Romans 9:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} shall we say {G2046} then {G3767}?{G3361} Is there unrighteousness {G93} with {G3844} God {G2316}? God forbid {G3361}{G1096}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So are we to say, “It is unjust for God to do this”? Heaven forbid!

Berean Standard Bible

What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:14 presents Paul's direct and emphatic response to a critical theological objection arising from his discourse on God's sovereign election. Having just declared God's preferential choice of Jacob over Esau, Paul anticipates the human tendency to accuse God of injustice or partiality. With a powerful rhetorical question, "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?", he immediately and unequivocally denies any such possibility, asserting God's absolute righteousness and demonstrating his commitment to defending the divine character against human misinterpretations of His sovereign will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment in Paul's intricate argument in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice"). Immediately preceding it, Paul has articulated God's sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau, even before their birth, stating, "Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated" ([Romans 9:13](/romans/9-13 "Romans 9:13 - Jacob and Esau")). This declaration, rooted in God's pre-temporal decision and not in human works, naturally provokes a profound question about divine fairness. Paul, a master rhetorician, anticipates this very human objection and poses it himself, only to deliver a resounding, unequivocal denial. This verse serves as a transition, allowing Paul to delve deeper into the nature of God's mercy and hardening, as seen in the subsequent verses regarding Pharaoh ([Romans 9:15-18](/romans/9-15-18 "Romans 9:15-18 - God's Mercy and Hardening")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience, particularly Jewish believers and God-fearing Gentiles in Rome, would have been deeply familiar with the Old Testament narratives and the concept of God's covenant faithfulness to Israel. The idea of God choosing one nation or individual over another was not new (e.g., Abraham, Israel as a chosen people). However, the implications of such a choice for individual salvation and God's justice were intensely debated, especially in the context of Israel's current rejection of the Messiah. The Greco-Roman world also had its own pantheon of gods, often depicted with human-like flaws and partiality. Paul's assertion of God's absolute righteousness stands in stark contrast to such pagan conceptions, affirming the unique moral perfection of the God of Israel.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 9:14](/romans/9-14 "Romans 9:14 - God's Righteousness") contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Romans. Firstly, it underscores **God's Unquestionable Righteousness and Justice**. Paul's emphatic denial serves as an absolute affirmation that God's character is impeccable, even when His actions appear inscrutable to human reason. Secondly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty**, emphasizing that God's choices are not subject to human judgment or contingent upon human merit. His freedom to elect is inherent to His nature as the Creator, and His justice is defined by His own perfect being, not by human standards. Thirdly, this verse is a crucial part of **Paul's Defense of God's Character** in light of the doctrine of election and Israel's unbelief. He systematically dismantles potential accusations against God, ensuring that the profound truth of divine sovereignty is never misconstrued as arbitrary or unjust. This defense continues throughout [Romans 9-11](/romans/9-11 "God's Plan for Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **unrighteousness (Greek, _adikía'_):** This term (G93) denotes injustice, wrongfulness, or iniquity. It refers to a state of being or an act that is contrary to what is right, just, or lawful. In the context of God, it would imply a failure to act according to His perfect moral standard, a charge Paul vehemently rejects.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** This word (G2316) refers to the supreme Divinity. When used with the definite article (as implied here), it specifically points to the one true God, the Creator and Sovereign of the universe. Paul's question directly challenges the very nature and character of this supreme Being, making his subsequent denial all the more powerful.
* **God forbid (Greek, _mḗ'_ G3361, _gínomai'_ G1096):** This translates the powerful Greek idiom _mḗ genoito_. _Mḗ_ (G3361) is a particle of qualified negation, indicating a strong prohibition or denial, often implying "lest" or "not." _Gínomai_ (G1096) means "to become" or "to come into being." Together, _mḗ genoito_ literally means "may it not come to pass" or "may it never be!" It is Paul's strongest possible expression of repudiation, used to dismiss a false conclusion with absolute finality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What shall we say then?"**: This is a common rhetorical device used by Paul throughout Romans (e.g., [Romans 3:5](/romans/3-5 "Romans 3:5 - Paul's Rhetorical Question"), [Romans 6:1](/romans/6-1 "Romans 6:1 - Shall We Continue in Sin?")) to anticipate and engage with potential objections or logical conclusions that might be drawn from his preceding arguments. It signals a shift to address a critical implication.
* **"[Is there] unrighteousness with God?"**: This is the core rhetorical question, directly challenging God's character. Paul is asking if God's actions, specifically His sovereign election, could be construed as unjust, unfair, or morally flawed according to human standards. The question is designed to provoke a strong negative response.
* **"God forbid."**: This is Paul's immediate, emphatic, and unequivocal denial. Translating the Greek _mḗ genoito_, it expresses the strongest possible rejection of the preceding proposition. It means "By no means!", "Absolutely not!", "May it never be!" Paul leaves no room for doubt: the idea of God being unrighteous is utterly abhorrent and impossible.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several **literary devices** in this concise verse. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?" This device is not meant to elicit an answer from the audience but to introduce a potential objection that Paul himself will immediately and forcefully refute. It engages the reader directly, drawing them into the theological debate. Following this, Paul uses a powerful **Idiom** and **Exclamation**, "God forbid" (μὴ γένοιτο). This is a highly emphatic expression of denial, serving as a definitive and absolute repudiation of the implied accusation. Its abruptness and strength convey Paul's unshakeable conviction in God's perfect righteousness. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Anticipation**, as Paul foresees and preemptively addresses the logical human objection to God's sovereign election, thereby strengthening his argument by demonstrating its robustness against scrutiny.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:14 is a foundational statement about the very nature of God, asserting His absolute and unquestionable righteousness. It teaches that God's justice is not subject to human definitions or expectations, but is inherent to His perfect character. His sovereignty, including His freedom to elect, is never arbitrary or unjust, but always flows from His holy and righteous being. To suggest unrighteousness with God is to fundamentally misunderstand who He is. This verse serves as a bulwark against any attempt to accuse God of wrongdoing, even when His ways are beyond human comprehension or seem to contradict our limited sense of fairness. It calls believers to trust in His perfect wisdom and goodness, even when faced with the mysteries of His divine decrees.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God's Perfect Justice")
* [Job 8:3](/job/8-3 "Job 8:3 - God Does Not Pervert Justice")
* [Psalm 92:15](/psalms/92-15 "Psalm 92:15 - The Lord is Upright")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:14 challenges us to examine our own understanding of God's character, particularly when His actions or decrees seem to conflict with our human sense of fairness or justice. In a world where we often demand accountability and transparency from earthly authorities, it can be tempting to project these expectations onto God. However, this verse firmly reminds us that God's righteousness is not contingent upon our comprehension or approval; it is an intrinsic aspect of His divine nature. When we encounter difficult doctrines like election or face circumstances in life that seem unfair, our call is not to question God's justice, but to humble ourselves and trust in His perfect wisdom and goodness. This verse encourages a profound posture of faith, resting in the assurance that the Almighty is always just, always right, and always true to His holy character, even when His ways are mysterious. It compels us to worship Him for who He is, rather than demanding that He conform to our limited understanding.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of God's justice align with or differ from Paul's emphatic declaration in Romans 9:14?**
* **In what areas of my life or theology do I find myself subtly questioning God's fairness or righteousness?**
* **How can reflecting on God's unquestionable righteousness deepen my trust in Him, especially during times of confusion or suffering?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that rests in God's perfect character, even when His ways seem inscrutable?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul use such a strong phrase as "God forbid"?**

