Verse MeaningRomansSome background helps
Romans 9:21: Meaning Explained
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
Romans 9:21
“Or hasn't the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?”
What Does This Verse Mean?
Does a potter not have the right to make some pots beautiful and expensive while making other pots for dirty work?
What’s Happening Here
Paul develops the potter and clay image further.
Key Words
potterSomeone who makes things from clay
vesselA container or pot made of clay
Why It Matters
This shows that the creator has complete authority over what is created.
Did You Know?
A potter makes pots for different purposes - some beautiful for display, others for storage or dirty work.
Word Study
G3756
notοὐκ
G2192
Hathἔχει
G1849
powerἐξουσίαν
G2763
the potterκεραμεὺς
G4081
over the clayπηλοῦ
G1537
ofἐκ
G846
the sameαὐτοῦ
G5445
lumpφυράματος
G4160
makeποιῆσαι
G3739
anotherὃ
G1519
untoεἰς
G5092
honourτιμὴν
G4632
one vesselσκεῦος
G1161
andδὲ
G819
dishonourἀτιμίαν
Cross References
Continue Exploring
Read Romans 9:21 in the Bible reader, or explore the full chapter summary.