Romans 9:28

KJV

For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} he will finish {G4931} the work {G3056}, and {G2532} cut it short {G4932} in {G1722} righteousness {G1343}: because {G3754} a short {G4932} work {G3056} will {G4160} the Lord {G2962} make {G4160} upon {G1909} the earth {G1093}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For Adonai will fulfill his word on the earth
with certainty and without delay.”

Berean Standard Bible

For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.”

American Standard Version

for the Lord will execute his word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 9:28, a profound quotation from Isaiah, encapsulates God's sovereign and decisive action in bringing His redemptive and judicial purposes to a swift and righteous culmination. Within Paul's intricate argument concerning God's faithfulness to Israel despite their widespread rejection of Christ, this verse underscores that God's ultimate plan will not be thwarted or delayed, but will be brought to a definitive conclusion, marked by His inherent justice and unassailable authority. It speaks to the efficiency and finality of God's work on earth, particularly as it pertains to the remnant of Israel and the broader scope of His eschatological dealings.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 9:28 is embedded within Paul's deeply theological and often challenging discourse in Romans 9-11, where he grapples with the perplexing question of Israel's present unbelief and God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. Specifically, verses 6-29 of chapter 9 explain that God's promises are not to all physical descendants of Abraham, but to a chosen "remnant" according to His sovereign election. Paul cites Old Testament passages, including this one from [Isaiah 10:23](/isaiah/10-23 "Isaiah 10:23 - The Remnant Shall Return") (and alluded to in [Isaiah 28:22](/isaiah/28-22 "Isaiah 28:22 - A Determined Destruction")), to demonstrate that God has always worked through a chosen few, not the entire nation. This verse, therefore, serves as prophetic evidence that God's work of salvation and judgment will be brought to a decisive and rapid end, affecting both those who believe and those who reject Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jewish believers would have been keenly aware of Israel's unique covenant status and the prophecies concerning their future. The Gentile believers might have struggled to understand why God would seemingly "abandon" His chosen people. Paul's argument is rooted in the Old Testament prophetic tradition, particularly the theme of a "remnant" (e.g., [Isaiah 1:9](/isaiah/1-9 "Isaiah 1:9 - A Small Remnant Left")). The concept of God "cutting short" His work would have resonated with the urgency and finality often associated with divine judgment and the establishment of God's kingdom, a common expectation in Jewish eschatology. This was not about God being impatient, but about His sovereign determination to bring His purposes to a definitive end, rather than allowing them to be endlessly protracted by human resistance.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes significantly to several key themes in Romans 9. Firstly, it highlights **God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness**, emphasizing that His plans will be completed regardless of human actions, as seen in His election of Jacob over Esau ([Romans 9:10-13](/romans/9-10-13 "Romans 9:10-13 - God's Sovereign Choice")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Justice and Righteousness**, asserting that all of God's actions, whether in salvation or judgment, are perfectly just and consistent with His holy character (cf. [Romans 9:14](/romans/9-14 "Romans 9:14 - God's Justice")). Thirdly, the idea of a "short work" reinforces the theme of **The Remnant**, illustrating that God's salvific work will be decisive and will apply to a chosen few, rather than the entire nation of Israel indiscriminately, a concept also found in [Romans 11:5](/romans/11-5 "Romans 11:5 - The Remnant According to Grace").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **finish (Greek, _synteléō'_):** G4931. This verb means "to complete entirely" or "to execute" (literally or figuratively). In this context, it emphasizes the absolute completion and fulfillment of God's work. It's not merely an ending, but a bringing to perfection or a final execution of a plan, indicating divine determination and efficacy.
* **cut it short (Greek, _syntémnō'_):** G4932. Derived from *syn* (with) and a root meaning "to cut," this word signifies "to contract by cutting" or "to do concisely/speedily." It conveys the idea of a decisive, definitive, and perhaps rapid conclusion. It implies that God's work will not be drawn out indefinitely but will reach its determined end with efficiency and finality, rather than being prolonged or incomplete.
* **work (Greek, _lógos'_):** G3056. While often translated "word" or "reason," *lógos* here refers to "something said" or "a topic/subject of discourse," by extension, "a matter" or "a work." In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), it translates the Hebrew *dabar*, which can mean "word," "matter," or "thing." Here, it refers to God's decreed purpose or action – His "work" or "dealings" with humanity, particularly Israel, concerning salvation and judgment. The repetition of "work" (or "word" in some translations of Isaiah) emphasizes God's specific, determined plan.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For he will finish the work,"**: This clause asserts God's unwavering commitment and capacity to bring His divine purposes to a complete and perfect conclusion. The "work" refers to God's overarching plan for humanity, particularly His dealings with Israel concerning their salvation and the establishment of His kingdom. It highlights God's sovereignty and His ability to bring His intentions to fruition without fail.
* **"and cut [it] short in righteousness:"**: This phrase, echoing the Hebrew of Isaiah, signifies that God's completion of His work will be decisive, swift, and definitive. It's not a truncated or incomplete work, but one that is brought to a rapid and determined end. The crucial addition "in righteousness" underscores that every aspect of this divine action, whether it involves judgment or salvation, is perfectly just, morally upright, and consistent with God's holy character. His actions are always fair and equitable.
* **"because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth."**: This concluding clause reiterates and reinforces the preceding statement, providing the reason ("because"). It emphasizes the certainty and nature of God's action: His "work" (His dealings, His word, His plan) will be brought to a swift, decisive, and final conclusion on the earth. This "short work" implies a determined and efficient execution of His will, not an abbreviated or incomplete one, but one that swiftly reaches its divinely appointed end.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 9:28 primarily employs **Quotation** and **Repetition**. Paul directly quotes from the Septuagint version of [Isaiah 10:23](/isaiah/10-23 "Isaiah 10:23 - The Remnant Shall Return") (with an allusion to [Isaiah 28:22](/isaiah/28-22 "Isaiah 28:22 - A Determined Destruction")), a common rhetorical strategy in his epistles to ground his theological arguments in Old Testament prophecy. This demonstrates the continuity of God's plan and validates his claims about Israel's present situation. The **Repetition** of the concept of a "short work" ("cut it short" and "a short work") serves to emphasize the decisiveness, efficiency, and finality of God's actions. This reiteration underscores that God's plan will not be protracted indefinitely but will come to a swift and determined conclusion, highlighting His sovereign control over history and salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly speaks to the nature of God's sovereignty and the certainty of His redemptive plan. It assures believers that God is actively at work in history, bringing His purposes to a definitive and righteous conclusion. Even amidst human resistance or apparent setbacks, God's "work" will not be frustrated but will be completed with divine efficiency and justice. This understanding provides immense comfort, knowing that the Lord is in control, and His ultimate victory is assured. It also serves as a warning, as the "short work" implies a decisive judgment for those who reject His grace, just as it implies a swift salvation for His chosen remnant.

