Romans 9:21

Has not the potter absolute power over their clay, so that out of the same lump they make one thing for better, and another for common, use?

Open English Bible (US)

In The King James Version

Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

In Context

20I might rather ask ‘Who are you who are arguing with God?’ Does a thing which a person has moulded say to the person who has moulded it ‘Why did you make me like this?’

22And what if God, intending to reveal his displeasure and make his power known, bore most patiently with the objects of his displeasure, though they were fit only to be destroyed,

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Cross References

Acts 9:15But the Lord said to him, “Go, for this man is my chosen instrument to uphold my name before the Gentiles and their kings, and the people of Israel.

Romans 9:18So, then, where God wills, he takes pity, and where he wills, he hardens the heart.

2 Timothy 2:20Now in a large house there are not only things of gold and silver, but also others of wood and earthenware, some for better and some for common use.

Matthew Henry on Romans 9:15-25

The Divine Sovereignty. ( a. d. 58.) 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid. 15 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. 16 So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy. 17 For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might show my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the… Read the whole commentary →

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