Romans 9:13
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
Original Language Analysis
γέγραπται
it is written
G1125
γέγραπται
it is written
Strong's:
G1125
Word #:
2 of 9
to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe
Τὸν
G3588
Τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 9
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Malachi prophesied circa 430 BC against Edom's gloating over Jerusalem's fall (Obadiah, Malachi 1:2-5). Esau's descendants embodied enmity toward God's people. Paul uses this to show election's permanence: God's choice endures across centuries and determines ultimate destinies.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding 'hatred' as covenantal non-election rather than emotional malice help interpret this verse?
- Why is it grace that anyone receives electing love, not injustice that some don't?
- How does God's love for Jacob 'before he had done good or evil' ensure our assurance isn't based on performance?
Analysis & Commentary
As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated—Paul quotes Malachi 1:2-3, using the prophetic perfect to describe God's eternal disposition. The Greek ēgapēsa...emisēsa (ἠγάπησα...ἐμίσησα) renders Hebrew ahav...sane (אָהַב...שָׂנֵא). This isn't emotional hatred but covenantal choice—God set his hesed love on Jacob, withholding it from Esau. The contrast is electing love vs. non-election, not love vs. malice.
The Malachi context addresses nations (Israel/Edom) 400+ years after the patriarchs, proving God's choice had historical consequences. Yet the oracle 'before birth' (v. 11) establishes that God's love didn't arise from Jacob's attractiveness or Esau's repulsiveness. Election is God loving whom he chooses to love. 'Hatred' here means passing over in election, leaving in just condemnation. None deserve love; that some receive it magnifies grace. That others don't receive what none deserve demonstrates justice.