Romans 9:22
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:
Original Language Analysis
θέλων
willing
G2309
θέλων
willing
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
3 of 22
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 22
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀργῆς
his wrath
G3709
ὀργῆς
his wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
8 of 22
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δυνατὸν
power
G1415
δυνατὸν
power
Strong's:
G1415
Word #:
12 of 22
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 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
ἤνεγκεν
endured
G5342
ἤνεγκεν
endured
Strong's:
G5342
Word #:
14 of 22
to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively, as follows)
πολλῇ
much
G4183
πολλῇ
much
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
16 of 22
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
μακροθυμίᾳ
longsuffering
G3115
μακροθυμίᾳ
longsuffering
Strong's:
G3115
Word #:
17 of 22
longanimity, i.e., (objectively) forbearance or (subjectively) fortitude
σκεύη
the vessels
G4632
σκεύη
the vessels
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))
ὀργῆς
his wrath
G3709
ὀργῆς
his wrath
Strong's:
G3709
Word #:
19 of 22
properly, desire (as a reaching forth or excitement of the mind), i.e., (by analogy), violent passion (ire, or (justifiable) abhorrence); by implicati
κατηρτισμένα
fitted
G2675
κατηρτισμένα
fitted
Strong's:
G2675
Word #:
20 of 22
to complete thoroughly, i.e., repair (literally or figuratively) or adjust
Cross References
Proverbs 16:4The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.Jude 1:4For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.Romans 9:21Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?1 Peter 2:8And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.2 Timothy 2:20But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.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.Romans 9:17For 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.1 Thessalonians 2:16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.Psalms 90:11Who knoweth the power of thine anger? even according to thy fear, so is thy wrath.2 Peter 2:3And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.
Historical Context
The 'vessels of wrath' include both hardened Israel (11:7-10) and all unbelievers. God's longsuffering was evident in delaying judgment on Israel for 40 years after Christ's rejection (AD 30-70) and in patiently enduring wicked nations throughout history before final judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's 'longsuffering' (delay of judgment) serve both mercy (giving time for repentance) and justice (storing up wrath)?
- What does the passive 'fitted to destruction' suggest about the interplay of divine sovereignty and human rebellion?
- Why does God display wrath and power—what purpose does judgment serve in his overall plan?
Analysis & Commentary
What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction—the Greek syntax suggests a suppressed conclusion: 'What if God...what then? Can you object?' Paul describes skeuē orgēs (σκεύη ὀργῆς, 'vessels of wrath')—humans designated for divine judgment. The phrase katērtismena eis apōleian (κατηρτισμένα εἰς ἀπώλειαν) is passive/middle: 'fitted/prepared for destruction.' The agent is ambiguous—did God fit them, or did they fit themselves?
The contrast with verse 23 suggests both: God prepared mercy-vessels (proētoimasen, προητοίμασεν, clearly divine action), but wrath-vessels are 'fitted' (possibly reflexive). Yet God's thelōn (θέλων, 'willing/desiring') to display wrath shows sovereign purpose even in judgment. His makrothumia (μακροθυμία, 'longsuffering') delays judgment (2 Peter 3:9), giving space for repentance, yet the end is destruction. God's patience with the wicked serves to display mercy to the elect and ultimately magnify justice in final judgment.