9:27–28

These words are from Isaiah 10:22–23, but it is not an exact quote. However, Isaiah spoke in 9:27b–28b, so quote marks are needed in English. If you indicate the location of quotes from the Old Testament with cross-references, you may want to do so here.

9:27a

The Greek of 9:27a begins with a word that can be translated “and” or “but.” A number of English versions want to indicate that Paul quoted the Old Testament again, so they use “and” (English Standard Version). It is also possible to see contrast between God speaking of only a remnant of Israel being saved and some Gentiles being called “sons of the living God.” For example:

But (Revised English Bible)

In some languages it is more natural to omit this word and allow the context to indicate the correct meaning, as the Berean Standard Bible does.

Isaiah cries out concerning Israel: This clause introduces an Old Testament quote that Isaiah wrote hundreds of years before Paul wrote Romans. In some languages some or all of this must be explained. For example:

⌊in Scripture⌋ Isaiah cried out about Israel ⌊long ago⌋

Isaiah: Isaiah was an Old Testament prophet, and his book has many prophecies. In some languages it is more clear for the readers to indicate that Isaiah was a prophet. For example:

the prophet Isaiah (Contemporary English Version)

cries out: The phrase cries out indicates speaking strongly with urgency. In some languages a literal translation would refer only to weeping or wailing. If that is true in your language, translate the correct meaning. For example:

exclaims (Good News Translation)
-or-
makes this proclamation (Revised English Bible)
-or-
said loudly/urgently

The Greek and the Berean Standard Bible use the present tense here, as in 9:15. Greek scholars call it the historical present. In many languages the normal way of referring to a past event must be used, as in the last example above.

Israel: Here this word refers to the people group called Israel.

9:27b

Though: The form of this Greek clause expresses something that is possible but not certain. Here, in the case where the number of the people of Israel might become as much as the sand of the seashore, only a portion (the remnant) will be saved (9:27c).

the number of the Israelites is like the sand of the sea: This clause compares the number of the people of Israel to the number of grains of sand on the seashore. It is a poetic exaggeration to say “very, very many.” Here are other ways to translate this clause:

the people of Israel are as many as the grains of sand by the sea (Good News Translation)
-or-
the people of Israel are as numerous as the grains of sand along every beach
-or-
the number (lit. manyness) of the descendants of Israel is like the sand on the edge of the ocean

sand of the sea: This refers to the sand on the ocean beaches around the world. See the above examples.

9:27c

only the remnant will be saved: This clause is passive. Some languages must use an active clause. For example:

⌊God⌋ will save only the remnant

remnant: This word means “the portion left behind” or “the portion still remaining.” God will save only some Israelites.

saved: This word refers to being rescued from something harmful or dangerous.

See how you translated this word in 5:10 or 8:24.

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