King James Version

What Does Romans 9:26 Mean?

Romans 9:26 in the King James Version says “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 call...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 9:26 · KJV

Context

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:

28

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth. the work: or, the account

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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—Paul continues quoting Hosea (1:10 LXX). The dramatic reversal: ou laos mou (οὐ λαός μου, 'not my people') becomes huioi theou zōntos (υἱοὶ θεοῦ ζῶντος, 'sons of the living God'). Not merely people, but sons—adoption into intimate familial relationship. The phrase 'living God' contrasts with dead idols Gentiles formerly served.

The 'place where' suggests Gentile lands—formerly pagan territory becomes the site of covenant sonship. This fulfills Abraham's promise: all nations blessed (Genesis 12:3). The transformation from 'not beloved' to 'sons' is regeneration and adoption—wrought by sovereign grace through the Spirit. Those 'by nature children of wrath' (Ephesians 2:3) become 'sons of God' through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26). Election accomplishes this impossible transition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Hosea 1:10 prophesied northern Israel's restoration. Paul sees typological fulfillment in Gentile conversion—a greater restoration. The early church was predominantly Gentile by Paul's day, vindicating this prophetic interpretation. God's people now transcend ethnicity, united in Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the progression from 'not my people' to 'sons of the living God' illustrate regeneration and adoption?
  2. What does 'living God' emphasize in contrast to the idols Gentiles formerly served?
  3. How does this verse assure Gentile believers of their full inclusion in God's covenant people?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
καὶ1 of 17

“And”

G2532

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

ἔσται2 of 17

“it shall come to pass”

G2071

will be

ἐν3 of 17

“that in”

G1722

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

τῷ4 of 17
G3588

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

τόπῳ5 of 17

“the place”

G5117

a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc

οὗ6 of 17
G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἐῤῥήθη7 of 17

“it was said”

G4483

to utter, i.e., speak or say

αὐτοῖς8 of 17

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Οὐ9 of 17

“are not”

G3756

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

λαός10 of 17

“people”

G2992

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

μου11 of 17

“my”

G3450

of me

ὑμεῖς12 of 17

“Ye”

G5210

you (as subjective of verb)

ἐκεῖ13 of 17

“there”

G1563

there; by extension, thither

κληθήσονται14 of 17

“shall they be called”

G2564

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

υἱοὶ15 of 17

“the children”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

θεοῦ16 of 17

“God”

G2316

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

ζῶντος17 of 17

“of the living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

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 9:26 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 9:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 1:9-101 John 3:1-3Isaiah 43:6Romans 8:16Galatians 3:262 Corinthians 6:18

Test Your Knowledge

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

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