Devine Scripture

Romans 9:16

What does Romans 9:16 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:16 means

The conclusion follows: salvation does not arise from human determination (“willing”) or exertion (“running”), but from God who shows mercy. Human effort cannot generate the new birth or secure divine favor; mercy must descend. This undercuts pride and despair alike—pride, because we cannot boast; despair, because God’s mercy does not depend on our strength. The verse sharpens Paul’s point that grace, not lineage or law-keeping, makes a person right with God. Everything rests on the God who acts in freedom and compassion to save.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So then, it is not by the desire or by the attempt of man, but by the mercy of God.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so, then--not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is doing kindness:

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So then [it is] not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but ofGod that shews mercy.

Context

Having cited God’s freedom to show mercy (v. 15), Paul draws out the theological implication (v. 16). He clarifies that the decisive cause of salvation is divine mercy, not human striving. Next, verse 17 presents the counter-example of Pharaoh to display God’s sovereignty even over opposition. Verse 18 will then summarize: God has mercy on whom He wills and hardens whom He wills. This sets the stage for a further objection in verse 19 about human responsibility.

v.15For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.

v.16This passage

v.17For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 1:12

    But as many as received him, to them gave he the right to become children of God, even to them that believe on his name:

  • Titus 3:3

    For we also once were foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another.

  • Philippians 2:13

    for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:13

    But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

  • Ephesians 2:4

    but God, being rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • James 1:18

    Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

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