Romans 9:25-26
As indeed he says in Hosea, “Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’ and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ there they will be called ‘sons of the living God.’”
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The prophet Hosea’s original words were about the scattered Israelites, but here Paul applies them to the Gentiles. This reveals a profound shift: those who were considered utterly outside God's covenant, like the Gentiles, would now be brought in, mirroring how even exiled Israelites were called back. This shows God's grace extends far beyond His original chosen people, redefining who "my people" truly means.
Paul is arguing that God's sovereign choice of who will be his people isn't limited to ethnic Jews, but extends to Gentiles as well. To prove this, he quotes the prophet Hosea, showing that God's plan to call those who were "not my people" and "not beloved" into his covenant family was foretold long ago. This directly supports his point that God can choose whomever He wills, independent of human lineage or merit.
Have you ever felt like an outsider, someone God wouldn't possibly include? This verse reveals God's intention to redefine who 'my people' really means.
Paul, writing to the Roman church, uses a powerful quote from the prophet Hosea to explain a mind-blowing concept: God's plan always included extending His family beyond the expected boundaries.
Redefining 'My People'
Originally, the terms 'not my people' and 'not beloved' referred to the northern kingdom of Israel after they had turned to idolatry. God, through Hosea, declared them cast off (Hosea 1:6-9). However, Paul shows that this wasn't the end of the story. This prophecy was a divine promise that God would, in time, reclaim them and also extend His favor to others who were not considered His people.
The Gentile Inclusion
While Hosea spoke specifically about the scattered Israelites, Paul applies this principle to the inclusion of Gentiles – people outside the Abrahamic covenant. This wasn't a last-minute change of plans. It was God's eternal purpose, revealed through the prophets, that His love and calling would extend far beyond what many expected. It highlights God's sovereign choice and His desire to show mercy broadly.
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We often think of relationship with God as something we earn or achieve. But this verse points to a different reality: God's passionate pursuit.
The heart of this verse isn't just about inclusion; it's about God's active, loving pursuit of those who were distant.
The Power of God's 'Call'
The phrase 'I will call' is not a passive observation; it's an active declaration of intent. God doesn't wait for people to become 'worthy' or 'lovable' by human standards. He initiates. He declares.
Transforming Identity
Being 'called' by God is more than just an invitation; it's a transformation of identity. To be called 'my people' means belonging, security, and a recognized place in God's family. To be called 'beloved' means being cherished, known, and deeply valued by the Creator Himself. This is not based on merit, but on God's sovereign choice and His unfailing love.
This demonstrates the essence of God's grace – it's undeserved favor that redefines our very being. It's a love that sees us not as we are in our fallen state, but as we are destined to be in Christ.
Understand the original words
am · Hebrew Noun
A term describing the covenantal relationship between God and His people, signifying belonging, protection, and identity. In a New Testament context, it is expanded to include those brought into the covenant through faith in Christ.
huioi theou zōntos · Greek Noun phrase
A designation denoting a unique relational status with God, signifying adoption, spiritual life, and intimacy. In the New Testament, it refers to those who have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ.
Paul's use of Hosea's prophecy highlights that God's plan, even when it seemed to reject His own people (Israel), was always intended to bring about a broader, inclusive family of faith, fulfilling ancient promises in surprising ways.
c. 786-777 BC
Hosea's Ministry and Family
The prophet Hosea receives a divine command to marry an unfaithful woman, Gomer, symbolizing God's relationship with the unfaithful northern kingdom of Israel. Their children receive symbolic names: 'Lo-ruhamah' (Not Pitied) and 'Lo-ammi' (Not My People), signifying God's judgment.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Assyrian Exile
The northern kingdom of Israel, with its capital Samaria, is conquered by the Assyrian Empire, and its people are exiled. This event marks a profound rupture, and many Israelites are scattered among Gentile nations.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The southern kingdom of Judah falls to the Neo-Babylonian Empire, and Jerusalem is destroyed. Many Jews are exiled to Babylon, though a remnant remains in the land.
c. 539 BC
Cyrus's Decree and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon and issues a decree allowing exiled peoples, including the Jews, to return to their homelands and rebuild their temples.
