Meaning, commentary and cross references
Romans 9:16
“So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
NIV · New International Version
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
WEB · World English Bible
So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy.
What does Romans 9:16 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him that willeth,.... This is not a consequence drawn by an adversary, showing that if this be the case, it signifies nothing for men to will or do, they may even sit still and do nothing, but depend on the mercy of God; but this is a conclusion of the apostle's from the above cited testimony, inferring from thence, that election, which is what he is discoursing of, is "not of him that willeth", nor of him that runneth: that is, is not owing to the will or works of men, to the desires, inclinations, and affections of their minds, or to the actions of their lives; these are not the motives, conditions, or causes of this act: but of God that sheweth mercy; in a free…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Romans 9:14–18
16. It is not then of him who wills, etc. From the testimony adduced he draws this inference, that beyond all controversy our election is not to be ascribed to our diligence, nor to our striving, nor to our efforts, but that it is wholly to be referred to the counsel of God. That none of you may think that they who are elected are elected because they are deserving, or because they had in any way procured for themselves the favor of God, or, in short, because they had in them a particle of worthiness by which God might be moved, take simply this view of the matter, that it is neither by our will nor efforts, (for he has put running for striving or endeavour,) that we are counted among the…
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Romans 9:13–19 (WEB)
13Even as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” 14What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? May it never be! 15For he said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who has mercy. 17For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I caused you to be raised up, that I might show in you my power, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires. 19You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?”
Cross references
- Ephesians 2:8
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
- Matthew 11:25–26
At that time, Jesus answered, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you hid these things from the wise and understanding, and revealed them to infants.
- Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you both to will and to work for his good pleasure.
- 1 Peter 2:9–10
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
- Ephesians 2:4–5
But God, being rich in mercy, for his great love with which he loved us,
- Titus 3:3–5
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
- 1 Corinthians 1:26–31
For you see your calling, brothers, that not many are wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, and not many noble;
- Romans 9:11
For being not yet born, neither having done anything good or bad, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls,