King James Version
What Does Romans 9:7 Mean?
“Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.”
Context
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:
7
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
8
That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.
9
For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) Neither are all the bodily descendants of Abraham also his spiritual descendants. It was expressly stated from the first that the promise was confined to a particular branch of his posterity. The posterity of Abraham, strictly so called, was to be that derived through Isaac. This is very nearly the sense of the original, “In Isaac shall thy seed be called,” *i.e.,* in “Isaac shalt thou have posterity, which shall be called thy posterity”—“true and legitimate descendants,” thus excluding the seed of Hagar.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 9:7 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 9:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge