Romans 9:11
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)
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The verse emphasizes that God's selection isn't based on anything we do, but on His own unsearchable purposes. It highlights that this choosing ("election") is the very nature of God's plan, not an afterthought or a reaction to our actions, whether good or bad. This means the foundation of God's plan rests entirely on who God is, not on anything within us.
Paul is explaining why God's plan of salvation wasn't derailed when many Jews rejected Jesus. He uses the example of Jacob and Esau, twins who hadn't yet done anything good or bad, to show that God's choosing of people for His purposes isn't based on their actions, but solely on His sovereign decision. This choice, made before they were even born, establishes that God's selection stands on His own initiative and calling, not on human merit.
How can God choose someone before they've even had a chance to do good or bad? This passage dives into the heart of God's sovereign plan.
Paul highlights that God's choice, or election, of Jacob over Esau wasn't based on anything they had done. They were in the womb, yet to live a single day, let alone perform any deeds, good or bad.
Why This Matters:
If election isn't based on our merit, then where does it come from? Paul points us to the Caller.
The verse explicitly states that God's purpose of election stands 'not because of works but because of him who calls.' This isn't about what we do, but who God is and who He calls.
Understanding 'Him Who Calls':
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.
The verse references the story of Jacob and Esau, twin brothers whose differing destinies were foretold before their birth, illustrating God's sovereign choice in His plans, independent of any merit or action on their part.
c. 1800 BC
Abraham receives the promise
God promises Abraham numerous descendants and that through him all nations will be blessed, establishing a covenant.
c. 1800 BC
Birth of Isaac
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, is born, the sole heir of the covenant promises.
c. 1750 BC— this verse
Birth of Jacob and Esau
Isaac's wife, Rebekah, gives birth to twins, Esau and Jacob, whose lives and destinies become central to God's unfolding plan.
Genesis 25:23
Prophecy of the Twins
Before the twins are born, Rebekah receives a prophecy from God: 'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples born of you shall be separated; the elder shall serve the younger.'
c. 1000 BC
This is the direct Old Testament passage quoted by Paul, detailing God's pronouncement that 'the elder shall serve the younger' before the twins were even born, establishing the principle of election based on God's purpose, not works.
Malachi 1:2-3Paul explicitly links the Jacob and Esau example to this prophetic declaration, 'Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated,' further emphasizing God's sovereign choice in His dealings with nations and individuals.
Romans 8:28-29This passage establishes God's foreknowledge and predestination based on His purpose, mirroring the idea in Romans 9:11 that God's plan is foundational and precedes human actions or merit.
Ephesians 1:4-5Paul writes about God choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world, not because of anything we have done, which strongly parallels the concept in Romans 9:11 that God's election is 'not because of works but because of him who calls.'
John 1:13This verse states that believers were 'born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God,' reinforcing the theme in Romans 9:11 that divine election and birth into God's family are not based on natural lineage or human effort.
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 verse emphasizes that God's selection isn't based on anything we do, but on His own unsearchable purposes. It highlights that this choosing ("election") is the very nature of God's plan, not an afterthought or a reaction to our actions, whether good or bad. This means the foundation of God's plan rests entirely on who God is, not on anything within us.
Paul is explaining why God's plan of salvation wasn't derailed when many Jews rejected Jesus. He uses the example of Jacob and Esau, twins who hadn't yet done anything good or bad, to show that God's choosing of people for His purposes isn't based on their actions, but solely on His sovereign decision. This choice, made before they were even born, establishes that God's selection stands on His own initiative and calling, not on human merit.
Paul is explaining why God's plan of salvation wasn't derailed when many Jews rejected Jesus. He uses the example of Jacob and Esau, twins who hadn't yet done anything good or bad, to show that God's choosing of people for His purposes isn't based on their actions, but solely on His sovereign decision. This choice, made before they were even born, establishes that God's selection stands on His own initiative and calling, not on human merit.
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Davidic Kingdom Established
The descendants of Jacob, the Israelites, establish a kingdom under King David. The Edomites, descendants of Esau, are subdued.
c. 500 BC
Prophet Malachi Speaks
Malachi prophesies about God's love for Jacob (Israel) and His rejection of Esau (Edom), highlighting God's sovereign choice.
"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 verse emphasizes that God's selection isn't based on anything we do, but on His own unsearchable purposes. It highlights that this choosing ("election") is the very nature of God's plan, not…
