Romans 9:17 Meaning and Explanation
“For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →God told Pharaoh he was raised up so that God's power and name might be displayed throughout the earth.
What Does Romans 9:17 Mean?
Paul turns to the other side with Pharaoh, the king who set himself against God in the days of the Exodus. Scripture records God's word to him: he was raised up so that God's power might be shown and His name proclaimed across the earth. Even Pharaoh's hard resistance was woven into a larger purpose that spread the fame of God among the nations.
The story carries a sobering and hopeful truth. God is so great that even opposition to Him cannot finally frustrate His plan; He bends it to declare His glory. Pharaoh hardened himself against God, yet God's name went out to all the earth through those very events. For the believer this means no defiance, however fierce, lies outside God's reach. His purposes move forward, and His name will be known.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 9:17
What does Romans 9:17 mean?
God told Pharaoh he was raised up so that God's power and name might be displayed throughout the earth.