Early 1st century AD
Roman Rule in Judea
Judea is under Roman occupation, creating a tense political and religious climate. Jewish leaders grapple with Roman authority and differing interpretations of God's promises.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified and resurrected, forming the foundation of the Christian faith. This event ushers in a new era where salvation is offered to all who believe.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul's Ministry and Letter to the Romans
The Apostle Paul, deeply involved in missionary work among Gentiles, writes his letter to the Roman church. He addresses theological issues concerning God's faithfulness to Israel and the inclusion of Gentiles in His plan of salvation.
This is the primary source for Paul's quotation, directly stating that those called 'not my people' will be called 'children of the living God.' It highlights God's intention to restore and include those who were estranged.
Hosea 2:23This passage is also directly referenced and speaks of showing mercy to 'Lo-ruhamah' (not loved/pitied) and calling 'Lo-ammi' (not my people) 'my people.' It emphasizes God's redemptive action towards the unlovable and estranged.
1 Peter 2:10Peter echoes Paul's application of the Hosea prophecy, calling believers 'once not a people' but now 'the people of God.' This shows the ongoing, consistent theme of God's inclusion of the Gentiles into His covenant family.
Isaiah 49:22This prophetic passage speaks of nations bringing God's people, including Gentiles carrying Israelite children, emphasizing a future ingathering where those outside the covenant are brought in. It parallels the idea of God calling the Gentiles His people.
Romans 11:25-26Paul discusses the future salvation of 'all Israel' after the 'fullness of the Gentiles' has come in. This passage, while more complex, speaks to a similar theme of God's plan encompassing both Gentiles and Jews, highlighting His sovereign choices and redemptive scope.
vincentRomans 9:25: "As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved."
That my people which was not my people (τὸν οὐ λαόν μοῦ, λαόν μοῦ)The Greek is much more condensed. "I will call the not-my-people my-people." See Hosea 1:6-9. The reference is to the symbolical names given by the prophet to a son and daughter: Lo Ammi not my people, and Lo Ruhama not having obtained mercy. The new people whom God will call my people will…
clarkeRomans 9:25: "As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved."
As he saith also in Osee - It is a cause of not a little confusion, that a uniformity in the orthography of the proper names of the Old and New Testaments has not been preserved. What stranger to our sacred books would suppose that the Osee above meant the Prophet Hosea, from whom, Hosea 2:23 , this quotation is taken: I will have mercy on her that had not obtai…
The prophet Hosea’s original words were about the scattered Israelites, but here Paul applies them to the Gentiles. This reveals a profound shift: those who were considered utterly outside God's covenant, like the Gentiles, would now be brought in, mirroring how even exiled Israelites were called back. This shows God's grace extends far beyond His original chosen people, redefining who "my people" truly means.
Paul is arguing that God's sovereign choice of who will be his people isn't limited to ethnic Jews, but extends to Gentiles as well. To prove this, he quotes the prophet Hosea, showing that God's plan to call those who were "not my people" and "not beloved" into his covenant family was foretold long ago. This directly supports his point that God can choose whomever He wills, independent of human lineage or merit.
Paul is arguing that God's sovereign choice of who will be his people isn't limited to ethnic Jews, but extends to Gentiles as well. To prove this, he quotes the prophet Hosea, showing that God's plan to call those who were "not my people" and "not beloved" into his covenant family was foretold long ago. This directly supports his point that God can choose whomever He wills, independent of human lineage or merit.
"As indeed he says in Hosea,
“Those who were not my people I will call ‘my people,’
and her who was not beloved I will call ‘beloved.’” “And in the very place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’
there th…" — The prophet Hosea’s original words were about the scattered Israelites, but here Paul applies them to the Gentiles. This reveals a profound shift: those who were considered *utterly* outside God's co…
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