But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, and not all are children of Abraham (A)because they are his offspring, but (B)“Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but (C)the children of the promise are counted as offspring. For this is what the promise said: (D)“About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but (E)also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of (F)him who calls— 12 she was told, (G)“The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, (H)“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

14 What shall we say then? (I)Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! 15 For he says to Moses, (J)“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion,[a] but on God, who has mercy.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. Romans 9:16 Greek not of him who wills or runs

Bible Gateway Recommends

ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--hardcover
ESV MacArthur Study Bible, 2nd Edition--hardcover
Retail: $49.99
Our Price: $31.99
Save: $18.00 (36%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible, Hardcover, Five-Volume Set
ESV Spiral-Bound Journaling Bible, Hardcover, Five-Volume Set
Retail: $149.99
Our Price: $98.99
Save: $51.00 (34%)
ESV Study Bible, Genuine Buffalo Leather, brown
ESV Study Bible, Genuine Buffalo Leather, brown
Retail: $154.99
Our Price: $91.49
Save: $63.50 (41%)
5.0 of 5.0 stars
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
ESV Holy Bible for Kids, Softcover Economy Edition
Retail: $9.99
Our Price: $5.99
Save: $4.00 (40%)
4.5 of 5.0 stars