Romans 9:12
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
11 (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;)
It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
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
And the children struggled together within her; and she said, If it be so, why am I thus? And she went to enquire of the LORD.
Read in context