That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

So it is not the children of the flesh who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as offspring.

For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.

For this is what the promise stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”

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

Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac.

(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)

Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,

It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.

not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

So it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”