Romans 9:17-19
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The verse emphasizes that God's ultimate goal in raising up Pharaoh was for His own glory, to reveal His power and make His name known. This highlights that even in human-conceived displays of power and sovereignty, God is working towards a divine purpose that extends to all the earth.
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. You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is addressing the apparent tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, specifically concerning salvation. He's explaining that God's choice to show mercy or not is not based on human merit but on His own divine plan, using the example of Jacob and Esau. This verse then shifts to Pharaoh, illustrating God's power to use even resistant individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Have you ever wondered if your life has a specific purpose in God's grand plan, even if that purpose involves difficult circumstances or challenges?
This verse reveals a profound truth: God's actions, even towards those who oppose Him, serve His ultimate purposes. When God spoke to Pharaoh through Moses, He declared, 'For this very purpose I have raised you up.' This isn't saying God created Pharaoh for evil, but that He sovereignly allowed and sustained Pharaoh's position and influence for a specific divine goal.
This challenges us to see that even in the darkest opposition, God is working out His sovereign plan, using all circumstances, even human sin and resistance, to display His glory.
When we think of God showing His power, we often picture miracles of salvation. But what about His power shown through judgment?
Romans 9:17 highlights that God's power is demonstrated not only in saving His people but also in judging their oppressors. Pharaoh's reign and subsequent downfall became a monumental display of God's might.
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This reminds us that God's justice is as much a part of His character as His mercy, and both serve to make His name known and feared throughout the world.
Understand the original words
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.
memphomai · Greek Verb
To discover or identify a cause for blame, guilt, or condemnation; in Scripture, it describes God’s role as the righteous Judge.
anthistemi · Greek Verb
To actively oppose, withstand, or set oneself against. In theological discourse, it signifies the inability of the creature to successfully block the sovereign purpose of the Creator.
Paul uses the dramatic confrontation between God and Pharaoh during the Exodus to illustrate God's sovereign choice. Pharaoh's persistence in refusing to let Israel go, despite God's overwhelming power, served as a stage for God to display His might and make His name known throughout the earth.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
The Exodus from Egypt
The Israelites, after centuries of slavery in Egypt, are miraculously led out of bondage by God through Moses. This event, a cornerstone of Jewish identity, demonstrated God's power and faithfulness.
c. 1446 BC
Plagues of Egypt
A series of devastating plagues inflicted upon Egypt by God to persuade Pharaoh to release the Israelites. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart is a recurring theme throughout these events.
c. 1446 BC
Crossing the Red Sea
God parts the Red Sea for the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's pursuing army. Pharaoh and his soldiers are then drowned when the waters return, a definitive display of God's power over Pharaoh and Egypt.
c. 1446 BC
Wandering in the Wilderness
Following the Exodus, the Israelites journeyed for 40 years in the desert, during which God continued to reveal His power and provide for them, while also disciplining them.
c. 1400 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites conquered the Promised Land, fulfilling God's covenant promises to Abraham and his descendants.
This passage shows God directly telling Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, explaining that this is so God can perform His mighty deeds in Egypt and proclaim His name throughout the earth, echoing the purpose stated in Romans 9:17.
Deuteronomy 7:7-8This passage highlights that Israel's deliverance was not due to their greatness or numbers, but solely because of God's love and faithfulness, aligning with the idea in Romans 9 that God's choices are based on His own purposes, not human merit.
Isaiah 10:5-7This passage describes Assyria as an instrument of God's wrath, showing how God uses even wicked nations and their kings to accomplish His purposes, similar to how Pharaoh is used to display God's power.
Romans 11:33-36Paul concludes his discussion on Israel's rejection and salvation by praising God's unfathomable wisdom and sovereignty, affirming that all things, including the hardening and mercy shown, are from God for His glory, which is the overarching theme in Romans 9:17.
cambridgeRomans 9:17: "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."
17 . For ] See on Romans 9:15 . In this verse St Paul recurs to the question “Is there unrighteousness, &c.?” and replies to it, by citing not now a general Divine utterance (as in Romans 9:15 ) but a special utterance, to an individual. the Scripture saith ] For a similar personification of the in…
bengelRomans 9:17: "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."
Romans 9:17 . Λέγει ) saith, i.e. exhibits God speaking in this manner, comp. ch. Romans 10:20 , saith .— γὰρ , for ) He proves, that it is of Him who shows mercy , even God .— τῷ Φαραὼ , to the Pharaoh ) who lived in the time of Moses .— ὅτι εἰς αὐτὸ τοῦτο ἐξήγειρὰ σε , ὅπως ἐνδείξωμαι ἐν σοὶ τὴν…
The verse emphasizes that God's ultimate goal in raising up Pharaoh was for His own glory, to reveal His power and make His name known. This highlights that even in human-conceived displays of power and sovereignty, God is working towards a divine purpose that extends to all the earth.
Paul is addressing the apparent tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, specifically concerning salvation. He's explaining that God's choice to show mercy or not is not based on human merit but on His own divine plan, using the example of Jacob and Esau. This verse then shifts to Pharaoh, illustrating God's power to use even resistant individuals to fulfill His purposes.
Paul is addressing the apparent tension between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, specifically concerning salvation. He's explaining that God's choice to show mercy or not is not based on human merit but on His own divine plan, using the example of Jacob and Esau. This verse then shifts to Pharaoh, illustrating God's power to use even resistant individuals to fulfill His purposes.
"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 h…" — The verse emphasizes that God's ultimate goal in raising up Pharaoh was for His own glory, to reveal His power and make His name known. This highlights that even in human-conceived displays of power…
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Last reviewed October 2026
