Romans 9:23
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πλοῦτον
the riches
G4149
πλοῦτον
the riches
Strong's:
G4149
Word #:
5 of 15
wealth (as fulness), i.e., (literally) money, possessions, or (figuratively) abundance, richness, (specially), valuable bestowment
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
7 of 15
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
9 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
σκεύη
the vessels
G4632
σκεύη
the vessels
Strong's:
G4632
Word #:
10 of 15
a vessel, implement, equipment or apparatus (literally or figuratively (specially, a wife as contributing to the usefulness of the husband))
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
12 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
προητοίμασεν
he had afore prepared
G4282
προητοίμασεν
he had afore prepared
Strong's:
G4282
Word #:
13 of 15
to fit up in advance (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Romans 2:4Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?Ephesians 2:10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.Ephesians 3:16That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;
Historical Context
Ephesians 1:4-6 teaches God chose us 'before the foundation of the world...to the praise of the glory of his grace.' All of redemptive history—creation, fall, election, redemption, consummation—aims at displaying God's glory in the highest degree possible. Both mercy and justice contribute to that display.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the contrast between 'fitted' (v. 22) and 'prepared beforehand' (v. 23) illuminate God's different relationships to wrath and mercy?
- What are 'the riches of his glory' that God displays through mercy-vessels?
- How does understanding that your salvation displays God's glory (not your merit) transform worship and humility?
Analysis & Commentary
And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory—the purpose clause: God's ultimate aim is to display to ploutos tēs doxēs autou (τὸ πλοῦτος τῆς δόξης αὐτοῦ, 'the riches of his glory'). Skeuē eleous (σκεύη ἐλέους, 'vessels of mercy') contrasts with 'vessels of wrath' (v. 22). These God proētoimasen (προητοίμασεν, 'prepared beforehand')—clearly divine initiative in election.
The contrast is telling: wrath-vessels are 'fitted' (ambiguous agency); mercy-vessels are 'prepared beforehand' by God. This asymmetry reflects Reformed theology's insight: God actively elects to salvation; he passes over to just condemnation. Election is unconditional grace; reprobation is just judgment on sin. Both display God's glory: mercy magnifies grace; wrath magnifies holiness and justice. The ultimate purpose of all history—election and reprobation alike—is the manifestation of God's manifold glory.