Romans 9 16

Romans 9:16 kjv

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

Romans 9:16 nkjv

So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.

Romans 9:16 niv

It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God's mercy.

Romans 9:16 esv

So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.

Romans 9:16 nlt

So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.

Romans 9 verses

Romans 9 16 Meaning

Romans 9:16 declares that obtaining God's favor and mercy does not depend on human intention or strenuous effort, but solely on God, who unilaterally chooses to show compassion. This verse underscores God's sovereign power and unmerited grace as the ultimate source of His blessings, specifically regarding election and salvation. It rejects any notion that human will or works can compel God's mercy or lay claim to His promises.

Romans 9 16 Context

Romans 9:16 appears within Paul's profound theological argument concerning Israel's standing and God's faithfulness, particularly in chapters 9-11. Having just asserted in verse 15 that God declared His intention to "have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion" (quoting Ex 33:19 regarding Moses), Paul concludes with verse 16. This verse serves as a crucial summary and logical deduction of God's sovereign will, acting as a foundational principle for understanding His dealings with humanity, both Jewish and Gentile. Historically, Paul addresses the belief prevalent among some Jews that their descent from Abraham, observance of the Law, or moral striving automatically secured them God's promises. Verse 16 directly confronts this, contending against any reliance on human initiative or nationalistic pride as a basis for God's favor.

Romans 9 16 Word analysis

• So then (Ἄρα οὖν - Ara oun): This conjunction serves as a strong logical conclusion, signaling a summary deduction drawn from the preceding statements, particularly from God's declaration in verse 15 regarding His freedom to choose whom to show mercy. It means "consequently" or "therefore," emphasizing the inescapable truth derived from God's character.
• it is not (οὐκ ἐκ - ouk ek): This phrase conveys a strong negation, emphasizing that the source or origin (ek, meaning "out of" or "from") of divine mercy is definitively not found in the subsequent actions or qualities.
• him who wills (τοῦ θέλοντος - tou thelontos): Derived from thelō (to will, desire, intend). This participle refers to human intention, desire, or the exercise of one's own will. It encompasses the internal aspiration or decision of an individual regarding spiritual matters, whether seeking God, salvation, or righteousness. It highlights the inadequacy of human volition as a determining factor in receiving God's mercy.
• nor of him who runs (οὐδὲ τοῦ τρέχοντος - oude tou trechontos): Oude means "nor, not even," further strengthening the negation. Trechō (to run) is often used metaphorically in Scripture to signify strenuous effort, intense exertion, or striving, particularly in a spiritual context (e.g., "running the race" of faith, 1 Cor 9:24; Gal 2:2). This negates the efficacy of human works, disciplined effort, or self-achieved righteousness in meriting God's favor.
• but of God (ἀλλ᾽ ἐκ Θεοῦ - all' ek Theou): Alla is a strong adversative conjunction, meaning "but on the contrary." It introduces a decisive counterpoint, directing the source unequivocally to "God" (Theou). The ek here again signifies origin, firmly establishing God as the sole initiator and source.
• who shows mercy (τοῦ ἐλεῶντος - tou eleōntos): Derived from eleeō (to have mercy, be merciful, show compassion). This participle describes God's active, continuous attribute of showing undeserved compassion. It perfectly aligns with the quote from Ex 33:19 in the preceding verse and encapsulates the nature of the divine intervention that saves, contrasting it with human efforts.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "not of him who wills, nor of him who runs": This distinct pairing succinctly dismisses both the internal (volition/desire) and external (action/effort) aspects of human endeavor as insufficient and ultimately ineffective in generating God's mercy. It captures the entire spectrum of human striving, whether internal yearning or outward works. This reflects a deep theological truth that humans cannot initiate or earn their spiritual standing with God.
• "but of God who shows mercy": This phrase dramatically pivots from human inadequacy to divine omnipotence and grace. It places the ultimate responsibility and credit for mercy squarely upon God's character and unconstrained will. The act of "showing mercy" defines how God intervenes in human lives, entirely through His own initiative and compassion.

Romans 9 16 Bonus section

• This verse encapsulates a crucial tenet of Reformed theology, emphasizing God's complete sovereignty in salvation, where He exercises His unmerited favor on those whom He chooses, independent of any foreseen human merit.
• While strong on God's sovereignty, this verse does not diminish the need for human response, faith, or good works. Instead, it contextualizes them as the result and evidence of God's prior work of mercy, rather than their cause. It's the order of causality that is clarified: God's mercy precedes and enables human willing and running in the spiritual race.
• The immediate flow from Romans 9:15, where God Himself declares His sovereign right to dispense mercy as He pleases, provides the divine mandate for the conclusion reached in verse 16. It firmly grounds Paul's theological assertion in an Old Testament declaration of God's character.

Romans 9 16 Commentary

Romans 9:16 serves as a climactic declaration within Paul's discourse on divine sovereignty and human responsibility. It unequivocally states that the election to spiritual privilege, specifically the reception of God's salvific mercy, is not determined by human aspiration or diligently pursued religious works. Instead, it stems entirely from the free and sovereign will of God. This verse disarms any boast in human capacity or merit, highlighting that both the desire to be righteous and the striving after it are powerless to earn God's favor if He has not already willed to extend mercy. It portrays God's mercy not as a reactive response to human action, but as an active, initiating force originating solely from His benevolent nature and unconstrained choice, reinforcing His absolute authority. This foundational truth directs all glory for salvation to God alone, fostering humility in the believer.