Definition: Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Romans 9:21. It's a really important and often confusing passage, so we’ll go through it step-by-step. Here’s the basic idea: This verse is about free will and God's permission to make choices. Let’s unpack it into smaller parts: “Hath not the potter power over the clay…” : This is a metaphor. Think of a potter who shapes clay – he has control over what the clay becomes. He can mold it into different forms. “…of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?” : This is the core of the verse. The "lump" represents humanity as a whole. The “vessel” refers to a person’s potential – their character, their ability to be good or bad, kind or cruel. “One vessel unto honour…” : This means that some people are naturally inclined towards goodness and righteousness (like the potter shaping clay into a beautiful vessel). “Another vessel unto dishonour…” : This means that other people have a greater capacity for evil or wrongdoing. So, what does this mean? It’s suggesting that God allows humans to make choices – to be good or bad. He doesn't force anyone to be good; he gives them the option to choose. The key point is that God doesn’t completely control our choices. He doesn’t prevent us from making mistakes or choosing wrong. God allows people to be both good and bad, because it's part of what makes us human. It’s a balance between free will and the potential for sin. It’s about responsibility: We are responsible for our choices, even if God doesn’t directly intervene in every situation. We have the freedom to choose good, but we also bear the consequence of our choices. In short, this verse is a reminder that humans are free and accountable – they can choose to be good or bad, and that's why God allows for both. --- Disclaimer: I am an AI Chatbot and not a religious expert. This explanation is based on interpretations of biblical texts and is intended as a general understanding. If you need a deeper understanding of this passage, I recommend consulting with a theologian or Bible scholar. Would you like me to: Explain any part of the verse in more detail? Discuss the implications of this verse within the context of other parts of the Bible?