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align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad18.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/9-17.htm" title="Romans 9:17">◄</a> Romans 9:18 <a href="/romans/9-19.htm" title="Romans 9:19">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/romans/9.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, He shows mercy to whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will <i>have mercy</i>, and whom he will he hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore He has mercy on whom He wills, and whom He wills He hardens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens whom He desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So then, He has mercy on whom He wills (chooses), and He hardens [the heart of] whom He wills.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, he has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy and he hardens whom he wants to harden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, He shows mercy to those He wants to, and He hardens those He wants to harden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everything depends on what God decides to do, and he can either have pity on people or make them stubborn. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, if God wants to be kind to anyone, he will be. If he wants to make someone stubborn, he will.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, God has mercy on anyone he wishes, and he makes stubborn anyone he wishes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, God has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy, and He hardens whom He wants to harden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he chooses to harden. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This is a proof that wherever He chooses He shows mercy, and wherever he chooses He hardens the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/romans/9.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />so then, to whom He wills, He does kindness, and to whom He wills, He hardens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, He shows mercy to whom He wants, and He hardens whom He wants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so, then, to whom He willeth, He doth kindness, and to whom He willeth, He doth harden.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Surely then, whom he will he commiserates, and whom he will he hardens.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will; and whom he will, he hardeneth. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, he takes pity on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Consequently, he has mercy upon whom he wills, and he hardens whom he wills.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus he has mercy on whom he pleases, and he hardens whom he pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/romans/9.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />So then, he shows compassion on whomever he will, and whomever he will, he hardens.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, he has mercy on whom he wills to have mercy: and whom he wills to harden, he hardens.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then therefore he has mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Well then, he hath mercy on whom he will, but whom he will he hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />thus some he pursues with his favours, and abandons others to their obduracy, according as he thinks fit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />This is a proof that wherever He chooses He shows mercy, and wherever he chooses He hardens the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />So, then, He hath mercy on whom He willeth, and whom He willeth He hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So then He hath mercy on whom He pleaseth, and whom He will, He hardeneth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/9-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KIZs4GUMn-g?start=2322" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">God's Sovereign Choice</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>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.” <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/686.htm" title="686: ara (Conj) -- Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly."></a> <a href="/greek/1653.htm" title="1653: eleei (V-PIA-3S) -- To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.">God has mercy</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">on whom</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelei (V-PIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">He wants to have mercy,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">and</a> <a href="/greek/4645.htm" title="4645: sklērynei (V-PIA-3S) -- To harden, make hard, make stubborn. From skleros; to indurate, i.e. render stubborn.">He hardens</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hon (RelPro-AMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelei (V-PIA-3S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">He wants to harden.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">19</span>One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a></span><br />“I will cause all My goodness to pass before you,” the LORD replied, “and I will proclaim My name—the LORD—in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/9-16.htm">Exodus 9:16</a></span><br />But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power to you, and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21</a></span><br />The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/10-1.htm">Exodus 10:1</a></span><br />Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials, that I may perform these miraculous signs of Mine among them,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-4.htm">Exodus 14:4</a></span><br />And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he will pursue them. But I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army, and the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD.” So this is what the Israelites did.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-17.htm">Exodus 14:17</a></span><br />And I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians so that they will go in after them. Then I will gain honor by means of Pharaoh and all his army and chariots and horsemen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-9.htm">Isaiah 45:9</a></span><br />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’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-8.htm">Isaiah 64:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/18-6.htm">Jeremiah 18:6</a></span><br />“O house of Israel, declares the LORD, can I not treat you as this potter treats his clay? Just like clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25-26</a></span><br />At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. / Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/20-15.htm">Matthew 20:15</a></span><br />Do I not have the right to do as I please with what is mine? Or are you envious because I am generous?’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-39.htm">John 12:39-40</a></span><br />For this reason they were unable to believe. For again, Isaiah says: / “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so that they cannot see with their eyes, and understand with their hearts, and turn, and I would heal them.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-44.htm">John 6:44</a></span><br />“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/6-65.htm">John 6:65</a></span><br />Then Jesus said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.</p><p class="hdg">hath.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Romans 9:15,16</a></b></br> For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/5-20.htm">Romans 5:20,21</a></b></br> Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ephesians/1-6.htm">Ephesians 1:6</a></b></br> To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.</p><p class="hdg">will he.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/1-24.htm">Romans 1:24-28</a></b></br> Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7,8</a></b></br> What then? Israel hath not obtained that which he seeketh for; but the election hath obtained it, and the rest were blinded … </p><p class="hdg">See on</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/4-21.htm">Exodus 4:21</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/7-13.htm">Exodus 7:13</a></b></br> And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/2-30.htm">Deuteronomy 2:30</a></b></br> But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as <i>appeareth</i> this day.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/7-17.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/romans/8-5.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/5-7.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/jeremiah/7-26.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Hardeneth</a> <a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Hardens</a> <a href="/romans/9-2.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/romans/8-34.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/romans/8-8.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/romans/5-8.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/romans/7-21.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/john/13-20.htm">Whomever</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Wills</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/3-4.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/romans/13-14.