Romans 9:16
14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
15 For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
18 Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
- KJV
- So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
- WEB
- So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
- ASV
- So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.
- DARBY
- So then [it is] not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shews mercy.
- BLB
- So then, [it is] not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.
- ÅB
- Så står det da ikke på den som vil, heller ikke på den som løper, men på Gud, som har barmhjertighet.
- OTB
- Så det avhenger ikke av menneskelig ønske eller innsats, men av Guds miskunn.
- B1930
- Så står det da ikke til den som vil, heller ikke til den som løper, men til Gud, som gjør miskunnhet.
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
Read in contextPhilippians 2:13
For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Read in contextMatthew 11:25–26
At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Read in context1 Peter 2:9–10
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Read in contextEphesians 2:4–5
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Read in contextTitus 3:3–5
For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Read in context1 Corinthians 1:26–31
For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:
Read in contextRomans 9:11
(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;)
Read in context