King James Version

What Does Romans 9:11 Mean?

Romans 9:11 in the King James Version says “(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to electio...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“(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;)”

Romans 9:11 · KJV

Context

9

For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

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;)

12

It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. elder: or, greater elder: or, greater younger: or, lesser

13

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil—the temporal clause is emphatic: mēpō...gennēthentōn mēde praxantōn ti agathon ē phaulos (μήπω...γεννηθέντων μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον). The double negative underscores that no works—good or evil—preceded God's choice. This demolishes merit-based election and also undermines foreknowledge-of-faith views. God didn't foresee Jacob's faith or Esau's unbelief; he chose before either existed to act.

That the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth—hē kat' eklogēn prothesis tou theou (ἡ κατ' ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις τοῦ θεοῦ): 'the according-to-election purpose of God.' Election (eklogē, ἐκλογή) is God's sovereign choice. Prothesis (πρόθεσις) is 'purpose/plan.' God's electing purpose operates ouk ex ergōn all' ek tou kalountos (οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἀλλ' ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος): 'not from works but from the one calling.' The ground is in the Caller, not the called.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became central to Reformed theology's doctrine of unconditional election. God's choice precedes human response, ensuring salvation is of grace alone. Paul echoes Deuteronomy 7:6-8: God chose Israel not for their righteousness but for his love and covenant faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pre-birth, pre-works election ensure that salvation is entirely of grace?
  2. Why is it important that election is 'of him that calleth' rather than him who foresees response?
  3. How does understanding election as God's 'purpose' (prothesis) comfort believers in trials?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
μήπω1 of 24

“not yet”

G3380

not yet

γὰρ2 of 24

“(For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

γεννηθέντων3 of 24

“born”

G1080

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

μηδὲ4 of 24

“neither”

G3366

but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor

πραξάντων5 of 24

“having done”

G4238

to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,

τι6 of 24

“any”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀγαθὸν7 of 24

“good”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἢ8 of 24

“or”

G2228

disjunctive, or; comparative, than

κακόν,9 of 24

“evil”

G2556

worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious

ἵνα10 of 24

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἡ11 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κατ'12 of 24

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ἐκλογὴν13 of 24

“to election”

G1589

(divine) selection (abstractly or concretely)

τοῦ14 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ15 of 24

“of God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

πρόθεσις16 of 24

“the purpose”

G4286

a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god

μένῃ17 of 24

“might stand”

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

οὐκ18 of 24

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἐκ19 of 24

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ἔργων20 of 24

“works”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

ἀλλ'21 of 24

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἐκ22 of 24

“of”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τοῦ23 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλοῦντος24 of 24

“him that calleth”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 9:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 9:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Timothy 1:9Ephesians 1:4-52 Peter 1:10Ephesians 1:9-11Romans 8:28-30Titus 3:5

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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