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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 9:16 So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/romans/9-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/45_Rom_09_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Romans 9:16 - God's Sovereign Choice" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy." /><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/9-16.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/9-16.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 16</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="/ad16.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/9-15.htm" title="Romans 9:15">◄</a> Romans 9:16 <a href="/romans/9-17.htm" title="Romans 9:17">►</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 />It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God&#8217s mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/romans/9.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/romans/9.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, <i>it is</i> not of the willing, nor of the running, but of God showing mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/romans/9.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So then <i>it is</i> not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/romans/9.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So then <i>it is</i> not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/romans/9.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, <i>it does</i> not <i>depend</i> on the <i>person</i> who wants <i>it</i> nor the one who runs, but on God who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/romans/9.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/romans/9.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So then it <i>does</i> not <i>depend</i> on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/romans/9.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So then it <i>does</i> not <i>depend</i> on the one who wills or the one who runs, but on God who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/romans/9.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses—it is His sovereign gift].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/romans/9.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/romans/9.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then it does not depend on human will or effort but on God who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/romans/9.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/romans/9.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Everything then depends on God's mercy and not on what people want or do. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/romans/9.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that hath mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/romans/9.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Therefore, God's choice does not depend on a person's desire or effort, but on God's mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/romans/9.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So then, everything depends, not on what we humans want or do, but only on God's mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/romans/9.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore, God's choice does not depend on a person's will or effort, but on God himself, who shows mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/romans/9.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So then, it does not depend on man?s desire or effort, but on God?s mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/romans/9.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So then, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/romans/9.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/romans/9.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And from this we learn that everything is dependent not on man's will or endeavour, but upon God who has mercy. For the Scripture said to Pharaoh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/romans/9.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy. <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—not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is doing kindness;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/romans/9.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />So then, <i>it is</i> not of the willing, nor of the running, but of God showing mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/romans/9.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> so, then -- not of him who is willing, nor of him who is running, but of God who is doing kindness:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/romans/9.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Surely then, not of him willing, nor of him running, but of God commiserating.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/romans/9.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/romans/9.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, it is not based on those who choose, nor on those who excel, but on God who takes pity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/romans/9.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />So it depends not upon a person’s will or exertion, but upon God, who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/romans/9.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/romans/9.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, it is not within reach of him who wishes, nor within the reach of him who runs, but it is within the reach of the merciful God.<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 />Therefore it is not by means of him who wills, neither by means of him who runs, but in the hand of God, the merciful.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/romans/9.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Therefore, it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/romans/9.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Then it is not of him that willeth, nor him that runneth, but of God who shows mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/romans/9.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Well then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God who sheweth mercy.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/romans/9.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />so that this is a matter not dependent on him that wills or runs, but on God, who shews mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/romans/9.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />And from this we learn that everything is dependent not on man's will or endeavour, but upon God who has mercy. For the Scripture said to Pharaoh,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/romans/9.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />So, then, it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God Who hath mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/romans/9.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />So then <i>it is</i> not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/romans/9-16.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=2303" 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">15</span>For He says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” <span class="reftext">16</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.">So</a> <a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">then,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">it does not depend</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.">on man’s</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">desire</a> <a href="/greek/3761.htm" title="3761: oude (Conj) -- Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.">or</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/5143.htm" title="5143: trechontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.">effort,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</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.">on</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/1653.htm" title="1653: eleōntos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To pity, have mercy on. From eleos; to compassionate.">mercy.</a> </span> <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.”…<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="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a></span><br />But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a></span><br />For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a></span><br />He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.<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="/philippians/2-13.htm">Philippians 2:13</a></span><br />For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18</a></span><br />He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/1-9.htm">2 Timothy 1:9</a></span><br />He has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works, but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-16.htm">John 15:16</a></span><br />You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-26.htm">1 Corinthians 1:26-29</a></span><br />Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. / But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-5.htm">2 Corinthians 3:5</a></span><br />Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-15.htm">Galatians 1:15-16</a></span><br />But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased / to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-25.htm">Matthew 11:25-27</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. / All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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="/deuteronomy/7-7.htm">Deuteronomy 7:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD did not set His affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than the other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. / But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the house of slavery, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a></span><br />“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,” declares the LORD. / “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/romans/9-11.htm">Romans 9:11</a></b></br> (For <i>the children</i> 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;)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/27-1.htm">Genesis 27:1-4,9-14</a></b></br> And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, <i>here am</i> I… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/110-3.htm">Psalm 110:3</a></b></br> Thy people <i>shall be</i> willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/26-21.