Romans 9:29
And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha.
Romans 9:29 · King James Version
Meaning
In the verse "And as Esaias said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, we had been as Sodoma, and been made like unto Gomorrha," the prophet Esaias, also known as Isaiah, is referencing the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the Old Testament. He is emphasizing the importance of God's mercy and provision in sparing a remnant ("seed") of the people. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah serves as a stark warning of the consequences of turning away from the Lord and His ways. Esaias is highlighting the mercy of God in not completely destroying the people, but leaving a remnant to carry on His work. This verse underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God in order to avoid the fate of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Theological Overview
Paul references the prophet Isaiah in Romans 9:29 when he mentions the Lord of Sabaoth leaving a seed for His people. The term "Lord of Sabaoth" is a transliteration of the Hebrew term "Yahweh Sabaoth," which signifies God as the commander of armies or the Lord of hosts, emphasizing His sovereignty and power. The mention of the Lord leaving a remnant or seed refers to the faithful few who are preserved by God's grace amidst the judgment upon the unfaithful. The comparison to Sodom and Gomorrah highlights the severity of God's judgment on sinful nations, indicating that without His mercy and preservation of a remnant, all would be consumed in His wrath. This verse underscores the importance of God's sovereignty in preserving a faithful remnant despite the prevailing unfaithfulness and wickedness.
Romans 9:29 in other translations
American Standard Version
And, as Isaiah hath said before, Except the Lord of Sabaoth had left us a seed, We had become as Sodom, and had been made like unto Gomorrah.
World English Bible
As Isaiah has said before, “Unless the Lord of Armies had left us a seed, we would have become like Sodom, and would have been made like Gomorrah.”
Douay-Rheims
And Isaias foretold: Unless the Lord of Sabbath had left us a seed, we had been made as Sodom and we had been like unto Gomorrha.
Geneva Bible (1599)
And as Esaias sayde before, Except the Lord of hostes had left vs a seede, we had bene made as Sodom, and had bene like to Gomorrha.