Romans 9:16

Translations

Modern

So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

Traditional

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Literal

So then, it is not of the one willing, nor of the one running, but of God having mercy.

Latin

Igitur non volentis, neque currentis, sed miserentis est Dei.

Original

Greek

English

So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

Notes

Romans 9:14–16

God’s choice is not unfair because God does not owe anything to sinful human beings (see study note on 4:4–5). Anything God gives is an act of mercy, not a payment that people deserve.

Romans 9:1–11:36

n this section, Paul addresses a serious question. Many Jews did not believe in Jesus. If God had promised salvation to Israel, how could Jesus truly fulfill God’s plan when so few Jews believed (9:1–5)? In response, Paul uses the Old Testament to show that God always planned to save only a remnant, that is, a smaller group within Israel (9:6–29). Paul also explains that many Jews did not accept Christ because they refused to trust in him (9:30–10:21).

Paul then makes clear that God has not rejected Israel. Some Jews have already believed in Christ (11:1–10). Many more will trust in Christ in the future (11:12–26).

Theme notes and profiles

Esau Paul (Saul) Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility Ethnic Hatred God’s Covenant Love God’s Unified Plan of Salvation The Sovereignty of God

Related verses

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.
Matthew 11:25–26
At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
1 Peter 2:9–10
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
Ephesians 2:4–5
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Titus 3:3–5
For at one time we too were foolish, disobedient, misled, and enslaved to all sorts of desires and pleasures—living in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another.
Romans 9:11
Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand,
1 Corinthians 1:26–31
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.
Luke 10:21
At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
James 1:18
He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.
Isaiah 65:1
“I revealed Myself to those who did not ask for Me; I was found by those who did not seek Me. To a nation that did not call My name, I said, ‘Here I am! Here I am!’
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.

Romans 9:16

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