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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Romans 9:21 Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/9-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/45_Rom_09_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 9:21 - The Calling of the Gentiles" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/romans/9-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/romans/9-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/romans/">Romans</a> > <a href="/romans/9.htm">Chapter 9</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/romans/9-20.htm" title="Romans 9:20">◄</a> Romans 9:21 <a href="/romans/9-22.htm" title="Romans 9:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/romans/9.htm">New International Version</a> Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for special purposes and some for common use? <a href="/nlt/romans/9.htm">New Living Translation</a> When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? <a href="/esv/romans/9.htm">English Standard Version</a> Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Or does the potter not have authority over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel unto honor, but one unto dishonor? <a href="/kjv/romans/9.htm">King James Bible</a> Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? <a href="/nkjv/romans/9.htm">New King James Version</a> Does not the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one vessel for honor and another for dishonor? <a href="/nasb_/romans/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Or does the potter not have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one object for honorable use, and another for common use? <a href="/nasb/romans/9.htm">NASB 1995</a> Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use? <a href="/nasb77/romans/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use, and another for common use? <a href="/lsb/romans/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Or does not the potter have authority over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use? <a href="/amp/romans/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Does the potter not have the right over the clay, to make from the same lump [of clay] one object for honorable use [something beautiful or distinctive] and another for common use [something ordinary or menial]? <a href="/csb/romans/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Or has the potter no right over the clay, to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor? <a href="/hcsb/romans/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Or has the potter no right over the clay, to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor? <a href="/asv/romans/9.htm">American Standard Version</a> Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? <a href="/cev/romans/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Doesn't a potter have the right to make a fancy bowl and a plain bowl out of the same lump of clay?" <a href="/erv/romans/9.htm">English Revised Version</a> Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? <a href="/gwt/romans/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> A potter has the right to do whatever he wants with his clay. He can make something for a special occasion or something for everyday use from the same lump of clay. <a href="/gnt/romans/9.htm">Good News Translation</a> After all, the man who makes the pots has the right to use the clay as he wishes, and to make two pots from the same lump of clay, one for special occasions and the other for ordinary use. <a href="/isv/romans/9.htm">International Standard Version</a> A potter has the right to do what he wants to with his clay, doesn't he? He can make something for a special occasion or something for ordinary use from the same lump of clay. <a href="/msb/romans/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use? <a href="/net/romans/9.htm">NET Bible</a> Has the potter no right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special use and another for ordinary use? <a href="/nheb/romans/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? <a href="/wbt/romans/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Hath not the potter power over the clay of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor? <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or has not the potter rightful power over the clay to make out of the same lump one vessel for more honourable and another for less honourable uses? <a href="/web/romans/9.htm">World English Bible</a> Or hasn’t the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/romans/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Does the potter not have authority over the clay, out of the same lump to make one vessel to honor and one to dishonor? <a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Or does the potter not have authority over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel unto honor, but one unto dishonor? <a href="/ylt/romans/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> hath not the potter authority over the clay, out of the same lump to make the one vessel to honour, and the one to dishonour? <a href="/slt/romans/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Or has not the potter power over the clay, of the same mixture truly to make one vessel for honour, and one for dishonour.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/romans/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Or hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump, to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? <a href="/cpdv/romans/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And does not the potter have the authority over the clay to make, from the same material, indeed, one vessel unto honor, yet truly another unto disgrace? <a href="/nabre/romans/9.htm">New American Bible</a> Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for a noble purpose and another for an ignoble one? <a href="/nrsvce/romans/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one object for special use and another for ordinary use?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/romans/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Does not the potter have power over his clay, to make out of the same lump vessels, one to be formed and the other for service? