Romans 9:17

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} the scripture {G1124} saith {G3004} unto Pharaoh {G5328}, Even for {G3754}{G1519} this {G5124} same purpose {G846} have I raised {G1825} thee {G4571} up {G1825}, that {G3704} I might shew {G1731} my {G3450} power {G1411} in {G1722} thee {G4671}, and {G2532} that {G3704} my {G3450} name {G3686} might be declared {G1229} throughout {G1722} all {G3956} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For the Tanakh says to Pharaoh, “It is for this very reason that I raised you up, so that in connection with you I might demonstrate my power, so that my name might be known throughout the world.”

Berean Standard Bible

For the Scripture says to Pharaoh: “I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”

American Standard Version

For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, For this very purpose did I raise thee up, that I might show in thee my power, and that my name might be published abroad in all the earth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:17 presents a profound declaration of God's absolute sovereignty, quoting from the Old Testament to illustrate His purposeful orchestration of history, even through the actions of those who oppose Him. Paul employs the example of Pharaoh to demonstrate that God raises up individuals, not merely by chance, but for the express purpose of displaying His immense power and ensuring that His divine name and glory are proclaimed universally. This verse serves as a cornerstone in Paul's argument concerning God's righteous election and His unwavering faithfulness to His overarching redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within Paul's intricate theological discourse in [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans Chapter 9 - God's Sovereign Election"), a chapter grappling with the challenging questions of God's justice, election, and Israel's national unbelief. Following Paul's lament over Israel's spiritual state in [Romans 9:1-5](/romans/9-1-5 "Paul's Lament for Israel"), he immediately pivots to defend God's faithfulness, asserting that God's promises have not failed. He does this by distinguishing between physical and spiritual Israel, emphasizing God's sovereign choice in figures like Isaac over Ishmael ([Romans 9:6-9](/romans/9-6-9 "Isaac and Ishmael")), and Jacob over Esau ([Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Jacob and Esau")). The discussion then moves to address the potential charge of injustice against God in [Romans 9:14](/romans/9-14 "God's Justice Confirmed"), leading directly to the citation of God's words to Moses about showing mercy to whom He wills ([Romans 9:15](/romans/9-15 "God's Mercy and Compassion")) and hardening whom He wills ([Romans 9:16](/romans/9-16 "God's Sovereign Will")). Romans 9:17 then introduces Pharaoh as a prime example of God's sovereign hardening and purposeful use of an individual for His glory, setting the stage for further exploration of God's prerogative in [Romans 9:18-24](/romans/9-18-24 "God's Potter-like Authority").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The quote in [Romans 9:17](/romans/9-17 "Romans 9:17 - God's Purpose for Pharaoh") is a direct citation from [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Declaration to Pharaoh"), spoken by God to Pharaoh amidst the escalating plagues in ancient Egypt. Historically, Pharaoh was considered a divine king, the embodiment of the gods on earth, and the supreme ruler of a powerful empire. Egypt itself was a dominant force in the ancient Near East, known for its polytheistic religion and a pantheon of gods. The narrative of the Exodus, therefore, was not merely a liberation story for Israel but a cosmic battle demonstrating the supremacy of Yahweh, the God of Israel, over all Egyptian deities and their human representative, Pharaoh. The plagues were targeted judgments against specific Egyptian gods, culminating in the complete humiliation of Pharaoh and his gods. Culturally, the concept of a sovereign deity actively intervening in human affairs, even raising up a recalcitrant ruler for His own purposes, would have been a stark contrast to the prevailing polytheistic views where gods often squabbled or had limited spheres of influence. Geographically, the events unfolded in Egypt, a land whose influence and the news of God's mighty acts would indeed spread "throughout all the earth" (the known world at that time), impacting surrounding nations and shaping the perception of Yahweh.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 9:17 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Romans and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. The verse asserts that God is not merely reactive but actively orchestrates events, even using human resistance, to fulfill His divine purposes. Pharaoh's existence and position were not accidental but divinely appointed for a specific end. This underscores that God's will is ultimately irresistible and His plans cannot be thwarted, a concept Paul further develops in [Romans 11](/romans/11 "Romans 11 - God's Plan for Israel"). Another crucial theme is the **Demonstration of God's Power and Glory**. The plagues and the Exodus narrative, which form the backdrop of this verse, were undeniable displays of God's omnipotence, proving His supremacy over all earthly powers and false gods. This demonstration served not only to deliver Israel but also to reveal God's unmatched might to all nations, as seen in [Exodus 14:4](/exodus/14-4 "God's Glory at the Red Sea"). Finally, the verse highlights the **Universal Proclamation of God's Name**. The ultimate goal of God's interaction with Pharaoh was "that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." This points to God's desire for global recognition of His unique identity, character, and power, foreshadowing the universal scope of the gospel message later articulated in [Romans 10:18](/romans/10-18 "The Gospel Spreads to All the Earth").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **scripture (Greek, _graphḗ_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "to write," refers specifically to "holy Writ" or sacred writings. In this context, it emphasizes that Paul is not merely stating an opinion but drawing directly from the inspired, authoritative Word of God, underscoring the divine origin and truthfulness of his argument concerning God's sovereign actions.
