Romans 9:17

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.

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}.

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.”

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.”

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.

Romans 9:17 is a pivotal verse in Paul's intense theological discussion concerning God's sovereign choices, particularly as they relate to Israel's rejection of the Messiah and God's plan for salvation. Here, Paul quotes from the Old Testament to underscore God's ultimate authority and purpose in history.

Context

This verse is part of a larger argument in Romans chapter 9, where the Apostle Paul grapples with the question of God's justice and faithfulness, especially in light of Israel's current spiritual condition. To illustrate God's absolute sovereignty, Paul cites the example of Pharaoh from the Book of Exodus. The specific quote in Romans 9:17 is a direct reference to Exodus 9:16, where God declares His intent regarding Pharaoh amidst the plagues. This example serves to demonstrate that God raises up and uses individuals, even those who oppose Him, to accomplish His divine will and display His power.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereignty and Divine Purpose: The verse powerfully asserts that God is in complete control of all things, even over the actions and positions of those who resist Him. Pharaoh was "raised up" by God, not merely in the sense of being born, but specifically positioned as a ruler for God's redemptive plan. This highlights God's active orchestration of events, using even human obstinacy to achieve His ends.
  • Demonstration of God's Power: A primary reason for God's interaction with Pharaoh was to "shew my power in thee." The ten plagues and the miraculous crossing of the Red Sea were undeniable displays of God's omnipotence, proving His supremacy over all other gods and earthly rulers. This served as a dramatic testament to His might, not just for the Israelites but for all nations. Exodus 14:4 further reiterates this purpose.
  • Universal Proclamation of God's Name: The ultimate goal was "that my name might be declared throughout all the earth." The events in Egypt were not confined to that land; news of God's mighty acts spread far and wide, influencing surrounding nations and ensuring that His glory and unique identity would be known. This points to God's desire for global recognition of His true nature and power.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "raised thee up" (Greek: exegeira se, ἐξήγειρά σε) carries the sense of bringing someone forth, causing them to stand, or preserving them for a specific purpose. It implies a divine appointment or placement, not just a passive allowance of existence. God actively used Pharaoh's position and subsequent hardened heart (a theme further explored in Romans 9:18) to accomplish His grand design, demonstrating that even human rebellion can ultimately serve God's overarching plan for His glory.

Practical Application

Romans 9:17 offers profound comfort and challenge. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all circumstances, even those that seem chaotic or unjust from a human perspective. We can find assurance in knowing that God has a purpose for everything and everyone, and He works all things for His glory and the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). This verse encourages us to look beyond immediate difficulties and recognize God's hand at work, ultimately proclaiming His name and power in our own lives and through the events of history.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, 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. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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?

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