# What then will we say?

Paul is using the question to get the attention of his readers. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

# May it never be

"That is not possible!" or "Certainly not!" This expression strongly denies that this could happen. You may have a similar expression in your language that you could use here.

# For he says to Moses

Paul speaks about God's talking with Moses as if it is being done in the present time. AT: "For God said to Moses" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# it is not because of him who wills, nor because of him who runs

"it is not because of what people want or because they try hard"

# nor because of him who runs

Paul speaks of a person who does good things in order to gain God's favor as if that person were running a race. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/unrighteous]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/names/moses]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/compassion]]