Romans 9:11

ἵνα ἡ κατ' ἐκλογὴν κ.τ.λ. The purpose of GOD (the execution of His promise to bless the Gentiles) is carried out by a principle of selection, not as a matter of favour bestowed on merit but as a choice of fit instruments for attaining the end. πρόθεσις, cf. Romans 8:28, here primarily of the purpose indicated in the promise. ἐκλογή, cf. Hebrews 9:15 (below Romans 9:21), selection: GOD selects nations and individuals not primarily for their own interest, but for work to be done for Him: the ἐκλογὴ becomes definite in a ‘call,’ κλῆσις; both are subservient to His purpose; men and nations are His σκεύη; cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:4; 2 Peter 1:10 : infra Romans 11:5; Hort, 1 Peter 1:1.

οὐκ ἐξ ἕργων κ.τ.λ., with ἐρρέθη. The word which determined their position was not the result of works already done by them by way of reward, but the result of GOD’S call to service.