Romans 9:19 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Paul voices the objector's complaint: if no one can resist God's will, how can He still blame anyone?
What Does Romans 9:19 Mean?
Paul anticipates the natural protest. If God shows mercy and hardens as He wills, the objector asks, why does He still find fault with anyone? Who can resist His will? It is the question that rises in many hearts when they ponder God's sovereignty: how can people be held responsible if God is in control? Paul lets the objection stand in its sharpest form before he answers.
That Paul raises this question shows it is not forbidden to feel its weight. But the way he will answer matters. He does not solve the riddle by denying either God's freedom or human responsibility; he calls the questioner to a humbler posture before God. Some things are too high for us, and the first step toward understanding is to remember who is the creature and who is the Lord.
Romans 9:19 in the Original Language
boulema (βούλημα), 'will' -- a deliberate purpose or intention, here God's sovereign design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Romans 9:19
What does Romans 9:19 mean?
Paul voices the objector's complaint: if no one can resist God's will, how can He still blame anyone?