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/hebrews/3-8.htm">Harden</a> <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm">Hardeneth</a> <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">Hardens</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/romans/9-23.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/romans/9-33.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/romans/9-23.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-15.htm">Proof</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Shows</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/7-36.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/12-2.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-3.htm">Whomever</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">Wills</a><div class="vheading2">Romans 9</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/9-1.htm">Paul is sorry for the Jews.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/9-7.htm">All of Abraham not of the promise.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/9-18.htm">God's sovereignty.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">25. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/9-25.htm">The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/romans/9-32.htm">The cause of their stumbling.</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>Therefore God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy</b><br>This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign will and divine prerogative in dispensing mercy. The context of <a href="/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a> is Paul's discussion of God's sovereignty in salvation, using examples from Israel's history. The reference to God's mercy echoes <a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a>, where God declares to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy." This highlights the theme of divine election, where God's choice is not based on human merit but on His own purpose and grace. The concept of mercy is central to the biblical narrative, seen in God's covenantal relationship with Israel and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who embodies God's mercy through His sacrificial death and resurrection.<p><b>and He hardens whom He wants to harden</b><br>This phrase refers to God's sovereign right to harden hearts, as seen in the example of Pharaoh in Exodus. The hardening of Pharaoh's heart (<a href="/exodus/9-12.htm">Exodus 9:12</a>) serves as a demonstration of God's power and purpose, allowing His glory to be revealed through the deliverance of Israel. In the broader biblical context, hardening is often a judicial act in response to persistent unbelief and rebellion. This concept is also seen in <a href="/isaiah/6-9.htm">Isaiah 6:9-10</a>, where the prophet is told that the people's hearts will be hardened as a result of their rejection of God's message. In the New Testament, this theme is echoed in <a href="/john/12-40.htm">John 12:40</a> and <a href="/romans/11-7.htm">Romans 11:7-8</a>, where hardening serves to fulfill God's redemptive plan. The hardening of hearts ultimately points to the mystery of God's will and the tension between divine sovereignty and human responsibility.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The sovereign Creator and Ruler of the universe, who exercises His will in showing mercy and hardening hearts according to His divine purpose.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Pharaoh is a key figure in the context of <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a>, as Paul references God's hardening of Pharaoh's heart in the Exodus account to illustrate His sovereignty.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The nation chosen by God, whose history and relationship with God are central to Paul's argument in <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a>, particularly in understanding God's sovereign choices.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a></b><br>The apostle and author of the Book of Romans, who is addressing the complex issues of God's sovereignty, mercy, and justice in the context of salvation history.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_church_in_rome.htm">The Church in Rome</a></b><br>The original audience of the letter, consisting of both Jewish and Gentile believers, who are grappling with questions of God's promises and the inclusion of the Gentiles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_god's_sovereignty.htm">Understanding God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Recognize that God's decisions are based on His perfect wisdom and knowledge, beyond human understanding.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_mercy.htm">The Mystery of Mercy</a></b><br>Acknowledge that God's mercy is not earned but given according to His will, prompting humility and gratitude in believers.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_purpose_of_hardening.htm">The Purpose of Hardening</a></b><br>Understand that God's hardening of hearts serves His greater purpose, often leading to the display of His power and glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Trust that God's actions are always just, even when they are beyond our comprehension, and rest in His righteous character.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_god's_sovereignty.htm">Responding to God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Encourage a response of faith and obedience, knowing that God's sovereign choices are ultimately for the good of those who love Him.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_romans_9.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Romans 9</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_judas's_betrayal_fit_free_will.htm">John 6:70–71: How does Jesus’s foreknowledge of Judas’s betrayal reconcile with the concept of free will and God’s omniscience?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_salvation_predestined_by_god.htm">Does God predestine people for salvation? (Romans 9:18-22 vs. 2 Peter 3:9)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/romans_9_17-18__how_is_god_just.htm">Romans 9:17-18: When God hardens hearts, how can He still hold people accountable for their actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/free_will__deut._30_19_vs._rom._9_16-18.htm">Is there free will? (Deuteronomy 30:19 vs. Romans 9:16-18)</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>(18) Summary conclusion from the above.<p><span class= "bld">He hardeneth.</span>--The doctrine of the divine sovereignty is here expressed in its most trenchant and logical form. In <a href="/exodus/8-32.htm" title="And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also, neither would he let the people go.">Exodus 8:32</a>; <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm" title="And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunders were ceased, he sinned yet more, and hardened his heart, he and his servants.">Exodus 9:34</a>; <a href="/exodus/13-15.htm" title="And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the LORD slew all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man, and the firstborn of beast: therefore I sacrifice to the LORD all that opens the matrix, being males; but all the firstborn of my children I redeem.">Exodus 13:15</a>, &c., the hardening of Pharaoh's heart is attributed to his own act. That act may, however, be regarded as a part of the design of Providence. God's decrees include human free-will, without destroying it. But <span class= "ital">how</span> they do this we cannot say.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/9-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Therefore</span><br /><span class="grk">ἄρα</span> <span class="translit">(ara)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_686.htm">Strong's 686: </a> </span><span class="str2">Then, therefore, since. Probably from airo; a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[God] has mercy</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐλεεῖ</span> <span class="translit">(eleei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1653.htm">Strong's 1653: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on whom</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃν</span> <span class="translit">(hon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He wants [to have mercy ],</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλει</span> <span class="translit">(thelei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">He hardens</span><br /><span class="grk">σκληρύνει</span> <span class="translit">(sklērynei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4645.htm">Strong's 4645: </a> </span><span class="str2">To harden, make hard, make stubborn. From skleros; to indurate, i.e. render stubborn.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whom</span><br /><span class="grk">ὃν</span> <span class="translit">(hon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">He wants [ to harden ].</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλει</span> <span class="translit">(thelei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> </span><span class="str2">To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/9-18.htm">Romans 9:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/9-18.htm">NT Letters: Romans 9:18 So then he has mercy on whom (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/9-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 9:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 9:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/9-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 9:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 9:19" /></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>