Romans 9:19
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?
Original Language Analysis
Ἐρεῖς
Thou wilt say
G2046
Ἐρεῖς
Thou wilt say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
1 of 12
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
τίς
Why
G5101
τίς
Why
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
4 of 12
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
8 of 12
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτοῦ
his
G846
αὐτοῦ
his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 12
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
Cross References
Daniel 4:35And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?2 Chronicles 20:6And said, O LORD God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? and rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? and in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?1 Corinthians 15:35But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?1 Corinthians 15:12Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?Psalms 76:10Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.Job 9:19If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead?Mark 14:21The Son of man indeed goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the Son of man is betrayed! good were it for that man if he had never been born.Genesis 50:20But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.James 1:13Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
Historical Context
This objection has been raised against Augustinian/Calvinist theology for 1600 years. But Scripture doesn't resolve the tension by diminishing either God's sovereignty or human responsibility—both are affirmed. The mystery humbles us; God's ways transcend our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9).
Questions for Reflection
- Why does Paul rebuke the question's presumption rather than explain compatibilism philosophically?
- What does the very raising of this objection reveal about the human heart's attitude toward God?
- How can we affirm both God's sovereignty and human responsibility without resolving the mystery?
Analysis & Commentary
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?—the objector protests: if God sovereignly hardens, how can he justly blame (memphetai, μέμφεται)? If none can resist his boulēma (βούλημα, 'sovereign will/purpose'), humans become mere automatons. This is the classic determinism objection. The Greek anthistēmi (ἀνθίστημι, 'resist/withstand') suggests the futility of opposing God's decree.
Paul's response (v. 20-21) doesn't resolve the philosophical tension by explaining compatibilism; instead, he rebukes the questioner's presumption. The very framing—'Why does he still find fault?'—reveals a heart that considers itself entitled to challenge God. The question isn't primarily epistemological (how can sovereignty and responsibility coexist?) but moral (who are you to question God?). The objection itself proves the depraved mind's hostility to divine sovereignty.