For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth.

ROMANS 9:17KJV
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Romans 9:17 (KJV)

What does Romans 9:17 mean?

Romans 9:17 explains that God allowed Pharaoh to rise to power specifically to demonstrate God's own power through him and to make God's name known throughout the world. The verse quotes Scripture to show that Pharaoh’s role in the Exodus was part of God’s larger purpose, not just a matter of Pharaoh’s personal choices.

Paul is writing to the believers in Rome, using the story of Pharaoh from Exodus to illustrate how God can use even those who oppose Him to fulfill His plans. By referring to what “the scripture saith unto Pharaoh,” Paul shows that God’s actions in history—including raising up powerful rulers—serve to reveal His power and reputation to all people, not just Israel.

The Greek behind Romans 9:17

  • γραφή (graphē, "scripture"): This word refers to the sacred writings, highlighting that Paul is quoting directly from the Hebrew Scriptures, giving his argument authority.
  • ἐξήγειρα (exēgeira, "have I raised thee up"): The Greek word here means to cause to appear or to bring onto the scene. It suggests that Pharaoh’s position was not accidental but was part of God’s deliberate plan.
  • δύναμίς (dynamis, "power"): This word often means might or strength. Here, it points to God’s ability to act decisively in history, showing that the events with Pharaoh were meant to display God’s unmatched power.
  • διαγγελῇ (diangelē, "declared"): This verb means to proclaim or announce widely. The idea is that God’s reputation would be spread everywhere as a result of what happened with Pharaoh.

Why Romans 9:17 matters

  • Romans 9:17 clears up the idea that Pharaoh’s power was simply a result of his own ambition or Egypt’s might; instead, it shows that God had a purpose in allowing Pharaoh to rise.
  • The verse emphasizes that God’s actions are not random but are meant to reveal His character and power to all nations, not just to one group.
  • This verse helps set up Paul’s larger point in Romans 9 about God’s sovereignty in history, showing that God can use even those who oppose Him to accomplish His bigger plans.

Where else these words appear

“raised” Greek G1825 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 6:14 And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power.

“declared” Greek G1229 · used in 3 verses

  • Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
  • Acts 21:26 Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

“Pharaoh” Greek G5328 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 7:10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
  • Acts 7:13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brethren; and Joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh.
  • Acts 7:21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

“shew” Greek G1731 · used in 11 verses

  • Romans 2:15 Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
  • Ephesians 2:7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
  • Titus 2:10 Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things.