Definition: And not only [this]; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, [even] by our father Isaac;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly complex and often confusing passage from Romans 9:10. It’s a really fascinating and debated point about God’s plan and how it works. Here's the explanation in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God’s plan for humanity and how it’s intertwined with the history of the nation of Israel. It's saying that God’s plan isn’t just about one person; it involves a whole chain of events, including the birth of Jesus Christ. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And not only [this]…” : This is a crucial phrase. It means “This is not the only thing…”. It’s like saying, "There are many things happening here." “…but when Rebecca also had conceived by one…” : This describes a situation where Isaac (a very important figure in Jewish history) had a child with Rebecca. The key word here is “conceived.” This means the baby was born. “[even] by our father Isaac” : This is where it gets really interesting and controversial. It’s saying that this child wasn't just born by Isaac; it was born through Isaac. Isaac was a very important figure in the Old Testament, and he was considered to be a special kind of "father" – a father who had a relationship with God through his lineage. This suggests that God’s plan involved a connection between Isaac and Jesus Christ. So, what does this all mean? The Bible is suggesting that God's plan isn't always about one person or event. Sometimes, it involves multiple people and events happening simultaneously. It implies that God’s purpose includes the continuation of a lineage – a family – through various generations. Important Context - Why it’s Controversial: This passage has been interpreted in different ways for centuries. It's often seen as a challenge to the idea of a single, perfect plan of salvation (who gets into Heaven). It suggests that God allows people to be born and have children, even if they don't fully fulfill his purpose. Different Interpretations: God’s Sovereignty: Many Christians interpret it as highlighting God’s absolute sovereignty – that he decides who is saved and who isn’t. The Necessity of a Plan: Some believe the verse shows that God has a larger plan for humanity's relationship with him, even if it involves imperfect individuals. In short, this passage is complex and open to interpretation, but it speaks to the idea that God’s plan is often interwoven with history and generations. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious scholar. This explanation is based on commonly accepted interpretations of biblical texts. Would you like me to: Explain another part of Romans 9? Discuss the different perspectives on this passage? Give you more context about Isaac and the Old Testament lineage?