Romans 9:18
Translations
King James Version (KJV)
Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.
American King James Version (AKJV)
Therefore has he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.
American Standard Version (ASV)
So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will be hardeneth.
Basic English Translation (BBE)
So then, at his pleasure he has mercy on a man, and at his pleasure he makes the heart hard.
Webster's Revision
Therefore he hath mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.
World English Bible
So then, he has mercy on whom he desires, and he hardens whom he desires.
English Revised Version (ERV)
So then he hath mercy on whom he will, and whom he will he hardeneth.
Clarke's Romans 9:18 Bible Commentary
Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will - This is the apostle's conclusion from the facts already laid down: that God, according to his own will and wisdom, in perfect righteousness, bestows mercy; that is to say, his blessings upon one part of mankind, (the Jews of old, and the Gentiles of the present time), while he suffers another part (the Egyptians of old, and the Jews of the present day) to go on in the abuse of his goodness and forbearance, hardening themselves in sin, till he brings upon them a most just and exemplary punishment, unless this be prevented by their deep repentance and general return to God through Jesus the promised, the real Messiah.
Barnes's Romans 9:18 Bible Commentary
Therefore hath he mercy ... - This is a conclusion stated by the apostle as the result of all the argument.
Whom he will he hardeneth - This is not stated in what the Scripture said to Pharaoh, but is a conclusion to which the apostle had arrived, in view of the case of Pharaoh. The word "hardeneth" means only to harden in the manner specified in the case of Pharaoh. It does not mean to exert a positive influence, but to leave a sinner to his own course, and to place him in circumstances where the character will be more and more developed; see the note at John 12:40. It implies, however, an act of sovereignty on the part of God in thus leaving him to his chosen course, and in not putting forth that influence by which he could be saved from death. Why this is, the apostle does not state. We should, however, not dispute a fact everywhere prevalent; and should have sufficient confidence in God to believe that it is in accordance with infinite wisdom and rectitude.
Wesley's Romans 9:18 Bible Commentary
9:18 So then - That is, accordingly he does show mercy on his own terms, namely, on them that believe. And whom he willeth - Namely, them that believe not. He hardeneth - Leaves to the hardness of their hearts.