Romans 5 6

Romans 5:6 kjv

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 nkjv

For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 niv

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 esv

For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly.

Romans 5:6 nlt

When we were utterly helpless, Christ came at just the right time and died for us sinners.

Romans 5 verses

Romans 5 6 Meaning

Romans 5:6 reveals the core of God's redemptive work, emphasizing His initiative and the depth of His love. It states that Christ's sacrifice occurred precisely when humanity was utterly powerless to help itself, unable to achieve righteousness or overcome its sinful state. This act was not in response to any human merit but was a divine intervention, perfectly timed, on behalf of those who were actively estranged from God – the ungodly. It underscores the unconditional and self-sacrificial nature of Christ's death, demonstrating God's profound love for a helpless and undeserving creation.

Romans 5 6 Context

Romans 5:6 is a pivotal verse within Paul's broader theological argument in the book of Romans, following his exposition on justification by faith in chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 5 opens with the declaration that, having been justified by faith, believers have peace with God and access to His grace (Rom 5:1-2). Paul then proceeds to elaborate on the benefits and assurance that flow from this justification, highlighting God's steadfast love, which is rooted in Christ's atoning work (Rom 5:5).

Verse 6 specifically focuses on the nature and timing of Christ's sacrifice, setting the stage for the powerful assertion in Rom 5:8 about the demonstration of God's love. It serves as the foundation for understanding why God's love is so remarkable – it was extended not when humanity was worthy or striving, but at its absolute lowest point. The original audience in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers, would have encountered diverse beliefs. For Jewish believers, it countered reliance on the Law and personal merit. For Gentile believers, it offered a truth distinct from pagan religions which often demanded appeasement of gods. It implicitly stands against any contemporary notion that human effort or inherent goodness could earn divine favor, emphasizing divine grace as the sole means of salvation. This verse establishes humanity's total incapacity to save itself, underscoring God's unconditional initiative.

Romans 5 6 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding thought (Rom 5:5), explaining why the love of God is poured into believers' hearts—because of Christ's work for the ungodly.
• while we were still (ἔτι ὄντων ἡμῶν - eti ontōn hēmōn): Emphasizes the condition of humanity at the specific moment of Christ's death—it was a pre-existing state of helplessness, not a state of improving or striving for God.
• weak (ἀσθενῶν - asthenōn): Greek: asthenes. Meaning "without strength," "feeble," "helpless," "impotent." Spiritually, morally, and legally powerless to overcome sin or meet God's righteous standards. This weakness is not just a lack of power but a complete inability to act redemptively for oneself.
• at the appointed time (κατὰ καιρόν - kata kairon): Greek: kata (according to, at) + kairos (opportune time, season, predetermined moment). This highlights God's divine orchestration and perfect timing, not a random event. It was God's chosen moment in salvation history, part of His sovereign plan.
• Christ (Χριστός - Christos): The Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "Anointed One." Identifies Jesus as the promised Deliverer, indicating His divine commission and role in God's plan.
• died (ἀπέθανεν - apethanen): Greek: apothnēskō (third person singular aorist indicative). A historical, decisive, once-for-all event. This refers to His physical death on the cross, the ultimate sacrifice.
• for (ὑπέρ - hyper): Meaning "on behalf of," "instead of," "for the benefit of." In this redemptive context, it strongly implies substitution, that Christ's death was a vicarious act, taking the place of those for whom He died.
• the ungodly (ἀσεβῶν - asebōn): Greek: asebēs. Meaning "impious," "irreverent," "ungodly." This is a strong term for those who lack reverence for God, are characterized by ungodliness, or actively rebel against Him. It is not merely "non-righteous" but fundamentally opposed to God's nature.

Words-group analysis:

• "while we were still weak": This phrase stresses human inadequacy and inability to initiate salvation. It's a statement of absolute human spiritual bankruptcy, contrasting sharply with any idea of earning favor or contributing to salvation.
• "at the appointed time Christ died": This emphasizes God's sovereign plan and active involvement. It wasn't a last-minute decision, but a perfectly timed fulfillment of His eternal purpose, highlighting divine providence in salvation.
• "died for the ungodly": This climactic phrase underscores the extreme nature of God's love and grace. Christ's death was for those utterly undeserving and alienated from God, making the act purely one of mercy rather than merit. It highlights the depth of sin and the greater depth of God's love.

Romans 5 6 Bonus section

The concept of humanity being "weak" (asthenes) is multi-faceted in biblical thought. It refers not only to a physical or emotional state but profoundly to a spiritual condition—an inherent inability to respond positively to God, to obey His commands, or to overcome sin through one's own efforts. This weakness is a direct consequence of the Fall, rendering humanity not merely imperfect, but spiritually dead and morally corrupt in the eyes of a holy God. Therefore, Christ's death "for the weak" addresses this foundational, existential problem, making God's power manifest precisely where human strength completely fails. His sacrifice is a remedy for spiritual impotence.

Romans 5 6 Commentary

Romans 5:6 masterfully distills the essence of the Gospel: humanity's utter helplessness ("weak," "ungodly") met with God's profound, proactive love ("Christ died"). This verse challenges any notion of human ability to contribute to salvation. Our condition—lacking spiritual strength and actively separated from God—precludes self-redemption. Instead, God, in His perfect sovereignty, orchestrated the decisive moment in history ("at the appointed time") for His Son, Christ, to lay down His life. This was a substitutionary act, where Christ bore the penalty for the impious and irreverent, demonstrating that His grace precedes and fully covers human sinfulness. It is the ultimate testament to God's character: relentless in love, boundless in grace, and unconditioned by human merit or worthiness.