Romans 9:16-18
So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What's easy to miss here is that "willing" and "running" aren't dismissed as unimportant, but rather, they don't originate the mercy or the desire for it. Paul is highlighting that salvation's source is entirely God’s compassion, not human merit or effort, even though those things follow from His work in us.
Paul is grappling with the question of why so many Israelites, God's chosen people, rejected Jesus, while many Gentiles embraced the gospel. He's arguing that salvation isn't based on national heritage or human effort, but on God's sovereign choice and mercy, a point he emphasizes by quoting God's declaration to Moses about showing mercy to whomever He pleases. This leads him to conclude that our willingness and striving are not the cause of our salvation, but rather a result of God's merciful initiative.
Ever feel like you have to 'earn' God's favor with your effort or strong desires? This verse challenges that idea head-on.
Paul is talking about salvation and God's sovereign choice. When he says 'it depends not on human will or exertion,' he's not saying that desire and effort are bad or unimportant in the Christian life.
Paul's point is that neither of these human actions is the originating cause of salvation or God's election. Our willingness and our efforts follow God's initiating grace, they don't precede it or compel it. Salvation is rooted in God's decision to show mercy, not in our ability to will or to run.
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If it's not about us, then who is it about? This verse points to the singular, stunning answer.
The latter half of the verse drives home the incredible truth: 'but on God, who has mercy.' This is the core of the message.
Understand the original words
thelema · Greek Noun
The fundamental power of choice, volition, or desire inherent in human beings. In a theological sense, it often contrasts the fallen human capacity to choose with the sovereign determination of God.
trechon · Greek Noun
Physical effort, striving, or running; used metaphorically for human works or attempts to achieve righteousness or spiritual goals apart from God’s grace.
eleeo · Greek Verb
Compassion or pity shown by a superior to an inferior, especially by God toward sinful humanity. It is the withholding of deserved judgment and the granting of unmerited favor.
graphe · Greek Noun
The authoritative, inspired writings of the Old Testament. In the New Testament, it is viewed as the voice of God himself.
egeiro · Greek Verb
In this context, it refers to God's act of bringing someone into a position of prominence or causing them to exist for a specific historical purpose.
dynamis · Greek Noun
The inherent strength, authority, and efficacy of God displayed in His works, particularly in His sovereignty over creation and redemption.
diangello · Greek Verb
To make the name (character, authority, and reputation) of God known or published widely among the nations.
skleruno · Greek Verb
The divine act of rendering a heart or mind unresponsive, obstinate, or insensitive to the truth, often as a result of prior rebellion or as an act of judicial withdrawal.
Paul's profound statement in Romans 9:16 stems from his deep engagement with the Old Testament narrative. He draws on the foundational story of God's sovereign choice in salvation history, particularly God's interactions with Jacob and Pharaoh, to argue that salvation ultimately rests not on human effort or lineage, but on God's free mercy and will.
c. 1446 BC
Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery in Egypt, are miraculously led out of bondage by God through Moses, marking a pivotal moment of divine deliverance and national formation.
c. 1446-1406 BC
The Wilderness Wanderings
Following their exodus, the Israelites spend 40 years wandering in the desert. This period is marked by divine provision, testing, and judgment, shaping their identity and relationship with God.
c. 1000 BC
Reign of David
King David establishes Jerusalem as the capital and ushers in a golden age for Israel. His reign is a high point of national prosperity and divine favor, yet also marked by personal sin and consequence.
722 BC
Fall of the Northern Kingdom (Israel)
The Assyrian Empire conquers the northern kingdom of Israel, deporting its inhabitants and scattering them among foreign lands. This event signifies a major divine judgment for their unfaithfulness.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and the Temple, and exile a significant portion of the population. This catastrophic event marks a period of national devastation and spiritual crisis.
c. 539 BC
Return from Exile
Under the decree of Persian King Cyrus, Jewish exiles are permitted to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks a new era of hope and restoration, though under foreign rule.
c. AD 57-59— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. From this confinement, he writes letters, including Romans, to churches throughout the empire, addressing profound theological issues.
This verse directly echoes the sentiment that salvation doesn't originate from human desire or effort, but from a divine act of 'birth' not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. It reinforces that our spiritual new birth is God's sovereign work.
Philippians 2:13While Romans 9:16 states salvation is not of human will or exertion, Philippians 2:13 clarifies that God is the one who enables believers to both 'will and to work' for His good pleasure. This shows the interplay of God's sovereignty and human responsibility in salvation.
Ephesians 2:8-9This passage explicitly states that salvation is 'by grace... through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.' This directly supports the idea in Romans 9:16 that salvation is not a result of human effort or will, but a gracious gift from God.
Exodus 33:19Paul directly quotes God's words to Moses, 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' This Old Testament declaration is the foundational text Paul uses to establish that God's mercy is sovereign and not dependent on human will or action.
Jeremiah 18:6Similar to Romans 9, this Old Testament passage uses the potter and clay imagery to illustrate God's sovereignty over His creation and His right to determine the destiny of individuals. It emphasizes that just as the potter has authority over the clay, God has ultimate authority over humanity.
barnesRomans 9:16: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."
So then - It follows as a consequence from this statement of God to Moses. Or it is a doctrine established by that statement. Not of him that willeth - This does not mean that he that becomes a Christian, and is saved, does not choose eternal life; or is not made willing; or that he is compelled to enter heaven against his own choice. It is true that people by nature have no desire of h…
cambridgeRomans 9:16: "So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy."
16 . of him that willeth ] Not that human willing and running are illusions; but they are not the cause of mercy. They follow it; they may even be the channel of its present action; but they are not the cause. Its origin is not “ of ” them. Cp. Php 2:13 . runneth ] The idea is of one actively moving in the path of right His energy may tempt him to think that he originated the motion; bu…
What's easy to miss here is that "willing" and "running" aren't dismissed as unimportant, but rather, they don't originate the mercy or the desire for it. Paul is highlighting that salvation's source is entirely God’s compassion, not human merit or effort, even though those things follow from His work in us.
Paul is grappling with the question of why so many Israelites, God's chosen people, rejected Jesus, while many Gentiles embraced the gospel. He's arguing that salvation isn't based on national heritage or human effort, but on God's sovereign choice and mercy, a point he emphasizes by quoting God's declaration to Moses about showing mercy to whomever He pleases. This leads him to conclude that our willingness and striving are not the cause of our salvation, but rather a result of God's merciful initiative.
Paul is grappling with the question of why so many Israelites, God's chosen people, rejected Jesus, while many Gentiles embraced the gospel. He's arguing that salvation isn't based on national heritage or human effort, but on God's sovereign choice and mercy, a point he emphasizes by quoting God's declaration to Moses about showing mercy to whomever He pleases. This leads him to conclude that our willingness and striving are not the cause of our salvation, but rather a result of God's merciful initiative.
"So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the…" — What's easy to miss here is that "willing" and "running" aren't dismissed as unimportant, but rather, they don't originate the mercy or the desire for it. Paul is highlighting that salvation's sour…
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