Romans 9:10-24

Christian Standard Bible

¹⁰ And not only that,^(A) but Rebekah conceived children^(B) through one man, our father Isaac. ¹¹ For though her sons had not been born yet or done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to election might stand^(C)— ¹² not from works but from the one who calls—she was told, The older will serve the younger.^{[a](D) 13} As it is written: I have loved Jacob, but I have hated Esau.^[b](E)

God’s Selection Is Just

¹⁴ What should we say then?^(F) Is there injustice with God?^(G) Absolutely not!^{(H) 15} For he tells Moses, I will show mercy to whom I will show mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.^{[c](I) 16} So then, it does not depend on human will or effort^(J) but on God who shows mercy.^{(K) 17} For the Scripture tells Pharaoh, I raised you up for this reason so that I may display my power in you and that my name may be proclaimed in the whole earth.^{[d](L) 18} So then, he has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy and he hardens whom he wants to harden.^(M)

¹⁹ You will say to me,^(N) therefore, “Why then does he still find fault?^(O) For who resists his will?” ^{(P) 20} On the contrary, who are you, a human being, to talk back to God?^(Q) Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” ^{(R) 21} Or has the potter no right over the clay,^(S) to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor? ²² And what if God, wanting to display his wrath and to make his power known, endured with much patience^(T) objects of wrath prepared for destruction?^{(U) 23} And what if he did this to make known the riches of his glory^(V) on objects of mercy^(W) that he prepared beforehand for glory^(X)— ²⁴ on us, the ones he also called,^(Y) not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles?^(Z)