9:27 9:27

Romans 9:28

9:29 9:29

Bible Versions

For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.
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}.
For Adonai will fulfill his word on the earth
with certainty and without delay.”
For the Lord will carry out His sentence on the earth thoroughly and decisively.”
for the Lord will execute his word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short.

Context

Romans 9:28 is a quotation from the Old Testament, specifically Isaiah 10:23 (and alluded to in Isaiah 28:22). In Romans 9, the Apostle Paul is wrestling with the difficult question of Israel's rejection of Jesus as Messiah, despite their historical covenant relationship with God. He defends God's faithfulness and righteousness, explaining that God's promises are not to the whole nation of Israel indiscriminately, but to a chosen remnant. This verse emphasizes God's sovereign and decisive action in fulfilling His purposes, particularly concerning salvation and judgment.

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Completion: The phrase "he will finish the work" highlights God's absolute control and unwavering commitment to bringing His plans to fruition. His divine purposes are not left incomplete or uncertain.
  • Decisive and Swift Action: "And cut [it] short" and "a short work" convey the idea of a decisive, definitive, and perhaps rapid conclusion to God's dealings. It suggests that God's work of salvation and judgment will be executed without delay or protracted processes, bringing matters to a swift resolution. This "short work" refers to God's determined action to bring a remnant of Israel to salvation while also executing judgment on those who reject Him.
  • Righteousness in Action: The work is done "in righteousness." This emphasizes that all of God's actions, whether in salvation or judgment, are perfectly just and morally upright. Even when His ways are unexpected or difficult to comprehend, they are always consistent with His holy character. This divine righteousness is a core theme throughout Paul's letter, particularly in Romans 3:21-26.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "cut it short" (συντελῶν καὶ συντέμνων, syntelōn kai syntemnōn) and "short work" (λόγον συντετμημένον, logon syntetmemenon) directly translates the Hebrew from Isaiah, which speaks of a "consumption, and that determined" (כלה ונחרצה, kalah v'necheretzah). This signifies a divinely decreed, decisive, and final action rather than merely an abbreviated one. It implies God's swift and efficient execution of His will, bringing His plan to a determined conclusion.

Practical Application

Romans 9:28 offers profound insights for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Sovereignty: We can rest assured that God is always at work, and He will bring His plans to a complete and righteous conclusion, regardless of human resistance or understanding.
  • Urgency of God's Call: The concept of a "short work" can imply an urgency in God's dealings with humanity. Just as He acted decisively with Israel, He continues to act decisively in history, calling people to repentance and faith before the ultimate culmination of His plan.
  • Comfort in His Justice: Knowing that God's work is always "in righteousness" provides comfort that His judgments are just and His salvation is true. This principle is foundational to understanding God's character and His dealings with all humanity, as seen in Romans 11:33.
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.

  • 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.
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