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8This passage shows God's choosing of Israel, not because they were more numerous or righteous than other nations, but out of His love and faithfulness to His promises, echoing the principle of election not based on human merit.
Ephesians 1:4-5Similar to Romans 9, this New Testament passage emphasizes God's predestination and election of believers before the foundation of the world, not based on foreseen good works, but according to His own good pleasure and purpose.
John 15:16Jesus tells His disciples that they did not choose Him, but He chose them, directly mirroring the theme of divine election that is initiated by God's call and purpose, not by human choice or merit.
meyerRomans 9:11: "(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;)"
Romans 9:11-12 . Although, forsooth, they were not yet born, and had not done anything good or evil, in order that the purpose of God according to election might have its continued subsistence, not from works, but from Him who calls, it was said to her , etc. μήπω ] not οὔπω , because the negative relation i…
pulpitRomans 9:11: "(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;)"
Verses 11-13. - For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election (i.e. the principle of his electing to privileges of his own good will and purpose, and not on the ground of any fancied human claims) might stand (μένῃ, i.e. should remain…
The text emphasizes that God's selection is independent of any actions by the individuals. It's not about what someone does or will do, but entirely rooted in God's sovereign choice and calling. This highlights that divine purpose is established before human deeds, good or bad, even begin.
Paul is explaining why God’s plan of choosing people for Himself (election) is based entirely on His own will, not on anything people do. He uses the example of twins Jacob and Esau, who hadn't even been born or done anything good or bad yet. This is to show that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau, and by extension, His choice of whom to save, is not based on merit but on His sovereign call.
Paul is explaining why God’s plan of choosing people for Himself (election) is based entirely on His own will, not on anything people do. He uses the example of twins Jacob and Esau, who hadn't even been born or done anything good or bad yet. This is to show that God’s choice of Jacob over Esau, and by extension, His choice of whom to save, is not based on merit but on His sovereign call.
"though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—" — The text emphasizes that God's selection is independent of any actions by the individuals. It's not about what someone does or will do, but entirely rooted in God's sovereign choice and calling.…
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Last reviewed October 2026