They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul lists these incredible spiritual privileges belonging to Israel – adoption, the divine glory, covenants, the Law, worship, and promises – not just to show their unique standing, but to highlight the profound loss that resulted from their rejection of these very gifts. This demonstrates that these aren't mere historical facts but living realities God bestowed, which can be tragically set aside.
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is explaining his deep sorrow over his fellow Israelites, who are rejecting God's salvation through Jesus. He lists the incredible privileges God gave them—their special adoption, the visible glory of God's presence, the sacred covenants, the law, their unique worship, and the promises of a coming Messiah. These were meant to set them apart, but their rejection of Christ highlighted their deep spiritual blindness, making Paul question how God's promises could still hold true.
God called Israel His son, His firstborn. What does this unique relationship mean, and how does it form the bedrock of their identity?
Paul begins by highlighting Israel's 'adoption.' This isn't just about being God's chosen people; it's about a profound, familial relationship. God declared, 'Israel is my son, my firstborn' (Exodus 4:22). This meant they were set apart, cherished, and destined for a unique place in His plan. Even though this national adoption differed from the spiritual adoption believers experience today, it was a tangible sign of God's intimate care and His commitment to them as His own.
This adoption wasn't earned; it was a gift, a foundational privilege that set the stage for all the others that follow.
Imagine a visible manifestation of God's glory dwelling among a people. What did this 'glory' signify for Israel, and why was it so precious?
The 'glory' Paul mentions refers to the visible symbol of God's presence, often associated with the Shekinah – the cloud and fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and later resided in the Tabernacle and Temple. This wasn't just a distant light; it was God dwelling with His people, a constant reminder of His power, holiness, and favor.
This glory was a profound sign of God's commitment to be Immanuel – God with us. It was a testament to their unique status, setting them apart from all other nations and serving as a visible pledge of His divine protection and fellowship.
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Beyond adoption and glory, Israel received specific 'covenants' and 'promises.' What were these, and why are they central to God's dealings with His people?
Paul lists 'the covenants' and 'the promises' as distinct, crucial privileges. These weren't vague assurances but specific, divinely ordained agreements and pledges. The most significant include the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 15, 17), establishing a lineage and a land, and the covenant at Sinai (Exodus 24), formalizing the Law given through Moses.
These covenants and promises were the framework through which God's redemptive plan unfolded. They guaranteed His faithfulness and laid out the path of blessing, particularly pointing toward the coming Messiah and the ultimate fulfillment of His purposes. Even when Israel failed, God's word in these covenants held firm, demonstrating His steadfastness.
Understand the original words
huiothesia · Greek Noun
The covenantal act of God in which He grants believers the status, rights, and privileges of children within His family.
doxa · Greek Noun
The manifested radiance or visible presence of God, often associated with His dwelling among His people or the revelation of His character.
diathēkē · Greek Noun
Solemn, binding agreements between God and His people, wherein He pledges Himself to them and establishes the terms of relationship and blessing.
nomos · Greek Noun
The divine communication of moral and ceremonial requirements, intended to reveal God's holiness and man's need for righteousness.
latreia · Greek Noun
The ritual or service of divine adoration, sacrifice, and obedience offered to God by His people, grounded in His instruction.
epangelia · Greek Noun
Divinely revealed declarations of future blessing, purpose, or salvation, anchored in God’s faithfulness to His Word.
Paul's enumeration of Israel's unique privileges—adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, and promises—highlights the profound historical relationship God had with them. This context underscores the immense tragedy and spiritual loss represented by the destruction of the Temple, as these sacred markers of God's presence and covenant were deeply tied to that physical place and the nation's identity.
~1800 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising numerous descendants and land, establishing Abraham as the father of a chosen people. This marks the beginning of Israel's unique relationship with God.
~1446 BC
The Exodus and the Giving of the Law
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt through Moses, giving them His law at Mount Sinai. This event solidifies their national identity and establishes the Mosaic covenant and a distinct religious system.
~1000 BC
The Ark and the Temple
The Ark of the Covenant is housed in Jerusalem, leading to the construction of the First Temple. This becomes the central place of worship and a symbol of God's tangible presence among His people, known as the 'glory.'
70 AD— this verse
Destruction of the Second Temple
The Roman army destroys Jerusalem and the Second Temple, a devastating event that marks the end of the sacrificial system and the dispersion of Jewish people worldwide.
c. 95 AD
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the Romans, likely from Corinth or Ephesus, while living in a Roman province. He is addressing a mixed community of Jewish and Gentile believers in Rome.
This passage directly parallels the concept of 'adoption' mentioned in Romans 9:4, where God calls Israel His 'firstborn son,' highlighting the unique, chosen relationship of Israel to God.
Deuteronomy 4:7-8This text echoes the privileges listed in Romans 9:4, emphasizing that no other nation has God so near or has received such statutes and ordinances, thus underscoring the special status of Israel.
Psalm 147:19-20This psalm speaks of God revealing His word and statutes to Israel, directly corresponding to the 'giving of the law' and 'worship' mentioned in Romans 9:4, showing the divine origin and significance of these aspects for Israel.
Jeremiah 31:31-34This prophecy about a new covenant speaks to the ongoing significance of God's promises and covenants with Israel, even in light of future changes, connecting to the 'covenants' and 'promises' listed in Romans 9:4.
Matthew 3:9This verse, where John the Baptist warns the Pharisees, highlights the danger of relying solely on Israelite heritage and external privileges (like adoption and descent from Abraham) without true repentance, thus providing a counterpoint to the list of privileges in Romans 9:4.
bensonRomans 9:4: "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;"
Romans 9:4 . Who are Israelites — The seed of Jacob, that eminent patriarch, who, as a prince, had power with God and prevailed. The apostle, with great address, enumerates these privileges of the Jews, both that he might show how honourably he thought of them, and that he might awaken their solicitude, not to sacrifice that di…
pulpitRomans 9:4: "Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;"
Verses 4, 5. - Who (οἵτινες, with its usual sense of quippe qui) are Israelites; whose is the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the Law, and the service of God, and the promises; whose are the fathers, and from whom is Christ as concerning the flesh, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen. Here…
Paul lists these incredible spiritual privileges belonging to Israel – adoption, the divine glory, covenants, the Law, worship, and promises – not just to show their unique standing, but to highlight the profound loss that resulted from their rejection of these very gifts. This demonstrates that these aren't mere historical facts but living realities God bestowed, which can be tragically set aside.
Paul is explaining his deep sorrow over his fellow Israelites, who are rejecting God's salvation through Jesus. He lists the incredible privileges God gave them—their special adoption, the visible glory of God's presence, the sacred covenants, the law, their unique worship, and the promises of a coming Messiah. These were meant to set them apart, but their rejection of Christ highlighted their deep spiritual blindness, making Paul question how God's promises could still hold true.
Paul is explaining his deep sorrow over his fellow Israelites, who are rejecting God's salvation through Jesus. He lists the incredible privileges God gave them—their special adoption, the visible glory of God's presence, the sacred covenants, the law, their unique worship, and the promises of a coming Messiah. These were meant to set them apart, but their rejection of Christ highlighted their deep spiritual blindness, making Paul question how God's promises could still hold true.
"They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises." — Paul lists these incredible spiritual privileges belonging to Israel – adoption, the divine glory, covenants, the Law, worship, and promises – not just to show their unique standing, but to highlight…
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Last reviewed October 2026