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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Romans 9:21 - 9:21
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Or hath not the potter a right over the clay? (ē ouk echei exousian ho kerameus tou pēlou̇). This question, expecting an affirmative answer, is Paul’s reply to the previous one, “Why didst thou make me thus?” Pēlos, old word for clay, is mud or wet clay in Joh 9:6, Joh 9:11, Joh 9:14. The old word for potter (kerameus) in N.T. only here and Mat 27:7, Mat 27:10.
Lump (phuramatos). Late word from phuraō, to mix (clay, dough, etc.).
One part (ho men) - another (ho de). Regular idiom for contrast (meṅ̇de) with the old demonstrative ho (this), “this vessel (skeuos, old word as in Mar 11:16) for honour, that for dishonour.” Paul thus claims clearly God’s sovereign right (exousian, power, right, authority, from exesti) to use men (already sinners) for his own purpose.