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Or is not a potter authorized over the clay to make some formed things from it, one vessel for honor and one for dishonor?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/romans/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Has not the potter power over the clay, to make from the same mass one vessel for honor, and another for dishonor? <a href="/godbey/romans/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Has not the potter the right of the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? <a href="/haweis/romans/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Hath not the potter power over the clay, from the same mass to make one vessel for an honourable use, and another for a dishonourable? <a href="/mace/romans/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a> is not the potter the master of his own clay, of the same mass to make one vessel for use and ornament, and another for a meaner purpose? <a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Or has not the potter rightful power over the clay to make out of the same lump one vessel for more honourable and another for less honourable uses? <a href="/worrell/romans/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Or has not the potter a right over the clay, out of the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? <a href="/worsley/romans/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Hath not the potter power over the clay, out of the same mass to make one vessel to honor and another to dishonor? <a href="/parallel/romans/9-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2348" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">The Calling of the Gentiles</a> …20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” 21<a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">Does not</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2763.htm" title="2763: kerameus (N-NMS) -- A potter. From keramos; a potter.">potter</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/1849.htm" title="1849: exousian (N-AFS) -- From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence.">the right</a> <a href="/greek/4160.htm" title="4160: poiēsai (V-ANA) -- (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.">to make</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GNS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GN3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">same</a> <a href="/greek/5445.htm" title="5445: phyramatos (N-GNS) -- A mass or lump, as of bread dough. From a prolonged form of phuro, mean to knead; a mass of dough.">lump</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4081.htm" title="4081: pēlou (N-GMS) -- Clay, mud. Perhaps a primary word; clay.">of clay</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">one</a> <a href="/greek/4632.htm" title="4632: skeuos (N-ANS) -- A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband).">vessel</a> <a href="/greek/3303.htm" title="3303: men (Conj) -- A primary particle; properly, indicative of affirmation or concession; usually followed by a contrasted clause with de."></a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/5092.htm" title="5092: timēn (N-AFS) -- A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself.">special occasions</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: ho (RelPro-ANS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">another</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">for</a> <a href="/greek/819.htm" title="819: atimian (N-AFS) -- Disgrace, dishonor; a dishonorable use. From atimos; infamy, i.e. comparative indignity, disgrace.">common use?</a> 22What if God, intending to show His wrath and make His power known, bore with great patience the vessels of His wrath, prepared for destruction?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/jeremiah/18-3.htm">Jeremiah 18:3-6</a> So I went down to the potter’s house and saw him working at the wheel. / But the vessel that he was shaping from the clay became flawed in his hand; so he formed it into another vessel, as it seemed best for him to do. / Then the word of the LORD came to me, saying, ... <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a> But now, O LORD, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a> A large house contains not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay. Some indeed are for honorable use, but others are for common use. / So if anyone cleanses himself of what is unfit, he will be a vessel for honor: sanctified, useful to the Master, and prepared for every good work. <a href="/isaiah/29-16.htm">Isaiah 29:16</a> You have turned things upside down, as if the potter were regarded as clay. Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “He did not make me”? Can the pottery say of the potter, “He has no understanding”? <a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a> Woe to him who quarrels with his Maker—one clay pot among many. Does the clay ask the potter, ‘What are you making?’ Does your work say, ‘He has no hands’? <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Proverbs 16:4</a> The LORD has made everything for His purpose—even the wicked for the day of disaster. <a href="/1_corinthians/10-23.htm">1 Corinthians 10:23</a> “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible,” but not everything is edifying. <a href="/1_corinthians/12-18.htm">1 Corinthians 12:18</a> But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. <a href="/1_corinthians/3-9.htm">1 Corinthians 3:9</a> For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a> For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. <a href="/job/10-8.htm">Job 10:8-9</a> Your hands shaped me and altogether formed me. Would You now turn and destroy me? / Please remember that You molded me like clay. Would You now return me to dust? <a href="/job/33-6.htm">Job 33:6</a> I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a> Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/1_peter/2-5.htm">1 Peter 2:5</a> you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Has not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel to honor, and another to dishonor?the potter.<a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11,18</a> (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;) … <a href="/proverbs/16-4.htm">Proverbs 16:4</a> The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.