Romans 9:16
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
So
G686
ἄρα
So
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 12
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὐ
it is not
G3756
οὐ
it is not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
3 of 12
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θέλοντος
of him that willeth
G2309
θέλοντος
of him that willeth
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
5 of 12
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρέχοντος
of him that runneth
G5143
τρέχοντος
of him that runneth
Strong's:
G5143
Word #:
8 of 12
which uses ????? <pronunciation strongs="drem'-o"/> (the base of g1408) as alternate in certain tenses; to run or walk hastily (literally or figurativ
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
9 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 2:8For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:Philippians 2:13For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.Romans 9:11(For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)James 1:18Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.Isaiah 65:1I am sought of them that asked not for me; I am found of them that sought me not: I said, Behold me, behold me, unto a nation that was not called by my name.Luke 10:21In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight.John 3:8The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
Historical Context
This verse became a Reformation rallying cry against Pelagian/semi-Pelagian views that made salvation depend on human cooperation. Luther cited it extensively in 'Bondage of the Will.' Salvation is of the Lord (Jonah 2:9)—grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognizing the will's bondage to sin (6:16-20) support Paul's argument that it's 'not of him that willeth'?
- If salvation doesn't depend on human willing or running, what role do our choices and efforts play?
- How does this verse encourage believers struggling with assurance (if it depends on God, not our performance)?
Analysis & Commentary
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy—Paul draws the corollary: salvation depends neither on human willing (thelontos, θέλοντος) nor human effort (trechontos, τρέχοντος, literally 'running'), but solely on God's mercy (tou eleontos theou, τοῦ ἐλεῶντος θεοῦ). This excludes all synergism. The will is enslaved to sin (6:16-20) until God grants repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Works cannot earn grace (11:6).
The athletic imagery ('running') echoes Psalm 147:10-11: 'He delighteth not in the strength of the horse: he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The LORD taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.' Salvation is God's work from first to last—choosing, calling, justifying, glorifying (8:29-30). Human willing and running are results of God's mercy, not causes of it. We choose because he first chose; we run because he first gave life.