Romans 9:12
10 Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.
11 Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,
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.”
14 What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
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
- not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”
- KJV
- It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
- WEB
- it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
- ASV
- it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
- DARBY
- it was said to her, The greater shall serve the less:
- BLB
- not of works but of the One calling, it was said to her, “The greater will serve the lesser.”
- ÅB
- så ble det sagt til henne: «Den eldste skal tjene den yngste»;
- OTB
- ikke ved gjerninger, men ved Ham som kaller, ble det sagt til henne: «Den eldste skal tjene den yngste.»
- B1930
- da blev det sagt til henne: Den eldste skal tjene den yngste;
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Genesis 25:22–23
But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, “Why is this happening to me?” So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD,
Read in context