Romans 9:15
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 13
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
Μωσῇ
to Moses
G3475
Μωσῇ
to Moses
Strong's:
G3475
Word #:
3 of 13
moseus, moses, or mouses (i.e., mosheh), the hebrew lawgiver
λέγει
he saith
G3004
λέγει
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἐλεῶ
I will have mercy
G1653
ἐλεῶ
I will have mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
5 of 13
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
ὃν
on whom
G3739
ὃν
on whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 13
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
ἐλεῶ
I will have mercy
G1653
ἐλεῶ
I will have mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
8 of 13
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Exodus 33:19And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.Romans 9:16So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.Micah 7:18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.Isaiah 27:11When the boughs thereof are withered, they shall be broken off: the women come, and set them on fire: for it is a people of no understanding: therefore he that made them will not have mercy on them, and he that formed them will shew them no favour.
Historical Context
Exodus 33 follows the golden calf apostasy. Israel deserved destruction; God showed mercy. Moses asked to see God's glory (33:18), and God revealed his gracious character—proclaiming mercy even to rebellious Israel. This became the paradigmatic revelation of God's sovereign grace in the OT.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's freedom to show mercy preserve the very definition of mercy?
- Why would mercy based on foreseen faith cease to be mercy?
- How does Exodus 33:19's context (golden calf judgment) illuminate God's mercy after deserved wrath?
Analysis & Commentary
For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion—Paul quotes Exodus 33:19, where God proclaims his name/character to Moses. The double assertion (eleēsō...oiktirō, ἐλεήσω...οἰκτιρῶ) emphasizes sovereign freedom in dispensing mercy. The Hebrew behind 'I will have mercy' is chanan (חָנַן), 'to be gracious'; behind 'compassion' is racham (רָחַם), 'to show tender mercy.'
The structure 'on whom I will...on whom I will' underscores divine prerogative. Mercy is by definition undeserved; therefore God owes it to none. He dispenses it according to his own good pleasure. If mercy were based on foreseen merit or faith, it would cease to be mercy (eleos, ἔλεος) and become reward. God's freedom in mercy doesn't make him arbitrary; it makes him gracious. The wonder is not that he doesn't show mercy to all, but that he shows it to any.