Romans 9:18
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Original Language Analysis
ἄρα
Therefore
G686
ἄρα
Therefore
Strong's:
G686
Word #:
1 of 9
a particle denoting an inference more or less decisive (as follows)
οὖν
G3767
ὃν
on whom
G3739
ὃν
on whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θέλει
he will
G2309
θέλει
he will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
4 of 9
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ἐλεεῖ
hath he mercy
G1653
ἐλεεῖ
hath he mercy
Strong's:
G1653
Word #:
5 of 9
to compassionate (by word or deed, specially, by divine grace)
ὃν
on whom
G3739
ὃν
on whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 9
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Joshua 11:20For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.Exodus 4:21And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.Deuteronomy 2:30But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.Isaiah 63:17O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, and hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.Exodus 7:13And he hardened Pharaoh's heart, that he hearkened not unto them; as the LORD had said.
Historical Context
The hardening theme recurs throughout Scripture: Pharaoh (Exodus), Sihon (Deuteronomy 2:30), Israel (Isaiah 6:9-10), the unbelieving (2 Corinthians 4:4), those who reject truth (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12). It functions as just judgment on those who first harden themselves, yet serves God's larger purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does judicial hardening (giving people over to their sin) differ from arbitrary cruelty?
- What does it mean that God hardens 'whom he will'—what is the relationship to human choice?
- How can God's sovereignty in both mercy and hardening coexist with genuine human responsibility?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth—Paul summarizes both sides of divine sovereignty. Eleei...sklērunei (ἐλεεῖ...σκληρύνει): 'he shows mercy...he hardens.' The parallel structure emphasizes God's absolute freedom in both salvation (mercy) and judgment (hardening). None can resist his will—he accomplishes his purpose in both elect and reprobate.
The hardening is judicial, not arbitrary. God gives rebels over to their chosen path (1:24, 26, 28). He removes restraining grace, allowing sinners to ripen in rebellion. This serves his purposes: Pharaoh's hardening glorified God in the Exodus; Israel's hardening (11:7-10, 25) opened the door for Gentile inclusion. God's sovereignty doesn't make him capricious; it ensures his redemptive plan succeeds despite human resistance. His will cannot be thwarted.