Romans 9:19
Romans 9:19 in Multiple Translations
One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?”
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he still find fault? For who withstandeth his will?
But you will say to me, Why does he still make us responsible? who is able to go against his purpose?
Now you'll argue with me and ask, “So why does he still blame us then? Who can resist the will of God?”
Thou wilt say then vnto me, Why doeth he yet complaine? for who hath resisted his will?
Thou wilt say, then, to me, 'Why yet doth He find fault? for His counsel who hath resisted?'
You will say then to me, “Why does he still find fault? For who withstands his will?”
Thou wilt say then to me, Why doth he yet find fault? for who hath resisted his will?
Thou wilt say therefore to me: Why doth he then find fault? for who resisteth his will?
One of you may object to this by saying to me, “Because God determines ahead of time everything that people do, that also implies that he wants us to do everything that we do. ◄No one has resisted what God has willed!/Who has resisted what God has willed?► [RHQ] Therefore, ◄it would not be right that God would still condemn a person for having sinned!/why does God still condemn a person for having sinned?► [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — Romans 9:19
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Romans 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Greek Word Reference — Romans 9:19
Study Notes — Romans 9:19
- Context
- Cross References
- Romans 9:19 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Romans 9:19
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 9:19
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 9:19
- Trapp's Commentary on Romans 9:19
- Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 9:19
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 9:19
- Cambridge Bible on Romans 9:19
- Barnes' Notes on Romans 9:19
- Whedon's Commentary on Romans 9:19
- Sermons on Romans 9:19
Context — God’s Sovereign Choice
19One of you will say to me, “Then why does God still find fault? For who can resist His will?”
20But who are you, O man, to talk back to God? Shall what is formed say to Him who formed it, “Why did You make me like this?” 21Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daniel 4:35 | All the peoples of the earth are counted as nothing, and He does as He pleases with the army of heaven and the peoples of the earth. There is no one who can restrain His hand or say to Him, ‘What have You done?’” |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 20:6 | and said, “O LORD, God of our fathers, are You not the God who is in heaven, and do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can stand against You. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 15:12 | But if it is preached that Christ has been raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 15:35 | But someone will ask, “How are the dead raised? With what kind of body will they come?” |
| 5 | Mark 14:21 | The Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom He is betrayed! It would be better for him if he had not been born.” |
| 6 | Job 9:12–15 | If He takes away, who can stop Him? Who dares to ask Him, ‘What are You doing?’ God does not restrain His anger; the helpers of Rahab cower beneath Him. How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him? For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy. |
| 7 | Job 9:19 | If it is a matter of strength, He is indeed mighty! If it is a matter of justice, who can summon Him ? |
| 8 | Isaiah 10:6–7 | I will send him against a godless nation; I will dispatch him against a people destined for My rage, to take spoils and seize plunder, and to trample them down like clay in the streets. But this is not his intention; this is not his plan. For it is in his heart to destroy and cut off many nations. |
| 9 | Job 23:13–14 | But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans. |
| 10 | Isaiah 46:10–11 | I declare the end from the beginning, and ancient times from what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and all My good pleasure I will accomplish.’ I summon a bird of prey from the east, a man for My purpose from a far-off land. Truly I have spoken, and truly I will bring it to pass. I have planned it, and I will surely do it. |
Romans 9:19 Summary
This verse is asking a question about why God finds fault with people if He is the one in control. It's a question that gets at the heart of who God is and how He relates to us. In simple terms, God is sovereign, meaning He is in control of everything, but He also gives us the freedom to make choices, as seen in Joshua 24:15. We can trust that God is just and fair, even when we don't understand His ways, and we can look to verses like Psalm 119:68 for comfort, which says that God is good and does good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does God's sovereignty mean that humans are not responsible for their actions?
No, God's sovereignty and human responsibility are not mutually exclusive, as seen in Romans 9:19 and also in Joshua 24:15, where we are called to choose to serve the Lord.
Why does God find fault with people if He is the one who determines their actions?
This question gets at the heart of the mystery of God's sovereignty and human responsibility, and while we can't fully understand it, we can trust that God is just and fair, as stated in Deuteronomy 32:4.
Is it fair for God to harden some people's hearts and have mercy on others?
This is a difficult question, but the Bible teaches that God's ways are not our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts, as stated in Isaiah 55:8-9, and we must trust in His goodness and wisdom.
How can we reconcile God's sovereignty with the concept of free will?
The Bible teaches that God's sovereignty and human free will are both real, and while we can't fully understand how they work together, we can see examples of both in scripture, such as in Genesis 1:1, where God sovereignly created the world, and in Joshua 24:15, where we are called to make choices.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have tried to resist God's will in my life, and how has He gently guided me back to Himself?
- How does the concept of God's sovereignty affect my understanding of my own free will, and what are the implications for my daily life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when I don't understand His ways, and how can I apply this trust to my life?
- What are some areas of my life where I need to surrender to God's will, and how can I take steps to do so?
Gill's Exposition on Romans 9:19
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Romans 9:19
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Romans 9:19
Trapp's Commentary on Romans 9:19
Ellicott's Commentary on Romans 9:19
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Romans 9:19
Cambridge Bible on Romans 9:19
Barnes' Notes on Romans 9:19
Whedon's Commentary on Romans 9:19
Sermons on Romans 9:19
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Romans) God's Dealing With Israel Explained by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of coming to God and surrendering oneself to Him. He emphasizes the need to trust in Jesus and make Him the center of our lives |
|
Of the Will of God, and the Sovereignty of It. by John Gill | John Gill expounds on the will of God and its sovereignty, emphasizing that God's will is essential to His nature and is the guiding force behind all His actions. He distinguishes |
|
Romans 9:19 Free and Accountable by Ernest O'Neill | Ernest O'Neill addresses the misconceptions surrounding human responsibility and freedom, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's purpose in creating us with free will an |
|
Trinitarianism or Theology Proper by Greg Herrick | Greg Herrick delves into Trinitarianism, exploring the study of the triune God, covering rational arguments for God's existence, the attributes and names of God, the trinity, and t |
|
Why Revival Tarries by William McCrea | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of attending prayer meetings and participating in gospel campaigns. He highlights the significance of prayer in serving God a |
|
Predestination by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches on the unfailing mercy and inexhaustible patience of God towards His wayward children, highlighting His gracious dealings in restoring, saving, and deliver |
|
The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the sovereignty of God as a foundational truth that has been neglected in contemporary discourse. He explains that God's sovereignty signifies His supremacy, k |






