The most surprising differences between the KJV and ESV in Romans 9:1-13 are two places where the ESV is actually longer than the KJV reading: "and cut off" in Romans 9:3 and "next year" in Romans 9:9. While there is a slight difference between the NA28 (link) reading and the TR reading at Romans 9:3, the phrase "and cut off" is not in the Greek. Likewise, "next year" is also not in the Greek. The meaning is not significantly altered, but it is interesting to note these free additions without manuscript support.
There is also a difference worth noting at verse 7.
9 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
9 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit—
2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.
2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.
3 For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh:
3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
ESV includes "and cut off," which the KJV omits.
4 Who are Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises;
4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.
KJV has "service of God" where ESV has "worship" The ESV seems to be a better reading here, as "of God" is not in the Greek and "service" is less precise than "worship." The meaning is not significantly different.
5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen.
5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel:
6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel,
7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.”
ESV has "named" instead of "called," which may seem like a trivial point. Likewise, the ESV uses "offspring" instead of "seed," which is a trivial matter here. The word here, a form of kaleo (κληθήσεταί), is the same in the TR and NA28. It is valuable to use "called" instead of "named" from the standpoint of making the connection back to chapter 8. On the other hand, the point of "named," is interesting from the standpoint of its focus on the the person doing the action. Applying this same principle back to chapter 8, it makes good sense in connection with a call that is effectual. The difference between "seed" and "offspring" is of greater significance when considering Paul's use of a similar theme in Galatians.
8 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.
8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring.
9 For this is the word of promise, At this time will I come, and Sarah shall have a son.
9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.”
ESV includes "next year," which the KJV omits.
10 And not only this; but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, even by our father Isaac;
10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac,
11 (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;)
11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls—
12 It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger.
12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”
13 As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.
13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”
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