* **raised thee up (Greek, _exegeírō_):** This verb means "to rouse fully" or "to bring forth." It implies a divine act of appointment or preservation, not merely a passive allowance of existence. God actively positioned Pharaoh as ruler, sustaining him through the plagues, not to save him, but to serve a specific, overarching divine purpose: to be the instrument through whom God's power would be dramatically displayed.
* **power (Greek, _dýnamis_):** This word denotes "force," "might," or "ability," often specifically referring to "miraculous power" or a "miracle itself." In the context of Pharaoh, it points to the extraordinary, supernatural acts of God (the plagues, the Red Sea crossing) that demonstrated His absolute supremacy and omnipotence over all creation, human rulers, and false gods.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority of Paul's assertion. By quoting "the scripture" (specifically [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Declaration to Pharaoh")), Paul grounds his theological argument in the Old Testament, indicating that God's sovereign election and hardening are not new concepts but are consistent with His character and actions revealed throughout history. It is God's own declaration to Pharaoh, not merely a human observation.
* **"Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up,"**: This is the core statement of divine intentionality. God explicitly declares that Pharaoh's very existence and position as ruler were not accidental but were for a specific, predetermined "purpose." The phrase "raised thee up" implies active divine appointment and preservation, suggesting that God sustained Pharaoh's life and rule precisely so that He could use him as an object for the display of His power, rather than simply destroying him earlier. This highlights God's meticulous and sovereign control over human history and individual destinies.
* **"that I might shew my power in thee,"**: This clause reveals the first of two primary divine objectives. God's purpose in raising up Pharaoh was to "shew" (demonstrate, exhibit) His "power" (omnipotence, miraculous might) *in* Pharaoh. This refers to the series of plagues and the ultimate destruction of Pharaoh's army, all of which served as undeniable manifestations of God's overwhelming might, displayed through Pharaoh's persistent resistance and God's subsequent judgments upon him and his nation.
* **"and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth."**: This second purpose clause articulates the ultimate, universal goal of God's actions. The display of God's power through Pharaoh was not merely for Israel's benefit but was intended to ensure that God's "name" (representing His character, authority, and unique identity) would be "declared" (heralded, proclaimed) "throughout all the earth." This signifies God's global redemptive purpose, desiring that His glory and supremacy be known far beyond Egypt, influencing all nations and generations.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 9:17 prominently features **Quotation**, as Paul directly cites [Exodus 9:16](/exodus/9-16 "Exodus 9:16 - God's Declaration to Pharaoh"), grounding his theological argument in the authoritative Old Testament narrative. This serves to establish the divine precedent for God's sovereign actions. The verse also employs **Purpose Clauses** ("that I might shew... and that my name might be declared"), which explicitly state God's divine intentions behind His actions. These clauses highlight the teleological nature of God's plan, where every event, even human rebellion, ultimately serves His overarching goals. Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** in that Pharaoh, who sought to enslave and destroy God's people, was himself used by God as a means to magnify God's own power and name, ultimately leading to his own downfall and the liberation of Israel. This demonstrates God's ability to turn human opposition into an instrument for His glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 9:17 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical doctrine of divine sovereignty, asserting that God is not merely a passive observer but an active orchestrator of history, even using the resistance of individuals like Pharaoh to accomplish His grand purposes. This verse underscores that God's ultimate aim is the display of His own power and the universal declaration of His name, demonstrating that His glory is the supreme end of all things. It challenges human notions of justice and fairness by presenting God's absolute prerogative to show mercy or to harden, always in alignment with His righteous character and unsearchable wisdom. The theological implication is that nothing, not even human stubbornness or evil, can thwart God's ultimate plan, and all events ultimately serve to magnify His glory.

