Paul lists the unique, God-given privileges of Israel, not to boast, but to highlight how deeply significant their rejection of these gifts is. The "adoption" and "glory" point to Israel's special relationship with God, revealing that their status wasn't merely ethnic, but a sacred trust.
They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is deeply grieved over the rejection of his own people, the Israelites, by God. He begins by affirming his sincere love for them, even wishing he could be cursed himself if it meant saving them. He then lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel—adoption, divine glory, sacred covenants, the law, worship, and divine promises—emphasizing their unique relationship with God, a relationship that makes their current status so tragic.
Paul lists six incredible gifts given to Israel. What were they, and why do they matter so much?
Paul isn't just listing historical facts; he's reminding the Israelites (and us) of the profound blessings God bestowed upon them. These weren't minor perks; they were foundational to God's redemptive plan.
The Six Privileges:
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These weren't just for a select few; they belonged to the nation as a whole, setting them apart.
Paul's argument hinges on Israel's unique heritage. But it wasn't just about who they were, but what God did for them.
Paul emphasizes that being an "Israelite" carried immense weight, not just because of Abraham's lineage, but because of God's direct actions and revelations to them. These were God-given privileges that set them apart from every other nation.
The Divine Imprint:
These weren't earned; they were divinely bestowed. Paul is laying the groundwork to show that even with such an incredible heritage, salvation ultimately comes through faith in Christ, not just ethnic identity.
Why did God pour out these specific blessings on Israel? It wasn't random favoritism.
Paul enumerates these extraordinary privileges not to boast about Israel's superiority, but to underscore the profound significance of their role in God's larger plan. Each element served a specific purpose in preparing the way for His ultimate redemptive act.
God's Strategic Plan:
Paul’s detailed listing serves to highlight the immense privilege and responsibility Israel carried. Their rejection of Christ, despite these foundational blessings, made their fall even more tragic, and underscored the critical importance of faith for all people, Jew and Gentile alike.
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.
patēr · Greek Noun
The foundational fathers of the nation of Israel—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to whom God first made His covenantal promises.
Christos · Greek Noun
The expected Davidic King and Savior, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the means of God's redemption for humanity.
Paul lists the unique historical privileges given to Israel – adoption, glory, covenants, law, worship, and promises – to underscore the gravity of their national rejection of the Messiah and to show that God's faithfulness remains even as His plan unfolds through Gentiles.
~1800 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him countless descendants and a special relationship. This marks the beginning of Abraham's lineage as God's chosen people.
~1446 BC
The Exodus and the Giving of the Law
God delivers the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, establishes them as His nation, and gives them the Law through Moses at Mount Sinai. This event solidifies their identity and their unique covenant relationship with God.
~960 BC
The Glory in the Temple
Solomon's Temple is dedicated, and the visible glory of God (the Shekinah) fills the sanctuary, signifying God's special presence among His people in a way unmatched by other nations.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy Solomon's Temple, and exile a significant portion of the Jewish population. This catastrophic event represented a profound loss of their most cherished privileges.
c. 516 BC
Rebuilding of the Temple
Following their return from exile, the Jews rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem, restoring a focal point for their worship and a symbol of God's enduring, though changed, presence.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus, the promised Messiah, is crucified and rises again. This event fulfills many of the ancient promises and covenants, ushering in a new era of salvation available to all who believe.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
The Apostle Paul writes his letter to the believers in Rome. In chapter 9, he grapples with the apparent rejection of his people, the Israelites, by God, and explains the unique historical privileges they once possessed.
This verse directly echoes the idea of 'adoption' by calling Israel God's 'firstborn son,' highlighting the special, familial relationship God established with them as a nation.
Deuteronomy 4:32-34This passage emphasizes God's unique choice and favor shown to Israel, recounting the 'giving of the law' and miraculous acts, mirroring the list of privileges in Romans 9:4 and underscoring Israel's distinct status.
Jeremiah 31:9This prophecy speaks of God as a 'father to Israel' and calling Ephraim His 'firstborn son,' aligning with the concept of adoption and God's relational promises to His people, as mentioned in Romans 9:4.
Psalm 147:19-20This psalm directly mentions God's 'word' (law) and His 'statutes and rules' given to Israel, paralleling the 'giving of the law' and 'service of God' in Romans 9:4 and highlighting these as divine gifts.
Acts 3:25Peter reminds his audience that they are 'sons of the covenants that God made with their ancestors, saying to Abraham, 'Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed,'' directly linking to the 'covenants' and 'promises' mentioned in Romans 9:4 and pointing to their Messianic fulfillment.
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 the unique, God-given privileges of Israel, not to boast, but to highlight how deeply significant their rejection of these gifts is. The "adoption" and "glory" point to Israel's special relationship with God, revealing that their status wasn't merely ethnic, but a sacred trust.
Paul is deeply grieved over the rejection of his own people, the Israelites, by God. He begins by affirming his sincere love for them, even wishing he could be cursed himself if it meant saving them. He then lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel—adoption, divine glory, sacred covenants, the law, worship, and divine promises—emphasizing their unique relationship with God, a relationship that makes their current status so tragic.
Paul is deeply grieved over the rejection of his own people, the Israelites, by God. He begins by affirming his sincere love for them, even wishing he could be cursed himself if it meant saving them. He then lists the incredible spiritual privileges God bestowed upon Israel—adoption, divine glory, sacred covenants, the law, worship, and divine promises—emphasizing their unique relationship with God, a relationship that makes their current status so tragic.
"They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God ove…" — Paul lists the unique, God-given privileges of Israel, not to boast, but to highlight how deeply significant their rejection of these gifts is. The "adoption" and "glory" point to Israel's special re…
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Last reviewed October 2026
