So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.
Romans 9:11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth;)
Genesis 27:1-4,9-14 And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, here am I…
Psalm 110:3 Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.
but on God’s mercy
This part of the verse underscores the concept of divine mercy as the basis for salvation. Mercy, in biblical terms, refers to God's compassion and forgiveness extended to humanity despite their sinfulness. The Old Testament frequently speaks of God's mercy, as seen in passages like Exodus 33:19, where God declares that He will have mercy on whom He chooses. This theme is also evident in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate expression of God's mercy, offering salvation to all who believe. Theologically, this phrase points to the idea that God's mercy is not something that can be earned or merited; it is freely given according to His sovereign will. This aligns with the prophetic writings, such as those in Isaiah, which speak of God's plan to extend mercy beyond Israel to the Gentiles, fulfilling His promise to bless all nations through Abraham's seed.
Paul concludes an argument that began back in Romans 9:6. He has just shown that God chose Isaac over Ishmael (9:7) and Jacob over Esau (9:11-13) before either had done good or evil. The words “So then” signal a summary: everything he has said about God’s freedom in choosing His people funnels into this single, sweeping statement. Compare the feel of Romans 8:29-30, where foreknowledge and predestination lead to calling, justification, and glorification; or Ephesians 1:4-6, which traces our salvation to God’s choice “before the foundation of the world.”
The workings of God’s plan are entirely independent of human contribution.
• Romans 3:20 reminds us, “No one will be justified in His sight by works of the Law.”
• Galatians 2:16 echoes, “A man is not justified by works of the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
God’s purpose, from start to finish, rests on something outside ourselves. Salvation and the display of His righteousness are anchored in Him alone.
Desire, however sincere, cannot save. John 1:12-13 spells this out: believers are born “not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” Many long for spiritual peace; some chase religion with passion; but longing, in itself, never bridges the gap between sinner and holy God.
Human striving, discipline, or ceremony cannot meet God’s standard.
• Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not by works of righteousness we had done, but according to His mercy.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9: “It is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one may boast.”
Paul had already listed his own religious résumé in Philippians 3:4-6 and then declared it “rubbish” (3:8) compared with knowing Christ. Effort may polish the outside, but cannot remove guilt or grant new life.
Mercy is the active, compassionate choice of God to withhold judgment and grant grace. Exodus 33:19 gives the divine foundation: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Mercy is not cold fatalism but the warm heart of a sovereign God who delights in saving (1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Peter 1:3). Romans 11:6 drives the point home: “If it is by grace, it is no longer by works; otherwise grace would no longer be grace.” Everything—calling, faith, perseverance, glory—flows from His mercy, ensuring that all praise returns to Him (Romans 11:36).
Romans 9:16 teaches that salvation is rooted entirely in God’s merciful initiative. Human longing and exertion, valuable though they seem, cannot originate or secure redemption. From the first stirrings of grace to our eternal future, the decisive factor is God’s compassionate choice. He acts, we receive, and all glory belongs to Him.
(16) Of him that runneth.--A metaphor taken from the foot-races as St. Paul may very possibly have seen them practised at Corinth. (Comp. Romans 9:16; Galatians 2:2; Galatians 5:7; Philippians 2:16.) The meaning is that the prize does not depend on human will or human effort, but on the grace of God.