The Meaning of Romans 9:22 Explained

Romans 9:22

KJV: 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:

YLT: And if God, willing to shew the wrath and to make known His power, did endure, in much long suffering, vessels of wrath fitted for destruction,

Darby: And if God, minded to shew his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much long-suffering vessels of wrath fitted for destruction;

ASV: What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction:

KJV Reverse Interlinear

[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: 

What does Romans 9:22 Mean?

Verse Meaning

People prepare themselves for destruction by pursuing sin (ch1; cf. Matthew 7:13; 1 Thessalonians 2:15-16; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philippians 3:19). However, the verb translated "prepared" in this verse is probably a passive rather than a middle, though the form of the passive and middle tenses is identical in Greek. The passive is much more common in the New Testament. Paul probably meant that God prepares some people for destruction. Pharaoh was such a vessel of wrath. Paul had in mind those in Israel who had opposed the gospel in his day. God was patient and merciful with them (cf. Romans 2:3-4; Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19-20; 2 Peter 3:9).

Context Summary

Romans 9:14-24 - The Righteousness Of God's Choices
God desires to do His best for every man. But, as in the case of Esau, who wantonly sold his birthright, and of Pharaoh, who turned all God's revelations into occasions of aggravated resistance and stronger revolt, the Heavenly Father is sometimes compelled to cast away those who might assist in the execution of His purposes, and use inferior vessels made from common clay. In the earlier part of the conflict with the proud Egyptian monarch, it is said that he hardened his heart, and afterward that God hardened it, Exodus 8:15; Exodus 10:20. To the froward God becomes froward; that is, the means that He takes to soften and save will harden, just as the sun which melts wax hardens clay.
The same power which was thwarted and resisted by the unbelief and stubbornness of the Chosen People, has taken up us Gentiles, who have had none of their advantages, and what wonderful mercy has He shown to us! Riches of glory on vessels of mercy! Romans 9:23. What an argument for us all not to resist the grace of God, which strives with us so earnestly and continually! God can make saints out of the most unlikely material. Let us see that He has full opportunity. [source]

Chapter Summary: Romans 9

1  Paul is sorry for the Jews
7  All of Abraham not of the promise
18  God's sovereignty
25  The calling of the Gentiles and rejecting of the Jews, foretold
32  The cause of their stumbling

Greek Commentary for Romans 9:22

Willing [τελων]
Concessive use of the participle, “although willing,” not causal, “because willing” as is shown by “with much long-suffering” (εν πολληι μακροτυμιαι — en pollēi makrothumiāi in much long-suffering). [source]
His power [το δυνατον αυτου]
Neuter singular of the verbal adjective rather than the substantive δυναμιν — dunamin Endured (ηνεγκεν — ēnegken). Constative second aorist active indicative of the old defective verb περω — pherō to bear. Vessels of wrath The words occur in Jeremiah 50:25 (lxx Jer 27:25), but not in the sense here (objective genitive like τεκνα οργης — tekna orgēs Ephesians 2:3, the objects of God‘s wrath). Fitted (κατηρτισμενα — katērtismena). Perfect passive participle of καταρτιζω — katartizō old verb to equip (see note on Matthew 4:21 and see 2 Corinthians 13:11), state of readiness. Paul does not say here that God did it or that they did it. That they are responsible may be seen from 1 Thessalonians 2:15. Unto destruction Endless perdition (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19), not annihilation. [source]
Endured [ηνεγκεν]
Constative second aorist active indicative of the old defective verb περω — pherō to bear. [source]
Vessels of wrath [σκευη οργης]
The words occur in Jeremiah 50:25 (lxx Jer 27:25), but not in the sense here (objective genitive like τεκνα οργης — tekna orgēs Ephesians 2:3, the objects of God‘s wrath). Fitted (κατηρτισμενα — katērtismena). Perfect passive participle of καταρτιζω — katartizō old verb to equip (see note on Matthew 4:21 and see 2 Corinthians 13:11), state of readiness. Paul does not say here that God did it or that they did it. That they are responsible may be seen from 1 Thessalonians 2:15. Unto destruction Endless perdition (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19), not annihilation. [source]
Fitted [κατηρτισμενα]
Perfect passive participle of καταρτιζω — katartizō old verb to equip (see note on Matthew 4:21 and see 2 Corinthians 13:11), state of readiness. Paul does not say here that God did it or that they did it. That they are responsible may be seen from 1 Thessalonians 2:15. [source]
Unto destruction [εις απωλειαν]
Endless perdition (Matthew 7:13; 2 Thessalonians 2:3; Philemon 3:19), not annihilation. [source]
Willing [θέλων]
Although willing, not because. Referring not to the determinate purpose of God, but to His spontaneous will growing out of His holy character. In the former sense, the meaning would be that God's long-suffering was designed to enhance the final penalty. The emphatic position of willing prepares the way for the contrast with long-suffering. Though this holy will would lead Him to show His wrath, yet He withheld His wrath and endured. [source]
Vessels of wrath [σκεύη ὀργῆς]
Not filled with wrath, nor prepared to serve for a manifestation of divine wrath; but appertaining to wrath. Such as by their own acts have fallen under His wrath. Compare Psalm 2:9. [source]
Fitted [κατηρτισμένα]
Lit., adjusted. See on mending, Matthew 4:21; perfect, see on Matthew 21:16; see on Luke 6:40; see on 1 Peter 5:10. Not fitted by God for destruction, but in an adjectival sense, ready, ripe for destruction, the participle denoting a present state previously formed, but giving no hint of how it has been formed. An agency of some kind must be assumed. That the objects of final wrath had themselves a hand in the matter may be seen from 1 Thessalonians 2:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:16. That the hand of God is also operative may be inferred from the whole drift of the chapter. “The apostle has probably chosen this form because the being ready certainly arises from a continual reciprocal action between human sin and the divine judgment of blindness and hardness. Every development of sin is a net-work of human offenses and divine judgments” (Lange). [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Romans 9:22

John 3:36 The wrath of God [ὀργὴ τοῦ Θεοῦ]
Both ὀργὴ and θυμός are used in the New Testament for wrath or anger, and without any commonly observed distinction. Ὁργη denotes a deeper and more permanent sentiment; a settled habit of mind; while θυμός is a more turbulent, but temporary agitation. Both words are used in the phrase wrath of God, which commonly denotes a distinct manifestation of God's judgment (Romans 1:18; Romans 3:5; Romans 9:22; Romans 12:19). Ὁργὴ (not θυμός ) also appears in the phrase the wrath to come (Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; 1 Thessalonians 2:16, etc.). Compare wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16). [source]
Romans 9:21 To make one vessel unto honor and another unto dishonor [ποιῆσαι ὃ μεν εἰς τιμὴν σκεῦος , ὃ δὲ εἰς ἀτιμίαν]
Rev., more correctly, to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another part, etc. For vessel, see on 1 Peter 3:7; compare Matthew 12:29; Acts 9:15. The vessel here is the one which has just come from the potter's hand. Those in Romans 9:22have been in household use. [source]
Romans 9:23 Afore prepared [προητοίμασεν]
Only here and Ephesians 2:10. The studied difference in the use of this term instead of καταρτίζω tofit (Romans 9:22), cannot be overlooked. The verb is not equivalent to foreordained ( προορίζω ). Fitted, by the adjustment of parts, emphasizes the concurrence of all the elements of the case to the final result. Prepared is more general. In the former case the result is indicated; in the latter, the previousness. Note before prepared, while before is wanting in Romans 9:22. In this passage the direct agency of God is distinctly stated; in the other the agency is left indefinite. Here a single act is indicated; there a process. The simple verb ἑτοιμάζω often indicates, as Meyer remarks, to constitute qualitatively; i.e., to arrange with reference to the reciprocal quality of the thing prepared, and that for which it is prepared. See Luke 1:17; John 14:2; 1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Timothy 2:21. “Ah, truly,” says Reuss, “if the last word of the christian revelation is contained in the image of the potter and the clay, it is a bitter derision of all the deep needs and legitimate desires of a soul aspiring toward its God. This would be at once a satire of reason upon herself and the suicide of revelation. But it is neither the last word nor the only word; nor has it any immediate observable bearing on the concrete development of our lives. It is not the only word, because, in nine-tenths of Scripture, it is as wholly excluded from the sphere of revelation as though it had been never revealed at all; and it is not the last word, because, throughout the whole of Scripture, and nowhere more than in the writings of the very apostle who has faced this problem with the most heroic inflexibility, we see bright glimpses of something beyond. How little we were intended to draw logical conclusions from the metaphor, is shown by the fact that we are living souls, not dead clay; and St. Paul elsewhere recognized a power, both within and without our beings, by which, as by an omnipotent alchemy, mean vessels can become precious, and vessels of earthenware be transmuted into vessels of gold” (Farrar). See note at end of ch. 11. [source]
Galatians 6:1 Restore [καταρτίζετε]
See on Matthew 4:21; see on Matthew 21:16; see on Luke 6:40; see on 1 Peter 5:10. The word is used of reconciling factions, as Hdt. v. 28; of setting bones; of mending nets, Mark 1:19; of equipping or preparing, Romans 9:22, Hebrews 10:5; Hebrews 11:3; of manning a fleet, or supplying an army with provisions. Usually by Paul metaphorically as here. The idea of amendment is prominent: set him to rights: bring him into line. Comp. 2 Corinthians 13:11; 1 Corinthians 1:10. [source]
Philippians 1:22 I wot not [ου γνωριζω]
“I know not.” It seems odd to preserve the old English word “wot” here. But it is not clear that γνωριζω — gnōrizō (old causative verb from γινωσκω — ginōskō) means just to know. Elsewhere in the N.T., as in Luke 2:15; Romans 9:22, it means to make known, to declare. The papyri examples mean to make known. It makes perfectly good sense to take its usual meaning here, “I do not declare what I shall choose.” [source]
1 Thessalonians 3:10 Perfect [καταρτίσαι]
Primarily, to adjust, fit together; so mend, Matthew 4:21. Of the creation of the world, Hebrews 11:3. See on Matthew 21:16; see on Luke 6:40; see on 1 Peter 5:10; see on Romans 9:22. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 Whom he raised from the dead [ον ηγειρεν εκ των νεκρων]
Paul gloried in the fact of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead of which fact he was himself a personal witness. This fact is the foundation stone for all his theology and it comes out in this first chapter. Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come (Ιησουν τον ρυομενον ημας εκ της οργης της ερχομενης — Iēsoun ton ruomenon hēmās ek tēs orgēs tēs erchomenēs). It is the historic, crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, God‘s Son, who delivers from the coming wrath. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21) true to his name Jesus. He is our Rescuer (Romans 11:26, ο ρυομενος — ho ruomenos from Isaiah 59:20). It is eschatological language, this coming wrath of God for sin (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Romans 3:5; Romans 5:9; Romans 9:22; Romans 13:5). It was Paul‘s allusion to the day of judgment with Jesus as Judge whom God had raised from the dead that made the Athenians mock and leave him (Acts 17:31.). But Paul did not change his belief or his preaching because of the conduct of the Athenians. He is certain that God‘s wrath in due time will punish sin. Surely this is a needed lesson for our day. It was coming then and it is coming now. [source]
1 Thessalonians 1:10 Jesus which delivereth us from the wrath to come [Ιησουν τον ρυομενον ημας εκ της οργης της ερχομενης]
It is the historic, crucified, risen, and ascended Jesus Christ, God‘s Son, who delivers from the coming wrath. He is our Saviour (Matthew 1:21) true to his name Jesus. He is our Rescuer (Romans 11:26, ο ρυομενος — ho ruomenos from Isaiah 59:20). It is eschatological language, this coming wrath of God for sin (1 Thessalonians 2:16; Romans 3:5; Romans 5:9; Romans 9:22; Romans 13:5). It was Paul‘s allusion to the day of judgment with Jesus as Judge whom God had raised from the dead that made the Athenians mock and leave him (Acts 17:31.). But Paul did not change his belief or his preaching because of the conduct of the Athenians. He is certain that God‘s wrath in due time will punish sin. Surely this is a needed lesson for our day. It was coming then and it is coming now. [source]
Titus 1:9 May be able by sound doctrine both to exhort [δυνατὸς ῇ καὶ παρακαλεῖν ἐν τῇ διδασκαλίᾳ τῇ ὐγιαινούσῃ]
Rend. “may be able both to exhort in the sound teaching.” For δυνατὸς ableor powerful, see on 2 Timothy 1:12. Used by Paul in the phrase εἰ δυνατόν ifit be possible, Romans 12:18; Galatians 4:15: τὸ δυνατόν thatwhich is possible, Romans 9:22: of God, Romans 4:21; Romans 11:23: of men, in the ethical sense, Romans 15:1; 2 Corinthians 12:10; 2 Corinthians 13:9. [source]
1 Peter 3:7 Vessel [σκεύει]
Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:4. The primary idea of vessel, which is formed from the Latin vasellum, the diminutive of vas, a vase, is that of the receptacle which covers and contains; the case or protecting cover. Hence it is allied, etymologically, with vest, vestment, and wear. It is used in the New Testament (1) in the sense of a cup or dish (Luke 8:16; John 19:29; 2 Timothy 2:20; Revelation 2:27; Revelation 18:12). (2) Of the man, as containing the divine energy, or as a subject of divine mercy or wrath, and hence becoming a divine instrument. Thus Paul is a chosen vessel to bear God's name (Acts 9:15). Vessels of wrath (Romans 9:22); of mercy (Romans 9:23). So of the woman, as God's instrument, along with man, for his service in the family and in society. (3) Collectively, in the plural, of all the implements of any particular economy, as a house, or a ship. Matthew 12:29, goods; Acts 27:17, the tackling orgear of a ship. [source]

What do the individual words in Romans 9:22 mean?

What if now desiring - God to show the wrath and to make known the power of Him bore with much patience [the] vessels of wrath having been fitted for destruction
Εἰ δὲ θέλων Θεὸς ἐνδείξασθαι τὴν ὀργὴν καὶ γνωρίσαι τὸ δυνατὸν αὐτοῦ ἤνεγκεν ἐν πολλῇ μακροθυμίᾳ σκεύη ὀργῆς κατηρτισμένα εἰς ἀπώλειαν

Εἰ  What  if 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: εἰ  
Sense: if, whether.
δὲ  now 
Parse: Conjunction
Root: δέ  
Sense: but, moreover, and, etc.
θέλων  desiring 
Parse: Verb, Present Participle Active, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θέλω  
Sense: to will, have in mind, intend.
  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
Θεὸς  God 
Parse: Noun, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: θεός  
Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities.
ἐνδείξασθαι  to  show 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Middle
Root: ἐνδείκνυμι  
Sense: to point out.
ὀργὴν  wrath 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ὀργή  
Sense: anger, the natural disposition, temper, character.
γνωρίσαι  to  make  known 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Infinitive Active
Root: γνωρίζω  
Sense: to make known.
δυνατὸν  power 
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root: δυνατός  
Sense: able, powerful, mighty, strong.
αὐτοῦ  of  Him 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
ἤνεγκεν  bore 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: φέρω  
Sense: to carry.
πολλῇ  much 
Parse: Adjective, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: πολύς  
Sense: many, much, large.
μακροθυμίᾳ  patience 
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular
Root: μακροθυμία  
Sense: patience, endurance, constancy, steadfastness, perseverance.
σκεύη  [the]  vessels 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: σκεῦος  
Sense: a vessel.
ὀργῆς  of  wrath 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ὀργή  
Sense: anger, the natural disposition, temper, character.
κατηρτισμένα  having  been  fitted 
Parse: Verb, Perfect Participle Middle or Passive, Accusative Neuter Plural
Root: καταρτίζω  
Sense: to render, i.e. to fit, sound, complete.
ἀπώλειαν  destruction 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπώλεια  
Sense: destroying, utter destruction.