Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated: Understanding Romans 9

Jacob I Loved, Esau I Hated: Understanding Romans 9

Few phrases in Scripture generate more debate than Paul’s quotation in Romans 9: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” On the surface, these words sound harsh, as though God arbitrarily despises individuals. For centuries, theologians, pastors, and everyday believers have wrestled with this verse, its Old Testament background, and its implications for God’s character. To understand it, we must trace the story from Genesis, through the prophets, into Paul’s theology, and into the heart of God’s sovereign plan.

Biblical Foundations: Jacob and Esau in Genesis

The rivalry between Jacob and Esau began before their birth. God revealed to Rebekah:

“Two nations are in your womb; And two peoples will be separated from your body; And one people will be stronger than the other; And the older will serve the younger.” (Genesis 25:23, NASB)

Esau, the elder, was destined to serve Jacob, the younger. This reversal of expectation set the stage for Israel’s history: God often chooses the unlikely vessel to carry forward His purposes.

Later, Esau despised his birthright, selling it to Jacob for a single meal:

“Thus Esau despised his birthright.” (Genesis 25:34, NASB)

The Hebrew word for “despise” (bazah, בָּזָה) means to hold in contempt or treat as worthless. Esau’s choice reflected a heart that valued immediate gratification over covenant blessing.

The final blow came when Jacob—through deception—received Isaac’s blessing (Genesis 27). Together, the stories reveal a contrast: Esau as the man of appetite, Jacob as the chosen vessel despite his flaws.

Prophetic Echo: Malachi and God’s Covenant Love

Centuries later, the prophet Malachi declared:

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have You loved us?” “Was Esau not Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob; but I have hated Esau, and I have made his mountains a desolation, and appointed his inheritance for the jackals of the wilderness.” (Malachi 1:2–3, NASB)

Here, “love” and “hate” function as covenant terms, not emotional outbursts. God’s “love” for Jacob means He chose Israel as His covenant people. His “hatred” of Esau refers to His rejection of Edom as the covenant line, seen in their later desolation.

The Greek Septuagint uses the word miseō (μισέω, “hate”) in Malachi, the same verb Paul employs in Romans 9. Yet in Hebrew idiom, “hate” often means “reject” or “love less” (cf. Genesis 29:31; Luke 14:26).

New Testament Insights: Paul’s Argument in Romans 9

Paul cites Malachi in Romans 9:13 as part of his defense of God’s sovereign election:

“though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works, but because of Him who calls, it was said to her, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ Just as it is written: ‘Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.’” (Romans 9:11–13, NASB)

Paul’s point is not that God emotionally despises Esau the person, but that before their births, God sovereignly chose Jacob to carry forward the covenant promise leading to Christ. It underscores God’s freedom to choose, not human effort.

Theological and Historical Notes

• Augustine (4th–5th century) read Romans 9 as proof of divine election and predestination, arguing that God’s love for Jacob and rejection of Esau exemplify His sovereign grace.

• Pelagius, by contrast, emphasized free will, seeing God’s choice as foreknowledge rather than arbitrary predestination.

• Chrysostom stressed that Paul used Jacob and Esau to show that Israel’s privileges came by grace, not merit.

Rabbinic tradition also interpreted Jacob as the chosen covenant heir, while Esau symbolized nations hostile to God’s people. Later, “Edom” became a code word for Rome in Jewish writings—a reminder that Esau’s legacy extended beyond himself.

Misconceptions

1. “God literally hated Esau as a person.”

   – Misunderstanding. The text uses covenant language. God’s “hatred” refers to rejection of Esau’s line for covenant purposes, not personal animosity.

2. “This verse proves God is unjust.”

   – Paul anticipates this objection: “There is no injustice with God, is there? Far from it!” (Romans 9:14). God’s justice is perfect, and His choices serve His larger redemptive plan.

3. “Esau’s rejection was because he sinned worse than Jacob.”

   – Wrong again. Paul explicitly says the choice was made “before they had done anything good or bad.” Election depends on God’s purpose, not human merit.

Why This Matters

Understanding Jacob and Esau in Romans 9 teaches us about God’s sovereignty, the seriousness of covenant blessings, and the futility of human boasting. We live in a culture of instant gratification, where Esau’s stew still tempts hearts. But God’s Word reminds us to cling to eternal promises, not temporary desires.

For believers, this passage is not about despair but assurance. If God’s purposes stand firm in Jacob and Israel, they stand firm in Christ. Nothing can overturn His covenant love for those in Him.

Conclusion

“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated” is not a cruel statement about God’s character but a window into His sovereign choice to accomplish redemption through Jacob’s line. From Genesis to Malachi to Paul, the message is consistent: God’s purposes prevail, even through flawed people. Jacob’s election was not about worthiness; it was about God’s grace. The same is true for us. Our hope rests not in our striving, but in God’s unshakable covenant love revealed in Jesus Christ.