Bible Strands
Romans 9:14
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Certainly not!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Roman believers in response to the preceding declaration about God’s choice of Jacob over Esau. He poses a rhetorical question to preempt accusations that divine sovereignty implies unfairness.
The words — The Greek phrase μὴ ἀδικία παρὰ τῷ θεῷ (mē adikia para tō theō) literally asks whether injustice exists with God. Paul immediately answers with a strong negative, rejecting the charge.
The thread — This defense of divine justice echoes Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 145:17, and 2 Chronicles 19:7, which consistently affirm that God’s ways are without injustice. The theme resurfaces in Romans 9:15 with God’s declaration of sovereign mercy.
Why it lands — The verse demands that readers reject human standards of fairness when evaluating God’s sovereign choices. It requires accepting that divine mercy operates outside human notions of justice.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid.
Cross-references
- 2 Chronicles 19:7 And now, may the fear of the LORD be upon you. Be careful what you do, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery.”
- Psalms 145:17 The LORD is righteous in all His ways and kind in all His deeds.
- Deuteronomy 32:4 He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
- Job 34:10 Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly.
- Psalms 92:15 to proclaim, “The LORD is upright; He is my Rock, and in Him there is no unrighteousness.”
- Revelation 16:7 And I heard the altar reply: “Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are Your judgments.”
- Job 8:3 Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right?
- Genesis 18:25 Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is right?”
- Job 34:18 who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’
- Job 35:2 “Do you think this is just? You say, ‘I am more righteous than God.’