Romans 8 31

Romans 8:31 kjv

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 nkjv

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 niv

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 esv

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Romans 8:31 nlt

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 31 Meaning

This verse serves as a powerful rhetorical question, the triumphant conclusion to Paul's profound exposition of God's redemptive plan for believers in Romans chapter 8. It asserts with unwavering conviction that if the Almighty God is actively on the side of His people, no opposing force, power, or adversary can ultimately prevail against them. It is a declaration of ultimate security and an assurance that all things, even challenges, must ultimately align with God's loving purposes for those He has called and justified.

Romans 8 31 Context

Romans 8:31 is the climactic, rhetorical declaration following a profound theological argument that builds throughout Romans chapter 8. The chapter opens with "no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (v. 1), moves to the Spirit's role in granting life and power, the groaning of creation and believers, and culminates in the "golden chain of salvation" (v. 29-30) where God "predestined," "called," "justified," and "glorified" His people. Specifically, "these things" (πρὸς ταῦτα) in verse 31 refer directly back to the magnificent assurances in verses 28-30: that God works all things for good for those who love Him, that they are called according to His purpose, and that He has eternally secured their salvation through predestination, calling, justification, and glorification. Paul sets up this verse as a grand rhetorical flourish, a triumphant and undeniable conclusion to the preceding statements, leaving no room for doubt or fear in the minds of his Roman readers. Historically, the early Roman church likely faced various forms of opposition, from internal disagreements to external societal pressures and potentially persecution, making this declaration a vital source of comfort, strength, and unwavering faith. The passage addresses a core human fear: what if, despite all of God's promises, there are still insurmountable forces against us? Paul's answer is a resounding affirmation of God's absolute sovereignty and unwavering commitment.

Romans 8 31 Word analysis

• What then: (τί οὖν - ti oun). A common Pauline transitional phrase introducing a conclusion or a new point based on prior statements. Here, it signifies the culmination of the argument presented in Rom 8:1-30, pressing for the ultimate implication.
• shall we say: (ἐροῦμεν - eroumen). A rhetorical first-person plural, inviting the readers to ponder the inevitable conclusion with the author. It assumes a shared understanding and acceptance of the preceding truths.
• to these things?: (πρὸς ταῦτα - pros tauta). Refers emphatically to the entire chain of divine provisions and promises just articulated in Romans 8, especially the divine security detailed in verses 28-30 regarding God's purpose, calling, justification, and glorification.
• If: (εἰ - ei). In Greek, this "if" often introduces a premise assumed to be true for the sake of argument, rather than a mere possibility. Here, it functions more like "Since" or "Because." It asserts God's partisanship for believers as an established fact.
• God: (ὁ Θεὸς - ho Theos). The definite article emphasizes "the" God, referring to the one true, sovereign, all-powerful God who stands behind all creation and all history, the subject of the entire chapter's divine action.
• is for us: (ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν - huper hēmōn). The Greek preposition huper here denotes "on behalf of," "for the benefit of," or "in defense of." It portrays God as an active advocate and supporter, fully committed to the welfare and ultimate triumph of believers. It implies His powerful, benevolent activity directed specifically towards "us" – the elect.
• who: (τίς - tis). Another rhetorical question. No individual or entity can compare or stand against God. It signifies the utter insignificance of any potential opponent in the face of divine backing.
• can be against us?: (καθ’ ἡμῶν - kath’ hēmōn). The Greek preposition kath (κατά) means "against." It denotes opposition, hostility, accusation, or direct conflict. This rhetorical question challenges any conceivable opposition – be it human, spiritual, circumstantial, or internal – to actually overcome those whom God Himself is for.

Words-group analysis

• "What then shall we say to these things?": This phrase signals a concluding rhetorical question, inviting profound reflection on the overwhelming truth presented previously. It is an argument from the greater to the lesser – if these magnificent truths about God are true, what can logically follow?
• "If God is for us": This is the core premise, presented not as a conditional doubt, but as an assured reality derived from the preceding verses. God's posture towards believers is one of active, benevolent, and unyielding support, extending to every facet of their existence and future. This implies His divine intervention, protection, and provision.
• "who can be against us?": This is the unassailable conclusion. Because the ultimate Power in the universe, the Creator and Sustainer, is the advocate for believers, any opposition is rendered ultimately futile and ineffective in achieving lasting defeat or separation from God's purposes. The "who" encompasses any hostile power – spiritual, human, or systemic.

Romans 8 31 Bonus section

This verse can be understood as an ancient theological declaration, echoing covenantal language found in the Old Testament, where God promised His presence and aid to His people (e.g., in times of war or national crisis). It shifts from the indicative (declarative statements about what God does) to the interrogative, creating a moment of heightened dramatic and persuasive impact. This transition from theological exposition to rhetorical triumph makes the verse function as a kind of doxological interjection or a mini-hymn within Paul's letter, designed to ignite worship and unwavering trust. It is the ultimate reassurance in the face of both the cosmic struggle with evil and the daily anxieties of life, affirming the believer's secure position in God's eternal plan.

Romans 8 31 Commentary

Romans 8:31 delivers a rhetorical knockout blow to doubt and fear, drawing a magnificent conclusion from the preceding chain of God's unbreakable commitment to believers. It’s a divine logical statement: if the Almighty is your ultimate champion and advocate, then all other adversaries are rendered powerless against His determined purpose. This doesn't promise a life free of struggle or suffering; indeed, Paul anticipates persecution in the verses that follow. Instead, it assures that no struggle can ultimately defeat God's people or thwart His loving will for them. God's being "for us" means He has pledged His power, wisdom, and very nature to our ultimate good and glorification, having already given His Son (as seen in v. 32). Therefore, no charge can hold, no separation is possible (as elaborated in v. 33-39). The verse fosters audacious confidence, shifting focus from our frailties or our enemies' might to God's unparalleled sovereignty and immutable love.