King James Version

What Does Romans 9:8 Mean?

Romans 9:8 in the King James Version says “That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise ar...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 9:8 · KJV

Context

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.

10

And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one , even by our father Isaac;

Read Romans 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God—Paul explicitly interprets the Ishmael/Isaac typology. Tekna tēs sarkos (τέκνα τῆς σάρκας, 'children of the flesh') refers to natural descent apart from promise. Tekna tou theou (τέκνα τοῦ θεοῦ, 'children of God') are those born by divine promise and Spirit (John 1:12-13). Natural generation doesn't produce spiritual life.

But the children of the promise are counted for the seed—the verb logizetai (λογίζεται, 'reckoned/counted') is Paul's favored term for forensic justification (4:3-5). God imputes covenant status to promise-children, not flesh-children. This demolishes Jewish presumption based on Abrahamic descent. Birth privileges mean nothing without new birth. Election operates through promise received by faith, not through genetic inheritance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle reappears throughout redemptive history: Cain/Abel, Ishmael/Isaac, Esau/Jacob, Saul/David. God's choosing doesn't follow primogeniture or human expectation. The pattern establishes that covenant membership depends on divine call, not human lineage—crucial for Gentile inclusion (v. 24).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does John 1:12-13 ('born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God') reinforce Paul's argument?
  2. What privileges of 'flesh' (family heritage, church background, baptism) might you wrongly trust for salvation?
  3. How does the promise/flesh distinction explain why evangelism within covenant families is still necessary?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
τοῦτ'1 of 19
G5124

that thing

ἔστιν2 of 19
G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὐ3 of 19

“are not”

G3756

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

τὰ4 of 19
G3588

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

τέκνα5 of 19

“is They which are the children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τῆς6 of 19
G3588

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

σαρκὸς7 of 19

“of the flesh”

G4561

flesh (as stripped of the skin), i.e., (strictly) the meat of an animal (as food), or (by extension) the body (as opposed to the soul (or spirit), or

ταῦτα8 of 19

“these”

G5023

these things

τέκνα9 of 19

“is They which are the children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τοῦ10 of 19
G3588

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

θεοῦ11 of 19

“of God”

G2316

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

ἀλλὰ12 of 19

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

τὰ13 of 19
G3588

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

τέκνα14 of 19

“is They which are the children”

G5043

a child (as produced)

τῆς15 of 19
G3588

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

ἐπαγγελίας16 of 19

“of the promise”

G1860

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

λογίζεται17 of 19

“are counted”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

εἰς18 of 19

“for”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

σπέρμα19 of 19

“the seed”

G4690

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

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 9:8 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 9:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 1:13Romans 4:11-16Galatians 3:26-29Romans 8:14Galatians 4:22-311 John 3:1-2

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 9 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes