Definition: Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly important passage from Romans 9:18. It’s a really complex verse, but we can simplify it to understand its core meaning. Here’s what it says, explained simply: “Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will [have mercy], and whom he will he hardeneth.” Let's unpack it word by word: "Therefore hath he mercy..." – This means “Because of this…” or “In this way…” It’s about God’s tendency to show kindness. It’s not a guarantee, but rather a tendency that He has. "...on whom he will [have mercy]..." – This is the crucial part. "Have mercy" means to show compassion, forgiveness, and understanding. It's about giving someone a second chance, even when they might have done wrong. "...and whom he will he hardeneth." – This is a bit trickier. “Harden” in this context doesn’t mean making someone strong or tough. Instead, it means making them resistant to God's will . It suggests that God might allow things to happen that are difficult for us, but He still chooses to have compassion towards those who are receptive to His grace. So, putting it all together: This verse is saying that God has the ability to show mercy to people, and sometimes that mercy comes at a cost – even if that cost is resisting God’s plan or will. It acknowledges that He might allow difficult situations and challenges to happen, but He still wants to be kind to those who are open to His love. Important Context - It's about free will: This verse often gets misunderstood. It’s not saying God makes decisions about who is worthy of mercy. Instead, it speaks to the free will of humans – our ability to choose how we respond to God’s grace. We have a choice: we can resist His will or we can accept it. In essence, Romans 9:18 is a statement about God's power and the role of human free will in shaping events. It acknowledges that God has the ability to show mercy, but also recognizes that humans are capable of resisting His grace. --- To help me explain this further or answer any specific questions you have, could you tell me: What specifically about this verse is confusing you? Are there any particular concepts you'd like me to focus on (e.g., free will, the concept of grace)?