New Testament
Romans 9:27
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, 'Though the number of the sons of Israel be as the sand of the sea, only a remnant will be saved.
Compare translations
Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:
What Romans 9:27 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Romans 9:27, the Apostle Paul references the prophet Isaiah to highlight a crucial point about Israel's spiritual condition. Despite the vast number of Israelites, likened to the countless grains of sand on the seashore, only a small portion, or 'remnant,' will ultimately be saved. This emphasizes that not all who are part of Israel will receive God's mercy and salvation. The remnant signifies those who remain faithful and true to God amidst widespread unbelief. This verse serves as a reminder that God's grace is selective and that true faith is what leads to salvation, not mere ethnic or national identity. It also reflects God's sovereignty in choosing who will be saved, reinforcing the idea that salvation is a divine gift rather than a human achievement. This message is both a warning and an encouragement, urging individuals to seek genuine faith in God rather than relying solely on heritage or tradition.
How to apply Romans 9:27 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own faith. It reminds us that being part of a religious community is not enough; we must cultivate a personal relationship with God. Genuine faith and commitment are essential for salvation, urging us to seek a deeper understanding of our beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Paul's story: The Stoning of Stephen (Acts 7:57–8:2)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Paul
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Romans 9:27
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Romans 9:27
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Romans
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 57
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Christians in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Romans 9:27 mean?
Romans 9:27 means that even though there are many Israelites, only a small group, referred to as a 'remnant,' will be saved. This highlights that salvation is not guaranteed by ethnic identity but requires genuine faith.
What is the meaning of 'remnant' in Romans 9:27?
In Romans 9:27, 'remnant' refers to the faithful few among the Israelites who will receive God's mercy and salvation. It signifies that true faith, rather than mere heritage, is essential for salvation.
How does Romans 9:27 relate to God's mercy?
Romans 9:27 illustrates that God's mercy is selective, as only a remnant of Israel will be saved. This shows that salvation is a gift from God, not something earned by being part of a particular group.
What does Romans 9:27 say about faithfulness?
Romans 9:27 emphasizes the need for faithfulness among the Israelites, indicating that only those who remain true to God will be saved. It serves as a reminder that genuine faith is crucial for salvation.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.