Answer: Paul uses "God forbid" (Greek: _mḗ genoito_) because he is addressing a profound and potentially blasphemous accusation: that God could be unrighteous. This phrase is one of Paul's most emphatic expressions of denial, appearing frequently in his letters (e.g., [Romans 3:4](/romans/3-4 "Romans 3:4 - Let God Be True"), [Romans 6:2](/romans/6-2 "Romans 6:2 - Dead to Sin")). It signifies an absolute and utter rejection of the premise, leaving no room for doubt or compromise. He wants to ensure that no one could possibly conclude from his teaching on divine sovereignty that God is anything less than perfectly just.

**How does God's sovereignty, particularly His election, not lead to unrighteousness?**

Answer: Paul's argument in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans 9 - God's Sovereign Choice") is that God's sovereignty does not imply unrighteousness because God's justice is not measured by human standards of fairness, but by His own perfect and holy nature. God is sovereign over all creation, and His choices are based on His own righteous will, not on any merit or demerit in humanity. The very concept of "righteousness" is defined by God's character. If God chooses to extend mercy to some and allow others to harden their hearts, it is not because He is unjust, but because He is God, acting according to His perfect attributes. The subsequent verses in [Romans 9:15-18](/romans/9-15-18 "Romans 9:15-18 - God's Mercy and Hardening") elaborate on this, showing that God's power and will are demonstrated both in His mercy and His hardening, all within His righteous framework.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Romans 9:14 directly addresses the righteousness of God the Father in His sovereign election, its ultimate fulfillment and most profound demonstration are found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. If there were any unrighteousness with God, the entire plan of salvation would collapse. But because God is perfectly righteous, He could not simply overlook sin; justice demanded a penalty. This is precisely what Jesus accomplished: He, "who knew no sin, was made to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). The cross is the ultimate vindication of God's righteousness, demonstrating that He is both "just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus" ([Romans 3:26](/romans/3-26 "Romans 3:26 - God's Justice and Justification")). In Christ, God's sovereign choice to save is perfectly aligned with His unblemished justice, as the Lamb of God bore the unrighteousness of the world, satisfying divine wrath and providing a path to righteousness for all who believe ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Thus, Jesus is the living embodiment and ultimate proof that there is, indeed, no unrighteousness with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 19:7

Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do [it]: for [there is] no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.

Psalms 145:17

The LORD [is] righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

Deuteronomy 32:4

[He is] the Rock, his work [is] perfect: for all his ways [are] judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right [is] he.

Psalms 92:15

To shew that the LORD [is] upright: [he is] my rock, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him.

Job 34:10

¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

Job 34:12

Yea, surely God will not do wickedly, neither will the Almighty pervert judgment.

Revelation 16:7

And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous [are] thy judgments.