Romans 9:14
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Original Language Analysis
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 10
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
ἐροῦμεν
shall we say
G2046
ἐροῦμεν
shall we say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
3 of 10
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
μὴ
God forbid
G3361
μὴ
God forbid
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
4 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἀδικία
Is there unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικία
Is there unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
5 of 10
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
παρὰ
with
G3844
παρὰ
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
8 of 10
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
Cross References
2 Chronicles 19:7Wherefore now let the fear of the LORD be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.Deuteronomy 32:4He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.Revelation 16:7And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.Psalms 92:15To shew that the LORD is upright: he is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in him.Job 8:3Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice?Genesis 18:25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?Job 35:2Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?Jeremiah 12:1Righteous art thou, O LORD, when I plead with thee: yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments: Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously?Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;
Historical Context
This objection is as old as election itself. Job wrestled with God's sovereignty (Job 9:14-24). Jeremiah faced it (Jeremiah 18:1-10). Jesus provoked it (Matthew 20:1-16). Paul systematically answers in verses 15-23, defending both God's justice and mercy.
Questions for Reflection
- Why does unconditional election offend human sensibilities about fairness?
- How does recognizing universal guilt (3:23) dissolve the 'injustice' objection?
- What assumptions about human 'deservingness' underlie objections to sovereign election?
Analysis & Commentary
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid—Paul voices the inevitable objection: if God chooses before works, isn't he unjust (adikia, ἀδικία)? The answer is emphatic: mē genoito (μὴ γένοιτο), 'may it never be!' (KJV's 'God forbid' captures the horror). This phrase appears 10 times in Romans, always rejecting blasphemous inferences.
The objection assumes humans deserve equal treatment from God. But this inverts the true situation: all deserve condemnation (3:23, 6:23). Justice would damn everyone. That God chooses to save any is pure mercy. Election doesn't make God unjust; it makes him merciful. The real question isn't 'Why doesn't God save everyone?' but 'Why does God save anyone?' Election magnifies grace precisely because it's undeserved and unconditional.