Romans 9:27
And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved,
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The prophet Isaiah doesn't just state a fact; he "cries out," indicating an impassioned, almost anguished, proclamation about Israel's future. This intensity highlights the gravity of God's judgment – even when Israel is as numerous as the sand, only a remnant will be spared, a stark contrast to their self-perception as God's chosen, unassailable people.
Paul is arguing that God's plan isn't limited to ethnic Israel, and that not all descendants of Abraham will be saved by default. He just used a prophecy from Hosea to show God calling Gentiles and some Israelites his people. Now, to address the crucial point that many Jews would be rejected, Paul quotes Isaiah with intense emotion, highlighting that despite their vast numbers, only a few from Israel would ultimately be saved.
Why does Paul use a word like 'cries' to introduce Isaiah's message? It hints at a deep, emotional weight behind these prophetic words.
The word translated 'cries' (Greek: krazō) isn't just a simple statement; it conveys an impassioned, almost desperate utterance. Think of it like a shout of anguish or a powerful proclamation. When Isaiah 'cries out concerning Israel,' it's not a casual observation but a deeply felt lament over their condition. This intensity underscores the gravity of God's message about judgment and the surprising nature of salvation.
Israel was promised to be as numerous as the sand. So why does the prophecy speak of only a 'remnant' being saved?
The prophecy from Isaiah 10:22 uses the imagery of the 'sand of the sea' to acknowledge the vastness of Israel's population and the fulfillment of God's promise of numerous descendants (Genesis 22:17). However, Paul, following the Septuagint translation, emphasizes that 'only a remnant shall be saved.' This isn't about God being stingy; it's about His sovereign choice. The 'remnant' (Greek: leimma) refers to a small portion left over after a sifting or judgment. It points to a core group chosen by God, not based on their overwhelming numbers or inherent merit, but by His specific election.
Understand the original words
she'ar · Hebrew Noun
A theological concept referring to a small portion of the nation of Israel that remains faithful to God and is preserved by His grace for salvation, despite the majority's rebellion.
sōzō · Greek Verb
The state of being delivered from sin, divine judgment, and eternal separation from God. It is a work of God's grace received through faith.
Paul's use of Isaiah's prophecy highlights a recurring theme in Israel's history: even amidst God's faithfulness and promises of a vast people, judgment and exile often resulted in only a remnant being saved or returning. This sets the stage for understanding God's saving work not by national identity, but by His sovereign choice, extending even to Gentiles.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies Judgment
Prophet Isaiah delivers warnings of judgment against Israel and Judah due to their sin and idolatry. He foretells a coming Assyrian invasion and exile for the northern kingdom.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The capital city of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, Samaria, falls to the Assyrians, leading to the exile of the ten tribes. This event serves as a stark warning to Judah.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
Assyrian king Sennacherib invades Judah and besieks Jerusalem. Though the city is miraculously spared, many are deported and Judah becomes a vassal state.
605 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Under Nebuchadnezzar II, Babylon begins deporting Jewish people, including nobles and skilled workers, to Babylon. This marks the start of the Babylonian exile.
This is the primary passage Paul is quoting, showing that even during times of judgment and exile, God always preserves a faithful remnant.
Hosea 1:10Paul seems to draw the specific phrase 'as the sand of the sea' from Hosea, illustrating the vastness of God's people while still emphasizing the need for a remnant.
Romans 11:5This passage directly echoes the theme of a remnant being saved, directly referencing the same concept Paul is discussing regarding Israel's salvation.
Jeremiah 23:3-4This prophetic passage speaks of God gathering His sheep and appointing shepherds over them, promising that a remnant will be saved and prosper, mirroring the promise in Isaiah.
Zechariah 13:8-9This verse describes a future time of pruning and trial for Israel, where two-thirds will be cut off, but a third will remain, directly illustrating the concept of a saved remnant.
vincentRomans 9:27: "Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:"
Crieth (κράζει)An impassioned utterance. See on Luke 18:39; compare John 7:28, John 7:37; Acts 19:28; Acts 23:6. Mostly of an inarticulate cry. "The prophet in awful earnestness, and as with a scream of anguish, cries over Israel" (Morison).Concerning (ὑπέρ)Lit., over, as proclaiming a judgment which hangs over Israel.
cambridgeRomans 9:27: "Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:"
27 . Esaias also ] Better, But Esaias . There is a contrast: Hosea speaks of the bringing in of Gentile believers; Isaiah of the rejection of all Jews except Jewish believers. crieth ] Perhaps the word refers to the power and intensity of Isaiah’s prophetic manner. So Meyer. concerning ] The Greek preposition is lit. over; and possibly it may be r…
The prophet Isaiah doesn't just state a fact; he "cries out," indicating an impassioned, almost anguished, proclamation about Israel's future. This intensity highlights the gravity of God's judgment – even when Israel is as numerous as the sand, only a remnant will be spared, a stark contrast to their self-perception as God's chosen, unassailable people.
Paul is arguing that God's plan isn't limited to ethnic Israel, and that not all descendants of Abraham will be saved by default. He just used a prophecy from Hosea to show God calling Gentiles and some Israelites his people. Now, to address the crucial point that many Jews would be rejected, Paul quotes Isaiah with intense emotion, highlighting that despite their vast numbers, only a few from Israel would ultimately be saved.
Paul is arguing that God's plan isn't limited to ethnic Israel, and that not all descendants of Abraham will be saved by default. He just used a prophecy from Hosea to show God calling Gentiles and some Israelites his people. Now, to address the crucial point that many Jews would be rejected, Paul quotes Isaiah with intense emotion, highlighting that despite their vast numbers, only a few from Israel would ultimately be saved.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Romans 9:27 is available in the Sola app.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylon conquers Judah, destroys Jerusalem and the Temple, and deports most of the remaining population. This is a devastating blow to Israel's national and religious life.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Return from Exile
Under Cyrus the Great of Persia, some Jewish exiles are permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. However, only a fraction of the population returns.
"And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant of them will be saved," — The prophet Isaiah doesn't just state a fact; he "cries out," indicating an impassioned, almost anguished, proclamation about Israel's future. This intensity highlights the gravity of God's judgment…
