What does Romans 9:11 mean?

Explanation

Romans 9:11 discusses the sovereignty of God in His election or choice of individuals for His purposes.

The verse refers to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, who were twins born to Isaac and Rebekah.

Before the children were born and had done anything good or evil, God declared that the older (Esau) would serve the younger (Jacob).

This declaration was made so that God's purpose according to election would be established, making it clear that the fulfillment of His promises is not based on human works or merit but on His own sovereign will and divine calling.

Historical Context

Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around 57 AD to the church in Rome.

He had not yet visited Rome but intended to do so.

In Romans 9, Paul deals with the issue of God's faithfulness to Israel and the question of why some Jews did not accept Christ as the Messiah.

The historical context includes Paul's own Jewish background and the pervasive understanding among Jews that they were God's chosen people.

Paul uses the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis to illustrate that God's choice is not based on human criteria but on His sovereign will.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Romans 9:11 has been a focal point for discussions on predestination and election.

Calvinists, who emphasize God's sovereign choice in salvation, see this verse as evidence that God elects certain individuals to salvation apart from their actions or decisions.

Arminians, on the other hand, interpret this verse as pertaining to God's corporate election of nations or groups for specific roles in history, not necessarily individual salvation.

There is also debate about whether Paul's reference to election is conditional upon foreseen faith or truly unconditional.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse offers a sense of humility and trust in God's greater plan.

Believers can take comfort in the fact that God's purpose is not contingent on human merit but on His gracious and sovereign choice.

This can inspire faith and eliminate boasting, as it emphasizes that salvation is not a result of human effort but a gift from God.

It can also challenge individuals to consider their role in God's plans and to be open to His calling, regardless of their own capabilities or backgrounds.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 1:4-5: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,"
• Genesis 25:23: "And the LORD said unto her, Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger."

Language Study

Key words in Romans 9:11 include:

• "Born" (Greek: γεννάω, gennaó): to beget, to bring forth, emphasizing the state of being not yet born.
• "Purpose" (Greek: πρόθεσις, prothesis): plan, intention, indicating God’s deliberate plan or design.
• "Election" (Greek: ἐκλογή, eklogē): choice, selection, referring to God's act of choosing or electing.
• "Works" (Greek: ἔργων, ergōn): deeds or actions, used in contrast to demonstrate that God's choosing is not merit-based.
• "Calleth" (Greek: καλέω, kaleó): to call, with a sense of a divine calling or invitation.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of divine election is not unique to Christianity but has parallels in other ancient cultures and religions. For instance, the notion that gods choose certain individuals or nations for special purposes can be found in various mythologies.

However, the specific idea that this choice is not based on human merit or actions is distinct in Judeo-Christian theology.

Scientific Perspectives

Romans 9:11 does not directly engage with scientific questions.

However, discussions around genetics and the behavior of twins, as well as the nature-nurture debate, might find a tangential connection in the story of Jacob and Esau.

The verse indicates that God's choice was not influenced by the yet-to-be manifested traits or actions of the twins, which could be an entry point for discussing predeterminism and free will in the context of human development.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Romans 9:11 offer a variety of interpretations.

Some commentators highlight the emphasis on God's sovereignty and unconditional election, as seen in John Calvin's writings.

Others, like John Wesley, might focus more on the implications of God's mercy and human response.

More recent commentators discuss the covenantal context and the relationship between God's historical dealings with Israel and the church.

Still, all acknowledge the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility that this verse epitomizes.