Romans 9:11
(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
(For
G1063
γὰρ
(For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 24
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
γεννηθέντων
born
G1080
γεννηθέντων
born
Strong's:
G1080
Word #:
3 of 24
to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate
πραξάντων
having done
G4238
πραξάντων
having done
Strong's:
G4238
Word #:
5 of 24
to "practise", i.e., perform repeatedly or habitually (thus differing from g4160, which properly refers to a single act); by implication, to execute,
κακόν,
evil
G2556
κακόν,
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
9 of 24
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατ'
according
G2596
κατ'
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
12 of 24
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
15 of 24
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πρόθεσις
the purpose
G4286
πρόθεσις
the purpose
Strong's:
G4286
Word #:
16 of 24
a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god
μένῃ
might stand
G3306
μένῃ
might stand
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
17 of 24
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
19 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
20 of 24
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
21 of 24
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
22 of 24
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Cross References
2 Peter 1:10Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:2 Timothy 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,Revelation 17:14These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.Isaiah 14:24The LORD of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand:Romans 4:17(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.1 Peter 5:10But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.
Historical Context
This verse became central to Reformed theology's doctrine of unconditional election. God's choice precedes human response, ensuring salvation is of grace alone. Paul echoes Deuteronomy 7:6-8: God chose Israel not for their righteousness but for his love and covenant faithfulness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does pre-birth, pre-works election ensure that salvation is entirely of grace?
- Why is it important that election is 'of him that calleth' rather than him who foresees response?
- How does understanding election as God's 'purpose' (prothesis) comfort believers in trials?
Analysis & Commentary
For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil—the temporal clause is emphatic: mēpō...gennēthentōn mēde praxantōn ti agathon ē phaulos (μήπω...γεννηθέντων μηδὲ πραξάντων τι ἀγαθὸν ἢ φαῦλον). The double negative underscores that no works—good or evil—preceded God's choice. This demolishes merit-based election and also undermines foreknowledge-of-faith views. God didn't foresee Jacob's faith or Esau's unbelief; he chose before either existed to act.
That the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth—hē kat' eklogēn prothesis tou theou (ἡ κατ' ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις τοῦ θεοῦ): 'the according-to-election purpose of God.' Election (eklogē, ἐκλογή) is God's sovereign choice. Prothesis (πρόθεσις) is 'purpose/plan.' God's electing purpose operates ouk ex ergōn all' ek tou kalountos (οὐκ ἐξ ἔργων ἀλλ' ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος): 'not from works but from the one calling.' The ground is in the Caller, not the called.