Romans 9:26
And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τόπῳ
the place
G5117
τόπῳ
the place
Strong's:
G5117
Word #:
5 of 17
a spot (general in space, but limited by occupancy; whereas g5561 is a large but participle locality), i.e., location (as a position, home, tract, etc
οὗ
G3739
οὗ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 17
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
αὐτοῖς
unto them
G846
αὐτοῖς
unto them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
λαός
people
G2992
λαός
people
Strong's:
G2992
Word #:
10 of 17
a people (in general; thus differing from g1218, which denotes one's own populace)
κληθήσονται
shall they be called
G2564
κληθήσονται
shall they be called
Strong's:
G2564
Word #:
14 of 17
to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
υἱοὶ
the children
G5207
υἱοὶ
the children
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
15 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
Cross References
Isaiah 43:6I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;Romans 8:16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:2 Corinthians 6:18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.Galatians 3:26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Historical Context
Hosea 1:10 prophesied northern Israel's restoration. Paul sees typological fulfillment in Gentile conversion—a greater restoration. The early church was predominantly Gentile by Paul's day, vindicating this prophetic interpretation. God's people now transcend ethnicity, united in Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the progression from 'not my people' to 'sons of the living God' illustrate regeneration and adoption?
- What does 'living God' emphasize in contrast to the idols Gentiles formerly served?
- How does this verse assure Gentile believers of their full inclusion in God's covenant people?
Analysis & Commentary
And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God—Paul continues quoting Hosea (1:10 LXX). The dramatic reversal: ou laos mou (οὐ λαός μου, 'not my people') becomes huioi theou zōntos (υἱοὶ θεοῦ ζῶντος, 'sons of the living God'). Not merely people, but sons—adoption into intimate familial relationship. The phrase 'living God' contrasts with dead idols Gentiles formerly served.
The 'place where' suggests Gentile lands—formerly pagan territory becomes the site of covenant sonship. This fulfills Abraham's promise: all nations blessed (Genesis 12:3). The transformation from 'not beloved' to 'sons' is regeneration and adoption—wrought by sovereign grace through the Spirit. Those 'by nature children of wrath' (Ephesians 2:3) become 'sons of God' through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:26). Election accomplishes this impossible transition.