Romans 9:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Romans 9:11
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;)
Chapter Context
Romans 9 is a theological epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, holiness, redemption. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 57 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Christians in Rome navigated tensions between Jewish and Gentile believers under imperial watch.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-33: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Romans and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Romans 9:11
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;)
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Born Again: γεννάω ἄνωθεν (Gennao Anothen) G1080 - Born again, born from above
Cross-References
- References God: Romans 4:17, 1 Peter 5:10
- Parallel theme: Psalms 51:5, Isaiah 14:24, 2 Timothy 1:9, Titus 3:5, 2 Peter 1:10, Revelation 17:14