King James Version

What Does Romans 9:25 Mean?

Romans 9:25 in the King James Version says “As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.”

Romans 9:25 · KJV

Context

23

And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25

As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

26

And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.

27

Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved—Paul quotes Hosea 2:23 (LXX). Kalesō...ou laon mou laon mou (καλέσω...οὐ λαόν μου λαόν μου): 'I will call...not-my-people my-people.' Hosea prophesied to apostate northern Israel (8th century BC), promising restoration: those disowned would be reclaimed. Paul applies it to Gentiles—those never in covenant now called 'beloved' (ēgapēmenēn, ἠγαπημένην).

This is typological interpretation: Hosea's immediate reference was ethnic Israel's restoration, but Paul sees the principle of gracious calling extending to Gentiles. God calls things that are not as though they were (4:17). Those 'far off' are brought near (Ephesians 2:13). The not-beloved becoming beloved illustrates sovereign grace—no prior relationship or merit, only God's free choice to love. This is election's essence: God setting covenant love on the undeserving.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hosea married Gomer the adulteress to symbolize Israel's spiritual adultery. Yet God promised to remarry faithless Israel (Hosea 2:14-23). Paul sees this covenant restoration language fulfilled in Gentile calling—grafting wild branches into the olive tree (11:17-24). God's mercy transcends ethnic boundaries.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does calling 'not my people' to be 'my people' illustrate the sheer grace of election?
  2. What does Hosea's marriage to Gomer teach about God's covenant love despite unfaithfulness?
  3. How does Paul's application of Hosea to Gentiles demonstrate the unity of God's people across testaments?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
ὡς1 of 18
G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ2 of 18

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐν3 of 18

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ4 of 18
G3588

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

Ὡσηὲ5 of 18

“Osee”

G5617

hosee (i.e., hoshea), an israelite

λέγει6 of 18

“As he saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

Καλέσω7 of 18

“I will call”

G2564

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

τὸν8 of 18
G3588

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

οὐκ9 of 18

“which was not”

G3756

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

λαόν10 of 18

“people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

μου11 of 18

“my”

G3450

of me

λαόν12 of 18

“people”

G2992

a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)

μου13 of 18

“my”

G3450

of me

καὶ14 of 18

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὴν15 of 18
G3588

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

οὐκ16 of 18

“which was not”

G3756

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

ἠγαπημένην·17 of 18

“beloved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

ἠγαπημένην·18 of 18

“beloved”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

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 9:25 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 9:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 2:231 Peter 2:10John 16:27Ezekiel 16:8Romans 1:7Hosea 1:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

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