Catholic Public Domain Version
"when the children had not yet been born, and had not yet done anything good or bad (such that the purpose of God might be based on their choice), "
— Romans 9:11, Catholic Public Domain Version
“(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;)”
“for the children being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, ”
“For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,”
“even before they were born or had done anything good or bad(so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling)–”
“For when the children were not yet born, nor had done any good or evil (that the purpose of God according to election might stand):”
“Before the children had come into existence, or had done anything good or bad, in order that God's purpose and his selection might be effected, not by works, but by him whose purpose it is,”
“(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;)”
In other words, those who are the sons of God are not those who are sons of the flesh, but those who are sons of the Promise; these are considered to be the offspring.
For the word of promise is this: “I will return at the proper time. And there shall be a son for Sarah.”
And she was not alone. For Rebecca also, having conceived by Isaac our father, from one act,
when the children had not yet been born, and had not yet done anything good or bad (such that the purpose of God might be based on their choice),
and not because of deeds, but because of a calling, it was said to her: “The elder shall serve the younger.”
So also it was written: “I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.”
What should we say next? Is there unfairness with God? Let it not be so!