9:18a

Therefore: These words introduce what Paul concluded from what he said in 9:17. For example:

So then, (English Standard Version)

God has mercy on whom He wants to have mercy: Here the word wants refers to God choosing someone. This clause says that God chooses those to whom he will have mercy. Here are other ways to translate this clause:

he has mercy on whomever he wills (English Standard Version)
-or-
he has mercy on whomever he chooses (New Revised Standard Version)

9:18b

He hardens whom He wants to harden: Here the word wants refers to God choosing someone. This clause says that God chooses those whom he will make hard/stubborn.

hardens: Here this word refers to causing someone to be stubborn, especially against what is true. Here are other ways to translate this word:

makes stubborn (Good News Translation)
-or-
harden the hearts…so they refuse to listen (New Living Translation (2004))

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