* [Isaiah 10:23](/isaiah/10-23 "Isaiah 10:23 - A Consuming and Determined Decree")
* [Daniel 9:27](/daniel/9-27 "Daniel 9:27 - The Determined Decree")
* [Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Swift Return")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 9:28 calls us to a deeper trust in God's unwavering sovereignty and the certainty of His divine purposes. In a world often characterized by chaos, uncertainty, and seemingly unending conflicts, this verse reminds us that God is not idle, nor are His plans subject to human caprice or delay. He is actively "finishing the work" and bringing all things to a righteous conclusion. This should inspire both confidence and urgency: confidence in His ultimate victory and justice, and urgency in our response to His call. We are invited to align ourselves with His "short work" by embracing His righteousness and participating in His mission, knowing that the time for decision is now, and His final word will come swiftly and decisively.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of God "finishing the work" impact your understanding of His faithfulness in your own life and in the world?**
* **What does it mean for God's work to be "cut short in righteousness," and how does this assure you of His justice in difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways might the "short work" of the Lord call you to a greater sense of urgency in your faith and actions?**

### FAQ
**Does "cut it short" imply that God's work is incomplete or rushed?**

Answer: No, "cut it short" (Greek *syntémnō*) does not imply incompleteness or a rushed, haphazard effort. Instead, it conveys the idea of a decisive, definitive, and efficient conclusion. It means God's work will not be protracted or delayed indefinitely but will be brought to its divinely appointed end with speed and finality. The emphasis is on God's sovereign determination to bring His purposes to a swift and certain culmination, rather than allowing them to be endlessly drawn out. This is consistent with the prophetic language of "consumption, and that determined" found in the original Hebrew of [Isaiah 10:23](/isaiah/10-23 "Isaiah 10:23 - A Determined Decree").

**What "work" is God finishing and cutting short in this verse?**

Answer: The "work" refers to God's overarching plan and dealings concerning humanity, particularly His covenant relationship with Israel and the broader scope of salvation and judgment. In the context of Romans 9, it specifically relates to God's sovereign election and His purpose to save a remnant of Israel, while also bringing judgment upon those who reject Him. This "work" encompasses both His redemptive activity (drawing a chosen people to Himself) and His judicial actions (bringing an end to rebellion and establishing His righteousness on the earth). It points to the decisive way God will bring His promises and prophecies to their ultimate fulfillment, as seen in passages like [Romans 9:6-8](/romans/9-6-8 "Romans 9:6-8 - Not All Israel is Israel").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 9:28 finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "work" that God finishes and cuts short in righteousness is supremely accomplished through Christ's redemptive mission. Jesus, as the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), decisively brought an end to the old covenant system of sacrifices through His once-for-all atoning death on the cross ([Hebrews 9:26](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All")). His resurrection and ascension marked the definitive "cutting short" of the old age and the inauguration of the new covenant, establishing a righteousness not based on human works but on faith in Him ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "short work" also points to the swiftness and finality of God's judgment, which was foreshadowed in Christ's first coming and will be fully realized in His glorious return, when He will [judge the living and the dead](/2_timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ Will Judge the Living and the Dead") and bring His kingdom to its consummation ([Revelation 22:12](/revelation/22-12 "Revelation 22:12 - Jesus' Swift Return")). Thus, God's righteous and decisive work is fully embodied and executed in Jesus, who is both the means and the culmination of God's eternal plan.

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

Isaiah 10:23

For the Lord GOD of hosts shall make a consumption, even determined, in the midst of all the land.

Isaiah 30:12

Wherefore thus saith the Holy One of Israel, Because ye despise this word, and trust in oppression and perverseness, and stay thereon:

Isaiah 30:14

And he shall break it as the breaking of the potters' vessel that is broken in pieces; he shall not spare: so that there shall not be found in the bursting of it a sherd to take fire from the hearth, or to take water [withal] out of the pit.

Revelation 19:11

¶ And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him [was] called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

Acts 17:31

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by [that] man whom he hath ordained; [whereof] he hath given assurance unto all [men], in that he hath raised him from the dead.

Isaiah 5:16

But the LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness.

Daniel 9:26

And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof [shall be] with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.