What does the word adoption mean in Romans 9:4?
In Romans 9:4, adoption means to be placed as a full son. It is a positional word more than a legal term. Scripture applies it to the Israelites, indicating that the nation of Israel was positioned as a full son, a status pertaining to them.
Les explains Romans 9:4 while discussing Paul’s kinsmen according to the flesh, the Israelites. He lists the privileges: adoption, glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the service or operation of the tabernacle and temple, the promises, the fathers, and Christ coming concerning the flesh. Returning to adoption, he says the Greek word meant to be placed as a full son and is positional rather than legal. He then begins to apply this to the nation of Israel, stressing its positioning.
Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
More Questions
What is the key word that connects Galatians 4:8 with Romans 9:4?
The word under discussion is 'service'—the same word Paul used in Romans for the sanctuary service.
What does 'the giving of the Law' refer to in Romans 9:4?
The 'giving of the Law' mentioned in Romans 9:4 refers to the event at Mount Sinai where, after Israel came out of Egypt under Moses, God called Moses up into the mountain that was on fire and covered with smoke.