Romans 9:21

Translations

Modern

Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?

Traditional

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Literal

Or does the potter not have authority over the clay to make out of the same lump the one vessel indeed for honor, but the one for dishonor?

Latin

…an non habet potestatem figulus luti ex eadem massa facere aliud quidem vas in honorem, aliud vero in contumeliam?

Original

Greek

English

Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?

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 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.
2 Timothy 2:20–21
A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use.
Proverbs 16:4
The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster.
Jeremiah 18:3–6
So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel.
Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.
Romans 9:22–23
What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction?
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,
Romans 9:18
Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.
Hosea 8:8
Israel is swallowed up! Now they are among the nations like a worthless vessel.
Jeremiah 22:28
Is this man Coniah a despised and shattered pot, a jar that no one wants? Why are he and his descendants hurled out and cast into a land they do not know?

Romans 9:21

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