Romans 9:16

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

So {G686} then {G3767} it is not {G3756} of him that willeth {G2309}, nor {G3761} of him that runneth {G5143}, but {G235} of God {G2316} that sheweth mercy {G1653}.

Thus it doesn’t depend on human desires or efforts, but on God, who has mercy.

So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.

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

Commentary

Commentary on Romans 9:16

Romans 9:16 (KJV) states, "So then [it is] not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy." This powerful verse is a cornerstone in Paul's theological argument about God's sovereignty and His elective purposes.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's profound discussion in Romans chapters 9-11, where he grapples with the question of Israel's rejection of Christ and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Immediately preceding this verse, Paul has used the examples of Jacob and Esau (Romans 9:13) and quoted from Exodus 33:19, where God declares, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion" (Romans 9:15). Romans 9:16 serves as a summary conclusion to these points, emphasizing that divine favor, whether for salvation or specific purposes, originates solely with God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty: The verse powerfully asserts God's absolute authority and freedom in His choices. His purposes are not contingent upon human will or performance.
  • God's Mercy as the Source: It highlights that God's mercy is the ultimate wellspring of His blessings and elective acts. It is freely given, not earned.
  • Human Inability: The phrase "not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth" unequivocally teaches that human desire, intention, or strenuous effort cannot compel or secure God's saving grace or favor. Salvation is not a result of human merit or striving, but entirely dependent on God's unmerited favor.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses vivid terms to convey human effort:

  • "Willeth" (Greek: thelontos) refers to human desire, intention, or choice. It speaks of the internal wish or longing.
  • "Runneth" (Greek: trechontos) implies human exertion, striving, or active pursuit, often in the context of a race or intense effort.

Together, these two terms comprehensively cover both the internal desire and the external action of human initiative. In contrast, "sheweth mercy" (Greek: eleountos) points to God's active, sovereign act of compassion and grace, indicating that His mercy is freely given and not a response to human works.

Practical Application

Romans 9:16 offers profound implications for believers today:

  • Humility: It removes any ground for human boasting. Our salvation and spiritual blessings are not due to our inherent goodness, strong will, or diligent efforts, but purely God's unmerited mercy.
  • Trust in God: It encourages absolute reliance on God's character and His sovereign plan. His mercy is steadfast and dependable, providing security for those who trust in Him.
  • Gratitude: Understanding that salvation is a gift from God's mercy should fill our hearts with profound gratitude for His undeserved kindness. This truth underscores the freeness of God's grace, echoing other scriptures that emphasize the gift of salvation apart from works.
Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.
An Introduction to Romans: The Power of the Gospel Understanding Romans 9: God's Sovereign Choice 7 Major Themes in the Book of Romans The Relationship Between Israel and the Church Election and Predestination

Cross-References

  • Ephesians 2:8

    For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

  • Matthew 11:25

    ¶ At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.

  • Matthew 11:26

    Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.

  • 1 Peter 2:9

    But ye [are] a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:

  • 1 Peter 2:10

    Which in time past [were] not a people, but [are] now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

  • Ephesians 2:4

    ¶ But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,

  • Ephesians 2:5

    Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
← Back