Genesis 25:23
“Two nations are in thy womb, and two manner of people shall be separated from thy bowels; and the one people shall be stronger than the other people; and the elder shall serve the younger.”
King James Version
The LORD's oracle to Rebekah — two nations (Israel and Edom) in her womb, the elder to serve the younger — which Paul cites on divine election (Rom. 9:12).
Fulfillment References
Romans 9:10-13 Genesis 27:29 2 Samuel 8:14 Malachi 1:2-3
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe God who chose the younger (Rom. 9:12) is the one God whose electing grace culminates in Christ, in whom all are chosen.
JewishJacob and Esau as progenitors of Israel and Edom; the younger (Jacob) chosen — foundational to Israel's election, the rivalry read with nuance.
CatholicPaul cites this of God's sovereign election (Rom. 9), the younger chosen over the elder.
ProtestantPaul appeals to 'the elder shall serve the younger' (Rom. 9:12) to teach election by grace, not works.
OrthodoxGod's foreknowledge and the precedence of the chosen line.
DispensationalIsrael and Edom foretold; the national destinies fulfilled in their histories.
AcademicAn etiological oracle explaining Israel-Edom relations; Paul's use in Romans 9 is central to election debates.
Open the full interactive entry →
Cross-references, Hebrew/Greek, Dead Sea Scrolls notes, study tools and multi-tradition analysis in the interactive explorer.
Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.