King James Version

What Does Romans 9:29 Mean?

Romans 9:29 in the King James Version says “And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto... — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

Romans 9:29 · KJV


Context

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

29

And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.

30

What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith.

31

But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha—Paul quotes Isaiah 1:9. Kyrios Sabaōth (Κύριος Σαβαώθ) is Hebrew YHWH tseva'ot (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת, 'LORD of hosts/armies')—God as commander of heavenly armies, emphasizing sovereign power. Sperma (σπέρμα, 'seed') is the remnant—those God preserves.

The comparison to Sodom/Gomorrah (Genesis 19) evokes total destruction—no survivors but Lot's family. Israel deserved such annihilation but for God's grace in preserving a seed. The conditional 'except' (ei mē, εἰ μή) underscores that survival is pure mercy, not merit. The remnant's existence proves election: if left to ourselves, all would perish. That any escape is God's sovereign grace. This prepares for chapter 11: the remnant exists 'according to the election of grace' (11:5).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 1:9 addresses 8th century BC Judah, morally corrupt like Sodom (Isaiah 1:10). Only God's intervention saved a remnant. Paul applies this to his day: Israel's rejection of Messiah warranted total destruction, yet God preserved a believing remnant (Jewish Christians). The pattern repeats: judgment tempered by electing grace.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the Sodom/Gomorrah comparison emphasize the totality of deserved judgment?
  2. What does 'the Lord of Sabaoth left us a seed' teach about the sovereignty of grace in preservation?
  3. How does the remnant's survival prove that election is the only explanation for any being saved?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
καὶ1 of 20

And

G2532

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

καθὼς2 of 20

as

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

προείρηκεν3 of 20

said before

G4280

used as alternate of g4277; to say already, predict

Ἠσαΐας4 of 20

Esaias

G2268

hesaias (i.e., jeshajah), an israelite

Εἰ5 of 20
G1487

if, whether, that, etc

μὴ6 of 20
G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

κύριος7 of 20

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

Σαβαὼθ8 of 20

of Sabaoth

G4519

armies; sabaoth (i.e., tsebaoth), a military epithet of god

ἐγκατέλιπεν9 of 20

had left

G1459

to leave behind in some place, i.e., (in a good sense) let remain over, or (in a bad sense) to desert

ἡμῖν10 of 20

us

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

σπέρμα11 of 20

a seed

G4690

something sown, i.e., seed (including the male "sperm"); by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant (figuratively, as if kept over for planting)

ὡς12 of 20

as

G5613

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

Σόδομα13 of 20

Sodoma

G4670

sodoma (i.e., sedom), a place in palestine

ἂν14 of 20

been made like

G302

whatsoever

ἐγενήθημεν15 of 20
G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ16 of 20

And

G2532

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

ὡς17 of 20

as

G5613

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

Γόμοῤῥα18 of 20

Gomorrha

G1116

gomorrha (i.e., amorah), a place near the dead sea

ἂν19 of 20

been made like

G302

whatsoever

ὡμοιώθημεν20 of 20
G3666

to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar


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 9:29 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 9:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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