* [Proverbs 16:4](/proverbs/16-4 "Proverbs 16:4 - God's Purpose for All Things")
* [Isaiah 45:9](/isaiah/45-9 "Isaiah 45:9 - The Potter and the Clay")
* [Daniel 4:35](/daniel/4-35 "Daniel 4:35 - God's Dominion Over All")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:17 offers both a profound challenge and immense comfort for the believer. It challenges our often anthropocentric view of the world, reminding us that God's purposes transcend our immediate understanding and that His glory is the ultimate end. It calls us to humble submission before His unsearchable wisdom, recognizing that even the most difficult circumstances or the most hardened hearts can be instruments in His sovereign hand. This perspective encourages us to trust God's overarching plan, even when we cannot see how current events align with His goodness. The comfort lies in the assurance that God is truly in control, that His power is absolute, and that His name will ultimately be declared throughout all the earth, regardless of human opposition. This means we can rest in His sovereignty, knowing that He works all things for His glory and for the good of those who love Him, even through what appears to be chaos or injustice. Our response should be one of worship and confident expectation, participating in His mission to declare His name to a world desperately in need of knowing Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the absolute sovereignty of God as portrayed in Romans 9:17 impact your understanding of current world events or personal challenges?**
* **In what ways can you actively participate in declaring God's name and power "throughout all the earth" in your daily life?**
* **How does the knowledge that God uses even those who oppose Him for His purposes shape your prayers for difficult people or situations?**

### FAQ

**Does Romans 9:17 mean that God created Pharaoh specifically to be evil?**

Answer: No, Romans 9:17 does not imply that God created Pharaoh to be evil. The verse states that God "raised thee up" for a specific purpose, which refers to God's sovereign appointment and preservation of Pharaoh as ruler, not the creation of his moral character. Pharaoh's wickedness was his own, a result of his sinful nature and choices. God, in His sovereignty, chose to allow Pharaoh's hardened heart (a theme further explored in [Romans 9:18](/romans/9-18 "Romans 9:18 - God's Hardening of Hearts")) to serve as the backdrop for the dramatic display of His power and glory. God does not tempt anyone to evil ([James 1:13](/james/1-13 "James 1:13 - God Does Not Tempt")), but He can use the evil that exists in the world to accomplish His righteous and ultimate purposes, demonstrating His supremacy over all things.

**How can God be just if He hardens someone's heart, as implied by this verse and its context?**

Answer: This is a profound theological question that Paul directly addresses in the subsequent verses of [Romans 9](/romans/9 "Romans Chapter 9 - God's Sovereign Election"). The biblical concept of hardening often refers to God giving people over to the consequences of their own persistent rebellion and sin, rather than actively injecting evil into their hearts. Pharaoh repeatedly hardened his own heart before God hardened it ([Exodus 8:15](/exodus/8-15 "Exodus 8:15 - Pharaoh Hardens His Heart")). God's justice is upheld because He is the Creator, and humanity is the created. As the Potter has authority over the clay ([Romans 9:20-21](/romans/9-20-21 "Romans 9:20-21 - The Potter and the Clay")), God has the right to determine the purpose of His creation. His actions are always consistent with His holy and righteous character, even when they seem inscrutable to human understanding. The ultimate goal of His judgments, even hardening, is to manifest His glory and power, which is inherently just.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:17, while focusing on Pharaoh and God's sovereign display of power in the Old Testament, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The verse speaks of God raising up an individual to declare His power and name throughout all the earth. In a far greater and redemptive sense, God "raised up" His Son, Jesus, not as an instrument of judgment against a rebellious king, but as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The power of God was supremely "shewn" in Christ, not through plagues, but through His miraculous life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection from the dead ([Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Power of God in Resurrection")). The resurrection is the ultimate demonstration of God's power over sin and death, validating Jesus' claim to be the Son of God. Furthermore, it is through Christ that God's "name" – His character, love, and redemptive purpose – is truly "declared throughout all the earth." The gospel message, commissioned by Christ Himself to be preached to all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), ensures that God's name, revealed perfectly in Jesus, is proclaimed universally. Thus, Pharaoh served as a type, a shadow, of God's sovereign use of all things for His glory, ultimately fulfilled in the person of Christ, through whom God's power is revealed for salvation and His name is made known to the ends of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")).

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

Exodus 9:16

And in very deed for this [cause] have I raised thee up, for to shew [in] thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.

Proverbs 16:4

¶ The LORD hath made all [things] for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.

Exodus 14:17

And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they shall follow them: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 14:18

And the Egyptians shall know that I [am] the LORD, when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his chariots, and upon his horsemen.

Exodus 10:1

¶ And the LORD said unto Moses, Go in unto Pharaoh: for I have hardened his heart, and the heart of his servants, that I might shew these my signs before him:

Exodus 10:2

And that thou mayest tell in the ears of thy son, and of thy son's son, what things I have wrought in Egypt, and my signs which I have done among them; that ye may know how that I [am] the LORD.

Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?