Romans 9:11

9 For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

10 Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.

Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,

12 not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”

13 So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,
KJV
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
WEB
For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,
ASV
for [the children] being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth,
DARBY
[the children] indeed being not yet born, or having done anything good or worthless (that the purpose of God according to election might abide, not of works, but of him that calls),
BLB
for they not yet having been born nor having done anything good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election might stand—
ÅB
selv da de ikke var født enda, og ikke hadde gjort hverken godt eller ondt (for at Guds hensikt med utvelgelsen skulle stå fast; ikke etter gjerninger, men etter hans kall)
OTB
for før tvillingene var født eller hadde gjort noe godt eller ondt, for at Guds hensikt etter utvelgelse skulle stå fast,
B1930
For da de ennu var ufødte og ennu ikke hadde gjort hverken godt eller ondt - forat Guds råd efter hans utvelgelse skulde stå ved makt, ikke ved gjerninger, men ved ham som kaller -

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • 2 Timothy 1:9

    He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 1:4–5

    For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love

    Read in context
  • 2 Peter 1:10

    Therefore, brothers, strive to make your calling and election sure. For if you practice these things you will never stumble,

    Read in context
  • Romans 8:28–30

    And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

    Read in context
  • Ephesians 1:9–11

    And He has made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ

    Read in context
  • Titus 3:5

    He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

    Read in context
  • 1 Peter 5:10

    And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.

    Read in context
  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13–14

    But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.

    Read in context