Romans 9:16 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

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

Romans 9:16

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

What shall we say then? {Is there} unrighteousness with God? God forbid.

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

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

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.

Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will {have mercy}, and whom he will he hardeneth.

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Romans 9:1

"I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,"

Romans 9:2

"That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart."

Romans 9:3

"For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh: {accursed: or, separated}"

Romans 9:4

"Who are Israelites; to whom {pertaineth} the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service {of God}, and the promises; {covenants: or, testaments}"

Romans 9:5

"Whose {are} the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ {came}, who is over all, God blessed for ever. Amen."

Romans 9:6

"Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they {are} not all Israel, which are of Israel:"

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