Romans 9:28

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Romans 9:28 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “for the Lord will execute [his] word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

for the Lord will execute [his] word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short.
Romans 9:28 — American Standard Version

Context — Romans 9

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
28for the Lord will execute [his] word upon the earth, finishing it and cutting it short.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For he will finish the work, etc..] This passage has some difficulty in it: some, instead of “work”, read “account”, and suppose it is an allusion to the balancing of accounts, when the remainder is cut off, which commonly is but little; and so regards the small number of the Jews that shall be called and saved, as before: others read it “the word”, and differently explain it; some understanding it of the incarnate Word, of his being emptied, and made of no reputation, of his being cut off in a very short time, a few years after he had entered upon his public ministry, and of the few persons converted under it; others of the law, of the cutting off, or abolishing the ceremonial law,…”
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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
“For he will finish the work, and cut--"is finishing the reckoning, and cutting it" it short in righteousness; because a short work--"reckoning" will the Lord make upon the earth-- (Isa 10:22-23), as in the Septuagint. The sense given to these words by the apostle may seem to differ from that intended by the prophet. But the sameness of sentiment in both places will at once appear, if we understand those words of the prophet, "the consumption decreed shall overflow with righteousness," to mean that while a remnant of Israel should be graciously spared to return from captivity, "the decreed consumption" of the impenitent majority should be "replete with righteousness," or illustriously display…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Esaias - The Greek way of writing the word “Isaiah.” Crieth - Isaiah 10:22-23. Exclaims, or speaks aloud or openly: compare John 1:15. Isaiah brings forth the doctrine fully, and without any concealment or disguise. This doctrine related to the rejection of the Jews; a far more difficult point to establish than was that of the calling of the Gentiles. It was needful, therefore, to fortify it by some explicit passage of the Scriptures. Concerning Israel - Concerning “the Jews.” It is probable that Isaiah had reference primarily to the Jews of his own time; to that wicked generation that God was about to punish, by sending them captive into other lands. The case was one, however, which settled…”
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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
“For he is finishing or cutting short his account - In rigorous justice, will leave but a small remnant. There will be so general a destruction, that but a small number will escape. Romans 9:29”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“work: or, account and cut: Isa 28:22, Isa 30:12-14; Dan 9:26, Dan 9:27; Mat 24:21 in righteousness: Psa 9:8, Psa 65:5; Isa 5:16; Act 17:31; Rev 19:11 Romans 9:29”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification