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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?
Verse Takeaways
1
The Potter's Rightful Authority
Commentators emphasize that the Greek word for 'power' (exousia) here means rightful authority, not just raw might. The analogy asserts God's sovereign right, as the Creator, to determine the purpose of His creation. This is not presented as an arbitrary act, but as a just prerogative that is beyond human questioning, similar to a potter's right over clay he is shaping.
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Romans
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10
18th Century
Presbyterian
Does not the potter, etc.? This same sovereign right of God the apostle proceeds to urge from another illustration, and another passage fr…
Or hath not the potter a right over the clay? (η ουκ εχε εξουσιαν ο κεραμευς του πηλου?). This question, expecting an affirmative …
19th Century
Anglican
Hath not the potter . . .?—In strict logic, this verse would supply a confirmation, rather than a refutation, of the orig…
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Baptist
Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God?
Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me…
As he continues the review of God’s sovereign activity, Paul presents another problem. If God acts unilaterally, according to his own will and purp…
16th Century
Protestant
Has not the worker of the clay? etc. The reason why what is formed ought not to contend with its maker is that the maker does nothing but …
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17th Century
Reformed Baptist
Has not the potter power over the clay By the power the potter has over the clay, to shape it in what form he pleases, and out…
Whatever God does, must be just. The way in which the holy, happy people of God differ from others, God's grace alone makes them differ. In this pr…
13th Century
Catholic
Having answered the proposed question, the Apostle raises an objection to the solution, particularly to the last part, which states that …
