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NASB | Romans 9:13 Just as it is written, "JACOB I LOVED, BUT ESAU I HATED." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 9:13 As it is written and forever remains written, "JACOB I LOVED (chose, protected, blessed), BUT ESAU I HATED (held in disregard compared to Jacob)." [Mal 1:2, 3] |
Bible Question: What do you say about predestination in relation to this verse |
Bible Answer: Regarding Romans 9:13, some observations for consideration in understanding the intended meaning of the text: 1. The context refers to nations, not individuals (cf. Gen 25:22-23). Cf. Calvin's "Institutes," 3:21.7: "The words, 'Jacob have I loved,' refer to the whole progeny of the patriarch, which the prophet there opposes to the posterity of Esau"; also, BNN. 2. In Mal 1:1-3, quoted in the Romans passage in question, the reference is not to the individuals but to the respective nations, Israel and Edom. 3. Esau himself is seen in a positive light with the impression that he was a worshipper of God (Genesis 33; 35:29). 4. The references to "love" and "hate" can be interpreted in the same sense as in Matt 10:37 and Luke 14:26 and not as a literal summation of God's feelings for Esau or his posterity before they were born. |