Romans 9:25

Authorized King James Version

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As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved.

Original Language Analysis

ὡς G5613
ὡς
Strong's: G5613
Word #: 1 of 18
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 2 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 3 of 18
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
τῷ G3588
τῷ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ὡσηὲ Osee G5617
Ὡσηὲ Osee
Strong's: G5617
Word #: 5 of 18
hosee (i.e., hoshea), an israelite
λέγει As he saith G3004
λέγει As he saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 6 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Καλέσω I will call G2564
Καλέσω I will call
Strong's: G2564
Word #: 7 of 18
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
τὸν G3588
τὸν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐκ which was not G3756
οὐκ which was not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 9 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
λαόν people G2992
λαόν people
Strong's: G2992
Word #: 10 of 18
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
μου my G3450
μου my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 11 of 18
of me
λαόν people G2992
λαόν people
Strong's: G2992
Word #: 12 of 18
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
μου my G3450
μου my
Strong's: G3450
Word #: 13 of 18
of me
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 14 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν G3588
τὴν
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 15 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐκ which was not G3756
οὐκ which was not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 16 of 18
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἠγαπημένην· beloved G25
ἠγαπημένην· beloved
Strong's: G25
Word #: 17 of 18
to love (in a social or moral sense)
ἠγαπημένην· beloved G25
ἠγαπημένην· beloved
Strong's: G25
Word #: 18 of 18
to love (in a social or moral sense)

Analysis & Commentary

As he saith also in Osee, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved—Paul quotes Hosea 2:23 (LXX). Kalesō...ou laon mou laon mou (καλέσω...οὐ λαόν μου λαόν μου): 'I will call...not-my-people my-people.' Hosea prophesied to apostate northern Israel (8th century BC), promising restoration: those disowned would be reclaimed. Paul applies it to Gentiles—those never in covenant now called 'beloved' (ēgapēmenēn, ἠγαπημένην).

This is typological interpretation: Hosea's immediate reference was ethnic Israel's restoration, but Paul sees the principle of gracious calling extending to Gentiles. God calls things that are not as though they were (4:17). Those 'far off' are brought near (Ephesians 2:13). The not-beloved becoming beloved illustrates sovereign grace—no prior relationship or merit, only God's free choice to love. This is election's essence: God setting covenant love on the undeserving.

Historical Context

Hosea married Gomer the adulteress to symbolize Israel's spiritual adultery. Yet God promised to remarry faithless Israel (Hosea 2:14-23). Paul sees this covenant restoration language fulfilled in Gentile calling—grafting wild branches into the olive tree (11:17-24). God's mercy transcends ethnic boundaries.

Questions for Reflection