Romans 9:17

9:17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh: ¹  “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” ² 

Romans 9:20

9:20 But who indeed are you – a mere human being ³  – to talk back to God? ⁴  Does what is molded say to the molder, “Why have you made me like this?” ⁵ 

[9:17]  ¹ sn Paul uses a typical rabbinic formula here in which the OT scriptures are figuratively portrayed as speaking to Pharaoh. What he means is that the scripture he cites refers (or can be applied) to Pharaoh.

[9:17]  ² sn A quotation from Exod 9:16.

[9:20]  ³ tn Grk “O man.”

[9:20]  ⁴ tn Grk “On the contrary, O man, who are you to talk back to God?”

[9:20]  ⁵ sn A quotation from Isa 29:16; 45:9.