Devine Scripture

Romans 9:17

What does Romans 9:17 mean?

A plain-English look at Romans 9:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Romans 9:17 means

Paul cites Scripture’s word to Pharaoh to show that God can even use a resistant ruler to display His power and spread His name through the earth. Pharaoh’s rise and stubbornness did not frustrate God’s plan; they served it. God’s sovereignty includes authority over historical actors, including those who oppose Him. The point is not to excuse Pharaoh’s sin but to assert God’s right to make an example through him. By invoking this episode, Paul shows that divine sovereignty and human hardness can coexist without compromising God’s justice or His worldwide purpose.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For the holy Writings say to Pharaoh, For this same purpose did I put you on high, so that I might make my power seen in you, and that there might be knowledge of my name through all the earth.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for the Writing saith to Pharaoh--`For this very thing I did raise thee up, that I might shew in thee My power, and that My name might be declared in all the land;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For the scripture saith to Pharao: To this purpose have I raised thee, that I may shew my power in thee and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For the scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very thing I have raised thee up from amongst [men], that I might thus shew in thee my power, and so that my name should be declared in all the earth.

Context

Verse 17 complements verses 15–16 by showing the other side of God’s sovereignty: not only does He show mercy, He also raises up opponents like Pharaoh to manifest His power. This prepares for the summary in verse 18—mercy and hardening are both within God’s prerogative. Anticipating how this might provoke questions about blame and responsibility, Paul moves in verses 19–21 to confront the challenge, “Who withstandeth his will?” and to assert the Creator’s rights over His creatures.

v.16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.

v.17This passage

v.18So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.

Cross references

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

  • Isaiah 45:1

    Thus saith Jehovah to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him, and I will loose the loins of kings; to open the doors before him, and the gates shall not be shut:

  • Galatians 3:8

    And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.

  • Isaiah 37:20

    Now therefore, O Jehovah our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art Jehovah, even thou only.

  • Isaiah 10:5

    Ho Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, the staff in whose hand is mine indignation!

  • Galatians 4:30

    Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.

  • Exodus 9:16

    but in very deed for this cause have I made thee to stand, to show thee my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

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