King James Version

What Does Romans 9:4 Mean?

Romans 9:4 in the King James Version says “Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and th...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; covenants: or, testaments”

Romans 9:4 · KJV

Context

2

That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3

For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: accursed: or, separated

4

Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises; covenants: or, testaments

5

Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.

6

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who are Israelites—Paul lists Israel's covenant privileges with emphatic relative pronoun hoitines (οἵτινες, 'who indeed are'). The adoption (hyiothesia, υἱοθεσία)—God called Israel 'my son, my firstborn' (Exodus 4:22). The glory (doxa, δόξα)—the Shekinah cloud manifesting God's presence. The covenants (plural: Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic). The giving of the law (nomothesia, νομοθεσία)—unique privilege of Sinai. The service of God (latreia, λατρεία)—temple worship. The promises (epaggellai, ἐπαγγελίαι)—messianic prophecies.

This catalogue underscores the tragedy: possessing every covenant advantage, Israel still rejected their Messiah. Privilege doesn't guarantee faith. External religion without regeneration profits nothing. This prepares for verse 6's thunderbolt: not all Israel is Israel.

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Historical & Cultural Context

These eight privileges summarize Israel's unique status among nations. No other people received divine adoption, glory-cloud, multiple covenants, law from God's own voice, prescribed worship, and messianic promises. Yet privilege magnifies responsibility—'to whom much is given, much required' (Luke 12:48).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do Israel's covenant privileges foreshadow the greater privileges of the new covenant church?
  2. What spiritual privileges do you possess that you may take for granted?
  3. Why doesn't external religious advantage guarantee internal spiritual reality?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οἵτινές1 of 21

“Who”

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

εἰσιν2 of 21

“are”

G1526

they are

Ἰσραηλῖται3 of 21

“Israelites”

G2475

an "israelite", i.e., descendant of israel (literally or figuratively)

ὧν4 of 21

“to whom”

G3739

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

ἡ5 of 21
G3588

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

υἱοθεσία6 of 21

“pertaineth the adoption”

G5206

the placing as a son, i.e., adoption (figuratively, christian sonship in respect to god)

καὶ7 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ8 of 21
G3588

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

δόξα9 of 21

“the glory”

G1391

glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)

καὶ10 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

αἱ11 of 21
G3588

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

διαθῆκαι12 of 21

“the covenants”

G1242

properly, a disposition, i.e., (specially) a contract (especially a devisory will)

καὶ13 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ14 of 21
G3588

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

νομοθεσία15 of 21

“the giving of the law”

G3548

legislation (specially, the institution of the mosaic code)

καὶ16 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

ἡ17 of 21
G3588

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

λατρεία18 of 21

“the service”

G2999

ministration of god, i.e., worship

καὶ19 of 21

“and”

G2532

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

αἱ20 of 21
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίαι21 of 21

“the promises”

G1860

an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good)

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 9:4 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 9:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 2:12Psalms 147:19Genesis 17:2Romans 9:6Deuteronomy 7:6Exodus 4:22

Test Your Knowledge

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

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