Romans 9:20

Translations

Modern

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”

Traditional

Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?

Literal

But rather, O man, who are you answering against God? Will the thing formed say to the One having formed it, “Why did you make me thus?”

Latin

O homo, tu quis es, qui respondeas Deo? numquid dicit figmentum ei qui se finxit: Quid me fecisti sic?

Original

Greek

English

But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?”

Notes

Romans 9:20–21

See Isaiah 29:16 and Isaiah 45:9–10.

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

Isaiah 29:16
You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”?
Isaiah 45:9–11
Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’?
Isaiah 64:8
But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.
Job 33:13
Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?
Job 40:2
“Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”
Job 36:23
Who has appointed His way for Him, or told Him, ‘You have done wrong’?
Matthew 20:15
Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’
1 Timothy 6:5
…and constant friction between men of depraved mind who are devoid of the truth. These men regard godliness as a means of gain.
Job 16:3
Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?
Job 42:2–6
“I know that You can do all things and that no plan of Yours can be thwarted.
1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?
Job 38:2–3
“Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge?

Romans 9:20

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