Romans 9:21
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Original Language Analysis
ἔχει
Hath
G2192
ἔχει
Hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
4 of 22
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
9 of 22
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
the same
G846
αὐτοῦ
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 22
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
φυράματος
lump
G5445
φυράματος
lump
Strong's:
G5445
Word #:
12 of 22
perhaps akin to g5453 through the idea of swelling in bulk), mean to knead; a mass of dough
ποιῆσαι
make
G4160
ποιῆσαι
make
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
13 of 22
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
ὃ
another
G3739
ὃ
another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
14 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
μὲν
G3303
μὲν
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
16 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τιμὴν
honour
G5092
τιμὴν
honour
Strong's:
G5092
Word #:
17 of 22
a value, i.e., money paid, or (concretely and collectively) valuables; by analogy, esteem (especially of the highest degree), or the dignity itself
σκεῦος
one vessel
G4632
σκεῦος
one vessel
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
18 of 22
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
ὃ
another
G3739
ὃ
another
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
19 of 22
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
Isaiah 64:8But now, O LORD, thou art our father; we are the clay, and thou our potter; and we all are the work of thy hand.Acts 9:15But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:Proverbs 16:4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.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;)Jeremiah 22:28Is this man Coniah a despised broken idol? is he a vessel wherein is no pleasure? wherefore are they cast out, he and his seed, and are cast into a land which they know not?Romans 9:18Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.Hosea 8:8Israel is swallowed up: now shall they be among the Gentiles as a vessel wherein is no pleasure.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern pottery involved the craftsman's total control over clay. Useful vessels received honor; defective ones were discarded. Paul uses this cultural reality to illustrate God's sovereign freedom in salvation. The metaphor isn't perfect (clay is inert, humans are moral agents), but it establishes Creator rights.
Questions for Reflection
- How does 'the same lump' (fallen humanity under sin) answer objections about God making some for dishonor?
- What is the difference between God's right as Creator (which Paul asserts) and arbitrary caprice (which God is not)?
- How does the potter/clay imagery both humble us and assure us (if the Potter chose to make us vessels of honor)?
Analysis & Commentary
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?—the rhetorical question expects 'yes.' Exousian (ἐξουσίαν, 'authority/right/power') establishes God's absolute prerogative. Ek tou autou phuramatos (ἐκ τοῦ αὐτοῦ φυράματος, 'from the same lump') echoes Rebecca conceiving twins from one act—same material, different destinies. The fallen mass of humanity is one lump; God fashions some to honor (timēn, τιμήν), others to dishonor (atimian, ἀτιμίαν).
The imagery derives from Jeremiah 18:1-10 where potter and clay illustrate God's sovereignty over nations. But Paul applies it to individuals and eternal destinies. The 'lump' is fallen humanity—already under condemnation (3:23). That God makes any vessels unto honor is pure grace. That he leaves others unto dishonor is pure justice. None deserves honor; all deserve dishonor. Election magnifies mercy; reprobation displays justice.