Romans 9:28

Authorized King James Version

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For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

Original Language Analysis

λόγον the work G3056
λόγον the work
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 1 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 15
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
συντελῶν he will finish G4931
συντελῶν he will finish
Strong's: G4931
Word #: 3 of 15
to complete entirely; generally, to execute (literally or figuratively)
καὶ and G2532
καὶ and
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
συντετμημένον a short G4932
συντετμημένον a short
Strong's: G4932
Word #: 5 of 15
to contract by cutting, i.e., (figuratively) do concisely (speedily)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 6 of 15
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
δικαιοσυνῃ righteousness G1343
δικαιοσυνῃ righteousness
Strong's: G1343
Word #: 7 of 15
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
ὅτι because G3754
ὅτι because
Strong's: G3754
Word #: 8 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
λόγον the work G3056
λόγον the work
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 9 of 15
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
συντετμημένον a short G4932
συντετμημένον a short
Strong's: G4932
Word #: 10 of 15
to contract by cutting, i.e., (figuratively) do concisely (speedily)
ποιήσει make G4160
ποιήσει make
Strong's: G4160
Word #: 11 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
κύριος the Lord G2962
κύριος the Lord
Strong's: G2962
Word #: 12 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐπὶ upon G1909
ἐπὶ upon
Strong's: G1909
Word #: 13 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
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς the earth G1093
γῆς the earth
Strong's: G1093
Word #: 15 of 15
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

Analysis & Commentary

For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth—the syntax is complex, quoting Isaiah 10:22-23 (LXX). Logon gar syntelōn kai syntemnōn (λόγον γὰρ συντελῶν καὶ συντέμνων): 'for a word/work accomplishing and cutting short.' God's judgment is swift and decisive. En dikaiosynē (ἐν δικαιοσύνῃ, 'in righteousness') emphasizes justice—God's decimation of Israel (whether Assyrian exile or AD 70 destruction) was righteous judgment on sin.

The 'short work' (suntetmēmenon, συντετμημένον) suggests sudden execution of long-threatened judgment. God's patience endures, then judgment falls swiftly. The remnant survives not by merit but by grace. This prepares for 11:5: 'at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace.' God's purpose stands despite widespread unbelief—he preserves his chosen ones.

Historical Context

Isaiah's immediate context was Assyrian invasion (722 BC). Paul sees typological fulfillment in AD 70 when Rome destroyed Jerusalem—swift, decisive, righteous judgment on apostate Israel. Yet a remnant (the Christian church) survived. God's word accomplishes his purpose (Isaiah 55:11).

Questions for Reflection