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/matthew/22-40.htm">Depend</a> <a href="/acts/17-25.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/romans/4-16.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/9-3.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/john/5-44.htm">Effort</a> <a href="/acts/24-16.htm">Endeavour</a> <a href="/romans/9-14.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/acts/24-8.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/romans/9-15.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/acts/7-21.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/john/20-2.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/romans/3-15.htm">Running</a> <a href="/acts/8-26.htm">Runs</a> <a href="/romans/9-13.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/john/5-20.htm">Sheweth</a> <a href="/matthew/4-8.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/john/5-20.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/john/5-21.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/romans/7-18.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/acts/18-21.htm">Wills</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_corinthians/7-27.htm">Attempt</a> <a href="/2_kings/18-21.htm">Depend</a> <a href="/romans/12-5.htm">Dependent</a> <a href="/romans/12-18.htm">Depends</a> <a href="/romans/10-1.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/romans/14-19.htm">Effort</a> <a href="/romans/15-2.htm">Endeavour</a> <a href="/romans/10-3.htm">God's</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Kindness</a> <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Learn</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Mercy</a> <a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Pharaoh</a> <a href="/genesis/24-17.htm">Runneth</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-24.htm">Running</a> <a href="/2_john/1-9.htm">Runs</a> <a href="/romans/9-17.htm">Scripture</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Sheweth</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Shews</a> <a href="/romans/12-8.htm">Showeth</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/romans/9-22.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.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>So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation. In the broader context of <a href="/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a>, Paul is addressing the issue of God's election and the role of human will. The idea that salvation does not depend on human desire or effort aligns with the doctrine of grace, which is a central theme in Paul's writings. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a> reinforces this by stating that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of works, so that no one can boast. This phrase challenges the cultural and religious mindset of first-century Judaism, which often emphasized adherence to the law and personal righteousness as means to achieve favor with God. The historical context of the Roman church, which included both Jewish and Gentile believers, highlights the importance of understanding that salvation is not earned by human means but is a result of divine grace.<p><b>but on God’s mercy</b><br>This part of the verse underscores the concept of divine mercy as the basis for salvation. Mercy, in biblical terms, refers to God's compassion and forgiveness extended to humanity despite their sinfulness. The Old Testament frequently speaks of God's mercy, as seen in passages like <a href="/exodus/33-19.htm">Exodus 33:19</a>, where God declares that He will have mercy on whom He chooses. This theme is also evident in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate expression of God's mercy, offering salvation to all who believe. Theologically, this phrase points to the idea that God's mercy is not something that can be earned or merited; it is freely given according to His sovereign will. This aligns with the prophetic writings, such as those in Isaiah, which speak of God's plan to extend mercy beyond Israel to the Gentiles, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a></b><br>The author of the Book of Romans, Paul is addressing the believers in Rome, explaining the sovereignty of God in salvation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>Central to this verse, God is depicted as the sovereign being whose mercy is the determining factor in salvation.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/i/israel.htm">Israel</a></b><br>The broader context of <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a> discusses Israel's place in God's redemptive plan, highlighting God's sovereign choice.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gentiles.htm">Gentiles</a></b><br>The inclusion of Gentiles in God's plan of salvation is a key theme in Romans, emphasizing that salvation is not limited by ethnicity or human effort.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/pharaoh.htm">Pharaoh</a></b><br>Mentioned earlier in <a href="/bsb/romans/9.htm">Romans 9</a>, Pharaoh serves as an example of God's sovereign will in hardening hearts to demonstrate His power and mercy.<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 mercy is the foundation of salvation, not human effort or desire. This should lead to humility and gratitude.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/dependence_on_divine_mercy.htm">Dependence on Divine Mercy</a></b><br>Emphasize the importance of relying on God's mercy rather than personal achievements or status for salvation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_evangelism.htm">Encouragement in Evangelism</a></b><br>Knowing that salvation is based on God's mercy can encourage believers to share the gospel, trusting God to work in hearts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/assurance_of_salvation.htm">Assurance of Salvation</a></b><br>Believers can find assurance in their salvation, knowing it is secured by God's mercy and not their fluctuating efforts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/response_to_god's_mercy.htm">Response to God's Mercy</a></b><br>Encourage a life of worship and obedience as a response to the mercy God has shown, living out faith with gratitude.<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/what_is_sovereign_grace_in_religion.htm">What defines Sovereign Grace in religious context?</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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_a_conditional_election.htm">What is a Conditional Election?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_favor_jacob_over_esau.htm">Why did God favor Jacob over Esau?</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>(16) <span class= "bld">Of him that runneth.</span>--A metaphor taken from the foot-races as St. Paul may very possibly have seen them practised at Corinth. (Comp. <a href="/romans/9-16.htm" title="So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.">Romans 9:16</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-2.htm" title="And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.">Galatians 2:2</a>; <a href="/galatians/5-7.htm" title="You did run well; who did hinder you that you should not obey the truth?">Galatians 5:7</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm" title="Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither labored in vain.">Philippians 2:16</a>.) The meaning is that the prize does not depend on human will or human effort, but on the grace of God.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/romans/9-16.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">So</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">then,</span><br /><span class="grk">οὖν</span> <span class="translit">(oun)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> </span><span class="str2">Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[it does] not [depend]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on man’s</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">desire</span><br /><span class="grk">θέλοντος</span> <span class="translit">(thelontos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine 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">[or]</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐδὲ</span> <span class="translit">(oude)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3761.htm">Strong's 3761: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neither, nor, not even, and not. From ou and de; not however, i.e. Neither, nor, not even.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">effort,</span><br /><span class="grk">τρέχοντος</span> <span class="translit">(trechontos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5143.htm">Strong's 5143: </a> </span><span class="str2">Apparently a primary verb; which uses dremo drem'-o as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">on</span><br /><span class="grk">τοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(tou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">God’s</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">mercy.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐλεῶντος</span> <span class="translit">(eleōntos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine 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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/romans/9-16.htm">Romans 9:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/romans/9-16.htm">NT Letters: Romans 9:16 So then it is not of him (Rom. Ro) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/romans/9-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Romans 9:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Romans 9:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/romans/9-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Romans 9:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Romans 9:17" /></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>