Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. New Living Translation This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. English Standard Version This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. Berean Standard Bible So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. Berean Literal Bible That is, the children of the flesh, these are not children of God; but the children of the promise are regarded as offspring. King James Bible That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. New King James Version That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed. New American Standard Bible That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. NASB 1995 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. NASB 1977 That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are regarded as descendants. Legacy Standard Bible That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as seed. Amplified Bible That is, it is not the children of the body [Abraham’s natural descendants] who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as [Abraham’s true] descendants. Christian Standard Bible That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring. Holman Christian Standard Bible That is, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but the children of the promise are considered to be the offspring. American Standard Version That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. English Revised Version That is, it is not the children of the flesh that are children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. GOD'S WORD® Translation This means that children born by natural descent [from Abraham] are not necessarily God's children. Instead, children born by the promise are considered Abraham's descendants. Good News Translation This means that the children born in the usual way are not the children of God; instead, the children born as a result of God's promise are regarded as the true descendants. International Standard Version That is, it is not merely the children born through natural descent who were regarded as God's children, but it is the children born through the promise who were regarded as descendants. Majority Standard Bible So it is not the children of the flesh who are God?s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. NET Bible This means it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; rather, the children of promise are counted as descendants. New Heart English Bible That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. Webster's Bible Translation That is, They who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Weymouth New Testament In other words, it is not the children by natural descent who count as God's children, but the children made such by the promise are regarded as Abraham's posterity. World English Bible That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as heirs. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthat is, the children of the flesh—these [are] not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed; Berean Literal Bible That is, the children of the flesh, these are not children of God; but the children of the promise are regarded as offspring. Young's Literal Translation that is, the children of the flesh -- these are not children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for seed; Smith's Literal Translation That is, The children of the flesh, these not the children of God: but the children of the solemn promise are reckoned for seed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThat is to say, not they that are the children of the flesh, are the children of God; but they, that are the children of the promise, are accounted for the seed. Catholic Public Domain Version In other words, those who are the sons of God are not those who are sons of the flesh, but those who are sons of the Promise; these are considered to be the offspring. New American Bible This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. New Revised Standard Version This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as descendants. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThat is, it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God; but the children of the promise who are reckoned as descendants. Aramaic Bible in Plain English But this is not because the children of the flesh are the children of God, but the children of The Promise are accounted for the seed. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThat is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the posterity. Godbey New Testament that is the children of the flesh the same are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Haweis New Testament That is, not the children of the flesh, these are the children of God: but the children of the promise are accounted for the seed. Mace New Testament that is, the children by natural descent are not thereby the children of God: but the children of the promise are alone considered as his posterity. Weymouth New Testament In other words, it is not the children by natural descent who count as God's children, but the children made such by the promise are regarded as Abraham's posterity. Worrell New Testament That is, the children of the flesh are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are reckoned for a seed. Worsley New Testament That is, not the children of the flesh are the children of God, but the children of the promise are accounted for the seed. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context God's Sovereign Choice…7Nor because they are Abraham’s descendants are they all his children. On the contrary, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” 8So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring. 9For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”… Cross References Galatians 3:29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 4:28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. Galatians 3:7 Understand, then, that those who have faith are sons of Abraham. Hebrews 11:18 even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” Genesis 21:12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. Genesis 17:19 But God replied, “Your wife Sarah will indeed bear you a son, and you are to name him Isaac. I will establish My covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him. Galatians 3:16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. The Scripture does not say, “and to seeds,” meaning many, but “and to your seed,” meaning One, who is Christ. Galatians 4:22-23 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman and the other by the free woman. / His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but his son by the free woman was born through the promise. Hebrews 11:9 By faith he dwelt in the promised land as a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. Genesis 18:10 Then the LORD said, “I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son!” Now Sarah was behind him, listening at the entrance to the tent. Genesis 18:14 Is anything too difficult for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you—in about a year—and Sarah will have a son.” Genesis 25:23 and He declared to her: “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.” Genesis 28:14 Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. Genesis 15:4 Then the word of the LORD came to Abram, saying, “This one will not be your heir, but one who comes from your own body will be your heir.” Treasury of Scripture That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. They which. Romans 4:11-16 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: … Galatians 4:22-31 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman… are counted. Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. Psalm 22:30 A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. Psalm 87:6 The LORD shall count, when he writeth up the people, that this man was born there. Selah. Jump to Previous Abraham's Children Count Counted Descendants Descent Flesh God's Means Natural Offspring Posterity Promise Reckoned Regarded Seed Undertaking WordsJump to Next Abraham's Children Count Counted Descendants Descent Flesh God's Means Natural Offspring Posterity Promise Reckoned Regarded Seed Undertaking WordsRomans 9 1. Paul is sorry for the Jews.7. All of Abraham not of the promise. 18. God's sovereignty. 25. The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold. 32. The cause of their stumbling. So it is not the children of the flesh The phrase "children of the flesh" refers to those who are physically descended from Abraham. In the Greek, "σάρξ" (sarx) is used for "flesh," which often denotes human nature in its frailty and susceptibility to sin. Historically, the Jewish people took great pride in their lineage from Abraham, believing this physical descent guaranteed their status as God's chosen people. However, Paul challenges this notion by emphasizing that mere physical descent does not equate to being part of God's true family. This distinction is crucial in understanding the shift from a purely ethnic identity to a spiritual one, where faith, not flesh, determines one's standing with God. who are God’s children but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring Persons / Places / Events 1. Paul the ApostleThe author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the believers in Rome, explaining the nature of God's promises and who truly belongs to the family of God. 2. Isaac The child of promise, born to Abraham and Sarah, representing those who are considered true children of God through faith and promise, not merely by physical descent. 3. Abraham The patriarch to whom God made promises regarding his descendants, illustrating the difference between physical lineage and spiritual inheritance. 4. Israel The nation descended from Abraham, representing the broader context of Paul's discussion on who constitutes the true Israel. 5. Gentiles Non-Jewish people who, through faith in Christ, are included in the promise and considered children of God. Teaching Points Understanding Spiritual LineageTrue children of God are identified by faith and promise, not merely by physical descent. This challenges us to evaluate our relationship with God based on faith rather than heritage or works. The Role of Faith Just as Isaac was a child of promise, believers are called to live by faith, trusting in God's promises rather than relying on human effort or lineage. Inclusivity of the Gospel The promise extends beyond ethnic Israel to include all who believe in Christ, emphasizing the universal nature of the Gospel and the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile. Identity in Christ Our identity as God's children is rooted in His promise and our faith in Christ, encouraging us to find our worth and purpose in this spiritual reality. Living as Children of Promise As children of the promise, we are called to live lives that reflect our faith and trust in God's promises, impacting how we interact with others and view our circumstances.(8) They which are the children.--The Apostle explains this restriction in a spiritual sense. Mere natural descent gives no claim to membership in the theocracy. Of the promise--i.e., not merely "promised children," but "children born through the miraculous agency of the promise;" the promise is regarded as being possessed of creative power. (Comp. Romans 4:18-20.) Verses 8, 9. - That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for seed. For the word of promise is this, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son (Genesis 18:10). In other words, it is not in virtue of mere carnal descent, but of the promise, that any are so counted; mere carnal descent establishes no claim. It is to be observed that in the first recorded promises to Abraham (Genesis 13:15; Genesis 15:5; Genesis 17:7) there was no restriction; and so through Ishmael, who is also called Abraham's seed (Genesis 21:13), as well as through Isaac, the fulfilment might have been. But the subsequent promise (Genesis 17:19, 21; Genesis 18:10, 14) limited it to Isaac; which limiting promise is, therefore, in ver. 9, referred to. With τέκνα τοῦ Θεοῦ in ver. 8 Compare ἡ υἱοθεσίαα (ver. 4), and also Isaiah 63:16. The apostle may have been led to use the expression here in view of the spiritual sonship to God of Christians (cf. Romans 8:15, etc.)which was typified and prepared for by the υἱοθεσία of the chosen seed. A still further limitation of "the children of the promise" is next referred to; and one still more telling for the apostle's argument. It might be said that Ishmael was not, even carnally, the true seed, as being born, not of the wife, but of the bondwoman; or perhaps that he had forfeited any claim he might have had by his proved unworthiness (Genesis 21:9, etc.). But Esau and Jacob were twin children, not only of the same patriarch (ἐξ ἑνοι`ς), but also of the same wedded wife; and yet one was chosen and the other rejected, and this even before birth; so that, as the selection was not due to carnal descent, so neither could it be due to proved desert. Thus by this second consideration is disposed of the Jew's assertion of an indefeasible claim to inheritance of the promises on the ground of his boasted works, as by the other is disposed of his claim on the ground of his race. St. Paul's argument to the Jews of his own day would be - You cannot set up a claim to be all of you the necessary inheritors of the promises for all time on the ground either of your carnal descent or of your works, since the selection of Israel himself did not depend on either of these grounds; nor can you say that my position (viz. that Christian believers, to the exclusion of most of you, are now the true inheritors of the promises) implies unfaithfulness in God to his ancient promises; for it is in accordance with the principle on which, according to your own Scriptures, he fulfilled of old his promises to the patriarchs. St. Paul, however, is not to be understood here as writing with a direct polemical intention, but rather as discussing a problem which had at one time perplexed himself, and which seemed to him to call for solution.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Soτοῦτ’ (tout’) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. it is ἔστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. not οὐ (ou) Adverb Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. flesh σαρκὸς (sarkos) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 4561: Flesh, body, human nature, materiality; kindred. [who are] ταῦτα (tauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it. God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. children, τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. but [it is] ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. the τὰ (ta) Article - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. children τέκνα (tekna) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural Strong's 5043: A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child. of the τῆς (tēs) Article - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. promise ἐπαγγελίας (epangelias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 1860: A promise. From epaggello; an announcement. who are regarded λογίζεται (logizetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 3049: To reckon, count, charge with; reason, decide, conclude; think, suppose. as εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. offspring. σπέρμα (sperma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular Strong's 4690: From speiro; something sown, i.e. Seed; by implication, offspring; specially, a remnant. Links Romans 9:8 NIVRomans 9:8 NLT Romans 9:8 ESV Romans 9:8 NASB Romans 9:8 KJV Romans 9:8 BibleApps.com Romans 9:8 Biblia Paralela Romans 9:8 Chinese Bible Romans 9:8 French Bible Romans 9:8 Catholic Bible NT Letters: Romans 9:8 That is it is not the children (Rom. Ro) |
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