16 So then, it does not depend on the person who [a]wants it nor the one who [b](A)runs, but on (B)God who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “(C)For this very reason I raised you up, in order to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed [c]throughout the earth.” 18 So then He has mercy on whom He desires, and He (D)hardens whom He desires.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 9:16 Or wills nor
  2. Romans 9:16 I.e., to win mercy or favor
  3. Romans 9:17 Lit in all

16 The point is that God’s mercy has nothing to do with our will or the things we pursue. It is completely up to God. 17 The Scriptures even speak to the Pharaoh himself: “I have given you a position of power so that I might show My greater power through you and so that My name might be declared throughout every land upon the earth.”[a] 18 So when and where God decides to show mercy is completely up to Him. Likewise, when He chooses to harden one’s heart, how can we argue?

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Footnotes

  1. 9:17 Exodus 9:16