<a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a> But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.one vessel.<a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Romans 9:22,23</a> What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction: … <a href="/jeremiah/22-28.htm">Jeremiah 22:28</a> Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?<a href="/hosea/8-8.htm">Hosea 8:8</a> Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/romans/6-15.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-10.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/john/9-15.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/romans/1-30.htm">Common</a> <a href="/romans/2-23.htm">Dishonor</a> <a href="/romans/2-23.htm">Dishonour</a> <a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/acts/22-25.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/romans/2-10.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/acts/17-12.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/romans/2-23.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/acts/17-12.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/5-7.htm">Lump</a> <a href="/acts/26-25.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/romans/9-14.htm">Part</a> <a href="/matthew/27-10.htm">Potter</a> <a href="/daniel/2-43.htm">Pottery</a> <a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Right</a> <a href="/daniel/8-14.htm">Rightful</a> <a href="/romans/6-21.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/romans/6-13.htm">Use</a> <a href="/hosea/12-7.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/acts/28-11.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/romans/12-3.htm">Authority</a> <a href="/james/1-11.htm">Beauty</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Clay</a> <a href="/romans/14-16.htm">Common</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Dishonor</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Dishonour</a> <a href="/romans/9-28.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-20.htm">Hasn't</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Honorable</a> <a href="/romans/12-10.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-10.htm">Honourable</a> <a href="/romans/11-16.htm">Lump</a> <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Noble</a> <a href="/romans/9-27.htm">Part</a> <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Potter</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-28.htm">Pottery</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Power</a> <a href="/romans/11-19.htm">Right</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">Rightful</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/romans/11-24.htm">Use</a> <a href="/1_timothy/1-8.htm">Uses</a> <a href="/1_thessalonians/4-4.htm">Vessel</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 9</div>1. <a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Paul is sorry for the Jews.</a> 7. <a href="/romans/9-7.htm">All of Abraham not of the promise.</a> 18. <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">God's sovereignty.</a> 25. <a href="/romans/9-25.htm">The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold.</a> 32. <a href="/romans/9-32.htm">The cause of their stumbling.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/9.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/romans/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/romans/9.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Does not the potter have the right This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over creation, likening Him to a potter who has control over the clay. The imagery of God as a potter is rooted in Old Testament scripture, such as <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a> and <a href="/jeremiah/18-6.htm">Jeremiah 18:6</a>, where God is depicted as shaping nations and individuals according to His will. This metaphor underscores the belief in God's ultimate authority and the idea that He has the right to determine the purpose and destiny of His creation.to make from the same lump of clay The "same lump of clay" signifies humanity's common origin and nature. In <a href="/genesis/2-7.htm">Genesis 2:7</a>, God forms man from the dust of the ground, highlighting the shared material and humble beginnings of all people. This phrase suggests that, despite our commonality, God has the prerogative to assign different roles and purposes to individuals, reflecting His divine plan and wisdom.one vessel for special occasions This part of the verse refers to individuals or groups chosen for honorable or noble purposes. In biblical history, God often selected certain people for specific tasks, such as the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles. These "vessels" are set apart for God's glory and His redemptive work, as seen in the lives of figures like Moses, David, and Paul. The concept of being chosen for special purposes is also echoed in <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">2 Timothy 2:20-21</a>, where believers are encouraged to cleanse themselves to be used for honorable purposes.and another for common use? This phrase acknowledges that not all are chosen for extraordinary roles, yet each has a purpose within God's plan. The "common use" vessels are still valuable and necessary, serving everyday functions that contribute to the overall functioning of God's creation. This reflects the biblical principle that all parts of the body of Christ are essential, as described in <a href="/1_corinthians/12-14.htm">1 Corinthians 12:14-26</a>. It also highlights the theme of humility and service, where even the seemingly less significant roles are vital in God's kingdom.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a> The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the church in Rome, explaining God's sovereignty and righteousness. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_potter.htm">The Potter</a> A metaphor for God, representing His authority and sovereignty over creation. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_clay.htm">The Clay</a> Symbolizes humanity, illustrating our position as creations under God's authority. 4. <a href="/topical/v/vessels.htm">Vessels</a> Represents individuals or groups, highlighting the different purposes God has for each. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_rome.htm">The Church in Rome</a> The original audience of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a> Recognize and submit to God's ultimate authority and purpose for our lives. <a href="/topical/p/purpose_and_design.htm">Purpose and Design</a> Understand that each person has a unique role and purpose designed by God, whether for common or special use. <a href="/topical/h/humility_and_acceptance.htm">Humility and Acceptance</a> Embrace our position as clay, accepting God's design and purpose for us without complaint or resistance. <a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_use.htm">Preparation for Use</a> Strive to be vessels of honor by living a life of purity and obedience, ready for God's special purposes. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_plan.htm">Trust in God's Plan</a> Trust that God's plan is perfect, even when we do not understand our current circumstances or roles.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 9</a> <a href="/q/why_choose_judas_as_a_disciple.htm">What are Vessels of Wrath?</a> <a href="/q/is_the_law_based_on_faith_or_works.htm">What defines a vessel of honor?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_vessel_of_honor.htm">What defines a vessel of honor?</a> <a href="/q/why_blame_all_for_some's_guilt_in_jeremiah_18.htm">Why would a just God hold the entire “clay” (nation) responsible when individuals have varying degrees of guilt, per Jeremiah 18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/romans/9.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) Hath not the potter . . .?--In strict logic, this verse would supply a confirmation, rather than a refutation, of the original objection. If man is merely as clay in the hands of the potter, it would not be un-reasonable to say, "Why doth He yet find fault?" No one would think of blaming a piece of earthenware because it was well or badly made. The argument of the Apostle is not directed to this. He has left the point with which he started in <a href="/romans/9-19.htm" title="You will say then to me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?">Romans 9:19</a>, and is engaged in proving the position taken up in <a href="/romans/9-20.htm" title="No but, O man, who are you that reply against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why have you made me thus?">Romans 9:20</a>. Whatever they may be, God's dealings are not to be canvassed by men. Still, we cannot overlook the fact that there is apparently a flaw in the logic, though, perhaps, only such a flaw as is inseparable from our necessarily imperfect conceptions of this mysterious subject. The two lines of thought--that which proves the divine sovereignty and that which proves human freedom--run parallel to each other, and are apt to collude when drawn together. (See Notes on <a href="/context/romans/8-29.htm" title="For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.">Romans 8:29-30</a>; <a href="/romans/9-11.htm" title="(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calls;)">Romans 9:11</a>; <a href="/romans/9-18.htm" title="Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.">Romans 9:18</a>, above.)For the imagery of the clay and the potter, compare <a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm" title="But now, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay, and you our potter; and we all are the work of your hand.">Isaiah 64:8</a>; <a href="/context/jeremiah/18-3.htm" title="Then I went down to the potter's house, and, behold, he worked a work on the wheels.">Jeremiah 18:3-10</a>. . . . <a href="/commentaries/romans/9-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>{Does} not οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. the ὁ (ho) Article - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. potter κεραμεὺς (kerameus) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2763.htm">Strong's 2763: </a> A potter. From keramos; a potter. have ἔχει (echei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. the right ἐξουσίαν (exousian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1849.htm">Strong's 1849: </a> From exesti; privilege, i.e. force, capacity, competency, freedom, or mastery, delegated influence. to make ποιῆσαι (poiēsai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_4160.htm">Strong's 4160: </a> (a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do. from ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. same αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Neuter 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. lump φυράματος (phyramatos) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5445.htm">Strong's 5445: </a> A mass or lump, as of bread dough. From a prolonged form of phuro, mean to knead; a mass of dough. of clay πηλοῦ (pēlou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4081.htm">Strong's 4081: </a> Clay, mud. Perhaps a primary word; clay. one ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. vessel σκεῦος (skeuos) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4632.htm">Strong's 4632: </a> A vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband). for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. special occasions τιμὴν (timēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5092.htm">Strong's 5092: </a> A price, honor. From tino; a value, i.e. Money paid, or valuables; by analogy, esteem, or the dignity itself. and δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. [another] ὃ (ho) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. for εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. common use? ἀτιμίαν (atimian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_819.htm">Strong's 819: </a> Disgrace, dishonor; a dishonorable use. From atimos; infamy, i.e. comparative indignity, disgrace. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/romans/9-21.htm">Romans 9:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/romans/9-21.htm">NT Letters: Romans 9:21 Or hasn't the potter a right over (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/9-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 9:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 9:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/9-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 9:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 9:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>