King James Version

What Does Romans 9:14 Mean?

Romans 9:14 in the King James Version says “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid .” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid .”

Romans 9:14 · KJV

Context

12

It was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. elder: or, greater elder: or, greater younger: or, lesser

13

As it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

14

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

15

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.

16

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

Read Romans 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid—Paul voices the inevitable objection: if God chooses before works, isn't he unjust (adikia, ἀδικία)? The answer is emphatic: mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο), 'may it never be!' (KJV's 'God forbid' captures the horror). This phrase appears 10 times in Romans, always rejecting blasphemous inferences.

The objection assumes humans deserve equal treatment from God. But this inverts the true situation: all deserve condemnation (3:23, 6:23). Justice would damn everyone. That God chooses to save any is pure mercy. Election doesn't make God unjust; it makes him merciful. The real question isn't 'Why doesn't God save everyone?' but 'Why does God save anyone?' Election magnifies grace precisely because it's undeserved and unconditional.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This objection is as old as election itself. Job wrestled with God's sovereignty (Job 9:14-24). Jeremiah faced it (Jeremiah 18:1-10). Jesus provoked it (Matthew 20:1-16). Paul systematically answers in verses 15-23, defending both God's justice and mercy.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does unconditional election offend human sensibilities about fairness?
  2. How does recognizing universal guilt (3:23) dissolve the 'injustice' objection?
  3. What assumptions about human 'deservingness' underlie objections to sovereign election?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
Τί1 of 10

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 10

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐροῦμεν3 of 10

“shall we say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

μὴ4 of 10

“God forbid”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἀδικία5 of 10

“Is there unrighteousness”

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

παρὰ6 of 10

“with”

G3844

properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj

τῷ7 of 10
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ8 of 10

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

μὴ9 of 10

“God forbid”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γένοιτο·10 of 10
G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 9:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 9:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 19:7Psalms 145:17Deuteronomy 32:4Psalms 92:15Revelation 16:7Job 34:10-12

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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