Romans 9:1-21 ▼

1 I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,

2 that there is great sorrow to me and incessant grief to my heart.

3 For I would pray, that I myself might be an offering from Christ; in behalf of my brethren, my kindred according to the flesh:

4 who are Israelites, of whom is the adoption of sons, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service, and the promises:

5 of whom are the fathers, and of whom is Christ according to the flesh. Who is over all, God blessed forever: amen.

6 But not as that the word of God has been a failure. For these are not all Israel who are of Israel;

7 neither are the children all the seed of Abraham; but in Isaac shall thy seed be called;

8 that is the children of the flesh the same are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

9 For this is the word of the promise, About this time I will come, and there shall be a son to Sarah.

10 Not only so; but Rebecca also having cohabitation of one, our father Isaac;

11 for the children not having been born, neither having done anything good or evil, in order that the purpose of God might stand according to election not of works, but of him that calleth,

12 and it was said to her, The elder shall serve the younger:

13 as has been written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated.

14 Then what shall we say? Is there unrighteousness with God? It could not be so.

15 For he says to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I do have mercy, and I will commiserate whom I do commiserate.

16 Then it is not of him that willeth, nor him that runneth, but of God who shows mercy.

17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, For this very thing have I raised you up, that I may show forth my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.

18 Then therefore he has mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardens.

19 Then thou wilt say to me, Why does he yet find fault? For who has resisted his will?

20 O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Whether shall the thing formed say to him that formed it. Why did you make me thus?

21 Has not the potter the right of the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?