Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for disposal of refuse?
NIV
Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same mass (lump) one vessel for beauty and distinction and honorable use, and another for menial or ignoble and dishonorable use?
AMP
Hath not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?
KJV
Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.
NIV
For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. [Isa. 8:14; 28:16.]AMP
Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;
KJV
