Romans 9:27-29
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The word "crieth" here isn't just about volume; it captures Isaiah's urgent, almost anguished cry over Israel's impending judgment. He's not just stating a fact, but lamenting the vast majority who will be lost, even as he foretells the salvation of a chosen few.
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, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” And as Isaiah predicted, “If the Lord of hosts had not left us offspring, we would have been like Sodom and become like Gomorrah.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is working through a challenging question: if God promised Abraham countless descendants, why are so many Jews rejecting Jesus, while Gentiles are embracing him? He's already shown that not all physical descendants of Abraham are part of God's chosen people. Now, he turns to Isaiah's prophecy to demonstrate that even in the Old Testament, God's plan always involved a remnant, a chosen few, rather than the whole nation.
Why does Paul use the strong word 'cries' to introduce Isaiah's prophecy? What does this urgency reveal about the message itself and its reception?
The Greek word for 'cries' (krázei) suggests more than just speaking; it implies an impassioned, even anguished, utterance. It's a cry that cuts through complacency.
Israel was promised to be as numerous as the sand of the sea. So why does the prophecy speak of only a 'remnant' being saved?
This verse presents a striking contrast: the vastness of Israel compared to the smallness of the saved.
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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.
YHWH Seba'ot · Hebrew Noun phrase
A title for God emphasizing His sovereignty, majesty, and absolute power as the commander of the angelic armies and the entire universe.
Paul's use of Isaiah's prophecy highlights that throughout Israel's history, God's saving work has always been selective, focusing on a 'remnant' even amidst national catastrophe and exile.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Isaiah Prophesies Judgment
Prophet Isaiah delivers messages of judgment and hope to the Kingdom of Judah during a time of political instability and approaching Assyrian dominance.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, deporting many Israelites and scattering them, a stark historical example of national judgment.
605 BC
First Deportation to Babylon
King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon begins deporting Judeans, including members of the royal family and skilled workers, to Babylon, initiating the period of exile.
586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians destroy Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling the majority of the remaining population. This event represents a profound national catastrophe.
c. 538 BC
Return from Babylonian Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, a remnant of Jewish exiles returns to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple and the city, marking a significant, though incomplete, restoration.
This is the direct source of the prophecy Paul quotes, highlighting the same theme of a vast population contrasted with a small saved remnant.
Jeremiah 23:3This passage also speaks of gathering the remnant of God's flock, emphasizing that only a few will be saved from judgment, mirroring the theme in Romans 9.
Zechariah 13:8-9This prophecy describes a refining fire that will consume most of the people, leaving only a remnant to call on the Lord's name, further illustrating the concept of a saved remnant.
Romans 11:5Paul himself revisits this idea of a remnant in his letter, showing that even in his own time, an 'election of grace' existed among Israel, parallel to the Isaiah prophecy.
Matthew 7:13-14Jesus contrasts the wide gate leading to destruction with the narrow gate leading to life, implying that only a few find the path to salvation, a concept echoed in the 'remnant' idea.
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 word "crieth" here isn't just about volume; it captures Isaiah's urgent, almost anguished cry over Israel's impending judgment. He's not just stating a fact, but lamenting the vast majority who will be lost, even as he foretells the salvation of a chosen few.
Paul is working through a challenging question: if God promised Abraham countless descendants, why are so many Jews rejecting Jesus, while Gentiles are embracing him? He's already shown that not all physical descendants of Abraham are part of God's chosen people. Now, he turns to Isaiah's prophecy to demonstrate that even in the Old Testament, God's plan always involved a remnant, a chosen few, rather than the whole nation.
Paul is working through a challenging question: if God promised Abraham countless descendants, why are so many Jews rejecting Jesus, while Gentiles are embracing him? He's already shown that not all physical descendants of Abraham are part of God's chosen people. Now, he turns to Isaiah's prophecy to demonstrate that even in the Old Testament, God's plan always involved a remnant, a chosen few, rather than the whole nation.
"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, for the Lord will carry out his sentence upon the earth fully and without delay.” And as Isai…" — The word "crieth" here isn't just about volume; it captures Isaiah's urgent, almost anguished cry over Israel's impending judgment. He's not just stating a fact, but lamenting the vast majority who w…
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Last reviewed October 2026
