Romans 9:17
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 29
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 29
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 29
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
Even for
G3754
ὅτι
Even for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 29
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Εἰς
G1519
Εἰς
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
8 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτὸ
same purpose
G846
αὐτὸ
same purpose
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 29
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐξήγειρά
have I raised
G1825
ἐξήγειρά
have I raised
Strong's:
G1825
Word #:
11 of 29
to rouse fully, i.e., (figuratively) to resuscitate (from death), release (from infliction)
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
13 of 29
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δύναμίν
power
G1411
δύναμίν
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
18 of 29
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
20 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅπως
that
G3704
ὅπως
that
Strong's:
G3704
Word #:
21 of 29
what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὄνομά
name
G3686
ὄνομά
name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
24 of 29
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Cross References
Exodus 9:16And in very deed for this cause have I raised thee up, for to shew in thee my power; and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth.Proverbs 16:4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.John 17:26And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.Joshua 9:9And they said unto him, From a very far country thy servants are come because of the name of the LORD thy God: for we have heard the fame of him, and all that he did in Egypt,Esther 4:14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?Isaiah 37:20Now therefore, O LORD our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that thou art the LORD, even thou only.Galatians 3:22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.1 Samuel 4:8Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness.Romans 11:4But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.Galatians 4:30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Historical Context
Exodus 5-14 records Pharaoh's hardening. Exodus 8:15, 32; 9:34 say Pharaoh hardened his heart. Exodus 9:12; 10:20, 27; 11:10 say God hardened it. Both are true: God's sovereign hardening occurred through Pharaoh's free rebellion. This became the classic example of divine sovereignty and human responsibility coexisting.
Questions for Reflection
- How can God be sovereign over Pharaoh's hardening without being the author of his sin?
- What does 'for this purpose I raised thee up' teach about God's control over human history?
- How does Pharaoh's hardening serve God's glory in displaying both power and mercy?
Analysis & Commentary
For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up—Paul quotes Exodus 9:16. The verb exēgeira (ἐξήγειρα) means 'raised up/appointed.' God orchestrated Pharaoh's position in history for divine purposes: that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. God's sovereignty extends even to reprobate vessels—they serve his glory.
This doesn't mean God authored Pharaoh's sin (James 1:13), but that he ordained the circumstances in which Pharaoh freely hardened his heart. God then judicially hardened it further (Exodus 9:12). Pharaoh's rebellion served to display God's power in deliverance (Exodus 14:17-18) and proclaim his name globally. Even the wicked are made for the day of evil (Proverbs 16:4). God's sovereignty in reprobation is asymmetrical to election: he actively saves (mercy); he passes over in judgment (justice). Both glorify him.