New Testament

Romans 9:16

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Romans 9:16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation and God's mercy are not based on human effort or desire.

Author: Paul the apostle
Written: Around AD 57
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Christians in Rome

CBTClear Bible Translation

So then, it does not depend on the one who wills or the one who strives, but on God who shows mercy.

KJVKing James Version

So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Romans 9:16, the Apostle Paul emphasizes that salvation and God's mercy are not based on human effort or desire. It is not about how hard someone tries to earn God's favor or how much they want it; rather, it is solely dependent on God's will and His choice to show mercy. This verse highlights the sovereignty of God in the process of salvation, reminding believers that it is God who initiates and grants mercy, not human striving or intentions. This understanding can be both comforting and humbling, as it places the focus on God's grace rather than our own abilities or achievements. It challenges the notion that we can earn our way into God's good graces through our actions or desires, reinforcing the idea that mercy is a gift from God, given freely to those He chooses.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Romans 9:16 to your life

This verse encourages us to rely on God's mercy rather than our own efforts to earn His favor. It reminds us to approach God with humility, recognizing that our salvation is a gift. We should focus on cultivating a relationship with God through faith, trusting in His grace and mercy.

Curated for this public verse page. Romans Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Romans 9:16 mean?

Romans 9:16 means that salvation is not based on human effort or desire, but solely on God's mercy. It emphasizes that it is God who decides to show mercy, highlighting His sovereignty in the process of salvation.

What is the meaning of mercy in Romans 9:16?

In Romans 9:16, mercy refers to God's compassionate decision to forgive and save individuals, independent of their actions or intentions. It underscores that mercy is a gift from God, not something that can be earned.

How does Romans 9:16 relate to human effort?

Romans 9:16 indicates that human effort, such as striving or willing for salvation, does not influence God's mercy. It reinforces the idea that salvation is not achieved through personal works but is a result of God's grace.

Why is God's sovereignty important in Romans 9:16?

God's sovereignty in Romans 9:16 is important because it highlights that He has the ultimate authority in granting mercy and salvation. This understanding reassures believers that their salvation is secure in God's hands, not dependent on their own actions.

Book Summary

The Book of Romans

Romans 1: Paul's Greeting and the Wrath of God Against Ungodliness

Paul introduces himself as a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle and separated to preach the gospel of God. He says this gospel concerns God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who is made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead. Paul explains that through Christ he receives grace and apostleship to bring about obedience of faith among all nations. He addresses the believers in Rome as those loved by God and called to be saints, and he gives thanks for their faith, which is spoken of throughout the whole world. He tells them he prays continually to visit them and longs to see them so he may share a spiritual gift and be comforted together with them by mutual faith.

Paul says he is ready to preach the gospel in Rome and declares he is not ashamed of it, because it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. He states that the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel from faith to faith. He then describes the wrath of God revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth. He says people know God through creation, yet they do not glorify him as God. Their thinking becomes empty, and their foolish heart is darkened. They exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible creatures. God gives them over to uncleanness, dishonorable passions, and a reprobate mind. They fill themselves with all manner of unrighteousness and continue in these things while approving others who do the same. Romans 2: God's Righteous Judgment Paul addresses a person who judges others and says that anyone who judges commits the same kinds of sins. He warns that God's judgment is according to truth and that those who continue in evil will not escape. He explains that God will render to every man according to his deeds: eternal life to those who continue in well-doing, and indignation and wrath to those who obey unrighteousness. He says there is no respect of persons with God. Gentiles who sin without the law perish without the law, and Jews who sin under the law are judged by the law.

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