King James Version
Romans 9:21 in the King James Version says “Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?”
Romans 9:21 · KJV
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? repliest: or, answerest again, or, disputest with God?
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: fitted: or, made up
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
KJV Study — Public Domain
“Hath”
G2192to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
“power”
G1849privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
“of”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“the same”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“lump”
G5445perhaps akin to g5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“honour”
G5092a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
“one vessel”
G4632a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
“unto”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“dishonour”
G819infamy, i.e., (subjectively) comparative indignity, (objectively) disgrace
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.
Romans 9:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Romans 9:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge