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Romans 9:23

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 9:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory,” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory,
Romans 9:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why didst thou make me thus?
21Or hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor?
22What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction:
23and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory,
24[even] us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles?
25As he saith also in Hosea, I will call that my people, which was not my people; And her beloved, that was not beloved.
26And it shall be, [that] in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people, There shall they be called sons of the living God.
← Romans 9:22Romans 9:24 →
← Full Chapter 9 Romans Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And that he might make known the riches of his glory, etc..] That is, his glorious riches, the perfections of his nature, his love, grace, and mercy, his wisdom, power, faithfulness, justice, and holiness; all which are most evidently displayed in the salvation of his people, here called vessels of mercy, which he hath afore prepared unto glory. They are said to be vessels, and so considered as creatures, made and brought into being; “vessels of mercy”, and so fallen creatures, and by sin become miserable, for only such are objects of mercy: they are not called so, because deserving of mercy more than others, they are in no wise better than others, and are by nature children of wrath, even…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy--that "glorious exuberance of Divine mercy" which "was manifested in choosing and eternally arranging for the salvation of sinners."”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“What if God ... - If God does what the apostle supposes, what then? Is it not right? This is the second point in the answer to the objection in Romans 9:19. The answer has respect to the “two classes” of people which actually exist on the earth - the righteous and the wicked. And the question is, whether “in regard to these two classes God does in fact do wrong?” If he does not, then the doctrine of the apostle is established, and the objection is not valid. It is assumed here, as it must be, that the world is “in fact” divided into two classes - saints and sinners. The apostle considers the case of sinners in Romans 9:22. Willing - Being disposed; having an inclination to. It denotes an…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“That he might make known - What if by showing such longsuffering even to "the vessels of wrath," he did the more abundantly show the greatness of his glorious goodness, wisdom, and power, on the vessels of mercy; on those whom he had himself, by his grace, prepared for glory. Is this any injustice? Romans 9:24”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“might: Rom 2:4, Rom 5:20, Rom 5:21; Eph 1:6-8, Eph 1:18, Eph 2:4, Eph 2:7, Eph 2:10, Eph 3:8, Eph 3:16; Col 1:27; Th2 1:10-12 he had afore: Ch1 29:18; Luk 1:17; Eph 2:3-5; Col 1:12; Th1 5:9; Th2 2:13, Th2 2:14; Ti2 2:21; Tit 3:3-7; Pe1 1:2-5 Romans 9:24”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification