Romans 9:13 – “Just as it is written: ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.'”

Extended Explanation

This verse is one of the most challenging statements in the Bible. Paul is quoting Malachi 1:2-3, where God declares that He loved Jacob but hated Esau. At first glance, this might seem harsh or confusing. Did God really “hate” Esau?

To understand this, we need to look at the bigger picture. The word “hated” here does not necessarily mean an emotional hatred, but rather a rejection or choosing one over the other. In biblical language, “love” and “hate” can be used to express preference in God’s divine plan.

For example, in Luke 14:26, Jesus says, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple.” Jesus was not commanding people to hate their families in an emotional sense, but rather to put Him first.

In the same way, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” means that God chose Jacob to continue His covenant promise, while Esau was not chosen for that purpose. This choice was not based on their actions, but on God’s sovereign will.

Historical Context

The story of Jacob and Esau begins in Genesis 25. They were twin brothers, the sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Before they were born, God told Rebekah:

“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 25:23)

This was unusual because, in ancient times, the firstborn son (Esau) was expected to inherit the family leadership and blessing. However, God had already decided that Jacob, the younger son, would carry on the promise given to Abraham and Isaac.

Later, Esau despised his birthright by selling it to Jacob for a bowl of stew (Genesis 25:29-34). Later, Jacob also received the family blessing through Isaac (Genesis 27), even though he used deception to obtain it.

Centuries later, the descendants of Jacob (Israel) and Esau (Edom) became rival nations. The Edomites (Esau’s descendants) opposed Israel and often came under God’s judgment (Obadiah 1, Ezekiel 35). By the time of Malachi 1:2-3, God declared that Jacob’s line (Israel) was chosen, but Esau’s line (Edom) was rejected.

Paul refers to this history to emphasize that God’s choices are based on His divine plan, not human works or traditions.

Theological Implications

1. God’s choices are based on His will, not human effort – Jacob and Esau were chosen before they were born, showing that God’s plan is based on His purpose, not human actions.
2. God’s love is not based on merit – Jacob was not chosen because he was better than Esau. In fact, Jacob was often deceitful! But God’s love is about His grace, not our goodness.
3. God has the right to choose – This verse reminds us that God is sovereign. He has the authority to decide how His plan unfolds. This does not mean He is unfair—it means He is working out His purpose.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s use of “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” is a direct quote from Malachi 1:2-3. This prophetic passage was written long after Jacob and Esau had died, meaning it refers to their descendants (Israel and Edom), not just the individuals.

The contrast between love and hate is a Hebrew way of expressing preference. It is not about emotional hatred, but about divine choice. The Bible often uses this type of language:

• Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – God chose Israel not because they were great, but because of His love and promises.
• Luke 14:26 – Jesus tells His followers to “hate” their family, meaning they must prioritize Him above all else.
• Romans 9:11-12 – Paul explains that Jacob was chosen over Esau before they had done anything good or bad.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 25:23 – God’s prophecy that Esau would serve Jacob.
• Genesis 25:29-34 – Esau sells his birthright, showing his disregard for God’s blessing.
• Malachi 1:2-3 – The original passage Paul quotes, where God declares His choice of Jacob over Esau.
• Deuteronomy 7:6-8 – God’s love for Israel was based on His promise, not their merit.
• Luke 14:26 – Jesus uses “hate” to mean preference or priority.
• Romans 9:16 – Salvation depends on God’s mercy, not human effort.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many people struggle with the idea of God “loving” one person and “hating” another. But this verse is actually a comforting reminder of God’s grace.

For today’s Christian, this means:

1. God’s love is based on His grace, not our works – Just as Jacob was chosen not because of his goodness, we are saved not because of our deeds, but because of God’s mercy.
2. God’s plan is greater than our understanding – Sometimes we struggle to understand God’s choices, but we can trust that He is wise, just, and good.
3. Being part of God’s family is about faith, not ancestry – This verse reinforces that salvation is based on God’s call, not human effort.

This should humble us. Instead of thinking we deserve God’s love, we should be grateful that He has chosen to show us grace.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Some might ask: If God is loving, why would He “hate” Esau?

1. God’s love is not based on performance – He chose Jacob before he was even born, proving that His love is unconditional.
2. God’s justice and mercy go hand in hand – Just as God showed grace to Jacob, He also allowed Esau to go his own way. God’s “hate” was not a cruel hatred, but a decision to let Esau’s descendants experience the consequences of their actions.
3. God’s love extends to all who trust in Him – While Esau was not chosen for the covenant, salvation through Jesus is available to everyone who believes (John 3:16).

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse ultimately points to Jesus, because He is the fulfillment of God’s sovereign plan of salvation.

• Jesus is the chosen one – Just as God chose Jacob, He also chose Jesus to be the Savior of the world (1 Peter 2:4-6).
• Jesus offers salvation to all who believe – While Jacob was chosen for the covenant, Jesus extends God’s grace beyond Israel to all nations (Romans 10:12-13).
• God’s love is fully revealed in Christ – The ultimate proof of God’s love is that Jesus died for sinners, offering salvation to anyone who trusts in Him (Romans 5:8).

This verse reminds us that salvation is by God’s grace alone—and through Jesus, that grace is extended to all who believe.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. What does this verse teach about God’s sovereignty in choosing people?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that we can earn God’s love?
3. Why do you think God often chooses the unexpected (like Jacob over Esau) to fulfill His plans?
4. How does this verse help you trust in God’s plans, even when they don’t make sense to you?
5. How does this verse point us to Jesus and the way God brings salvation?