Romans 9:9-18

New International Version

⁹ For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”^[a](A)

¹⁰ Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac.^{(B) 11} Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad^(C)—in order that God’s purpose^(D) in election might stand: ¹² not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”^{[b](E) 13} Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”^[c](F)

¹⁴ What then shall we say?^(G) Is God unjust? Not at all!^{(H) 15} For he says to Moses,

¹⁶ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.^{(J) 17} For Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”^{[e](K) 18} Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.^(L)