King James Version

What Does Romans 9:17 Mean?

Romans 9:17 in the King James Version says “For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in th... — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

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.

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.

18

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

19

Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up—Paul quotes Exodus 9:16. The verb exēgeira (ἐξήγειρα) means 'raised up/appointed.' God orchestrated Pharaoh's position in history for divine purposes: that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. God's sovereignty extends even to reprobate vessels—they serve his glory.

This doesn't mean God authored Pharaoh's sin (James 1:13), but that he ordained the circumstances in which Pharaoh freely hardened his heart. God then judicially hardened it further (Exodus 9:12). Pharaoh's rebellion served to display God's power in deliverance (Exodus 14:17-18) and proclaim his name globally. Even the wicked are made for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4). God's sovereignty in reprobation is asymmetrical to election: he actively saves (mercy); he passes over in judgment (justice). Both glorify him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Exodus 5-14 records Pharaoh's hardening. Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34 say Pharaoh hardened his heart. Exodus 9:12; 10:20, 27; 11:10 say God hardened it. Both are true: God's sovereign hardening occurred through Pharaoh's free rebellion. This became the classic example of divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexisting.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can God be sovereign over Pharaoh's hardening without being the author of his sin?
  2. What does 'for this purpose I raised thee up' teach about God's control over human history?
  3. How does Pharaoh's hardening serve God's glory in displaying both power and mercy?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
λέγει1 of 29

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

γὰρ2 of 29

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

3 of 29
G3588

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

γραφὴ4 of 29

the scripture

G1124

a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)

τῷ5 of 29
G3588

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

Φαραὼ6 of 29

unto Pharaoh

G5328

pharao (i.e., pharoh), an egyptian king

ὅτι7 of 29

Even for

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Εἰς8 of 29
G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

αὐτὸ9 of 29

same purpose

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τοῦτο10 of 29

this

G5124

that thing

ἐξήγειρά11 of 29

have I raised

G1825

to rouse fully, i.e., (figuratively) to resuscitate (from death), release (from infliction)

σε12 of 29

thee

G4571

thee

ὅπως13 of 29

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

ἐνδείξωμαι14 of 29

I might shew

G1731

to indicate (by word or act)

ἐν15 of 29

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

σοὶ16 of 29

thee

G4671

to thee

τὴν17 of 29
G3588

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

δύναμίν18 of 29

power

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

μου19 of 29

my

G3450

of me

καὶ20 of 29

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅπως21 of 29

that

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

διαγγελῇ22 of 29

might be declared

G1229

to herald thoroughly

τὸ23 of 29
G3588

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

ὄνομά24 of 29

name

G3686

a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)

μου25 of 29

my

G3450

of me

ἐν26 of 29

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

πάσῃ27 of 29

all

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τῇ28 of 29
G3588

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

γῇ29 of 29

the earth

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)


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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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