Romans 8 34

Romans 8:34 kjv

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Romans 8:34 nkjv

Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

Romans 8:34 niv

Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died?more than that, who was raised to life?is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.

Romans 8:34 esv

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died ? more than that, who was raised ? who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

Romans 8:34 nlt

Who then will condemn us? No one ? for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God's right hand, pleading for us.

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 34 Meaning

Romans 8:34 definitively answers the rhetorical question, stating that no one can condemn believers. This assurance rests entirely on the complete redemptive work of Christ Jesus: His death for sin, His resurrection demonstrating victory over death, His exaltation to the highest position of authority at God's right hand, and His ongoing, active intercession on behalf of those He has saved. It proclaims the believer's absolute security in God's eyes, safeguarded by the divine judge, advocate, and the power of the finished work of Christ.

Romans 8 34 Context

Romans chapter 8 is the culmination of Paul's profound theological argument regarding the believer's secure standing in Christ. Following the declarations of "no condemnation" (Rom 8:1) and freedom from the law of sin and death (Rom 8:2), Paul describes the Spirit-filled life as one characterized by assurance, sonship, and future glory. The chapter progresses through the certainty of divine adoption (Rom 8:15), the promise of glorification (Rom 8:17), and the Spirit's help in our weaknesses (Rom 8:26-27). Leading into verse 34, Paul poses a series of rhetorical questions in Romans 8:31-33: "What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?... Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies." Verse 34 serves as the decisive answer to these challenges, specifically the question of condemnation, sealing the believer's security.

Historically, this passage would have resonated deeply with its original audience, familiar with both Roman legal systems where accusations and condemnations were daily realities, and Jewish theological concepts of sin, judgment, and priestly intercession. Paul addresses anxieties regarding past sins, present failings, and future judgment by demonstrating Christ's multifaceted work as a complete and unassailable defense.

Romans 8 34 Word analysis

• Who then is the one who condemns?

  • Who (τίς - tis): A rhetorical question, not expecting an actual answer because Paul assumes the answer is 'no one.' It directly follows the challenge of accusation in v.33.
  • condemns (κατακρίνων - katakrinōn): Present participle, meaning "the one who judges down" or "pronounces sentence against." It implies an ongoing action or status of judgment, drawing a stark contrast to God's act of justification. The force of this verb emphasizes ultimate legal judgment.

• No one.

  • This emphatic negative serves as the definitive, short answer to the rhetorical question, unequivocally rejecting any possibility of a valid accuser or condemnation.

• Christ Jesus who died—

  • Christ Jesus: The specific identification of the Savior, emphasizing both His messianic role ("Christ") and His personal name ("Jesus"). This refers to the historical person and the divinely appointed redeemer.
  • who died (ὁ ἀποθανών - ho apothanōn): A strong perfect active participle (derived from apothnēskō), meaning "the one who indeed died" or "who truly completed death." This underscores the reality and finality of His death as a past, decisive event, which is the foundational act of redemption, paying the penalty for sin.

• more than that, who was raised to life—

  • more than that (μᾶλλον δὲ - mallon de): A significant adversative conjunction implying "but rather" or "indeed more so." It doesn't merely add another fact but elevates the significance, pointing to the resurrection as an even greater, more decisive aspect of Christ's work, providing evidence of His victory and God's acceptance of His sacrifice.
  • who was raised to life (ἐγερθείς - egertheis): A passive aorist participle, "the one having been raised." This signifies God's action in raising Christ. The resurrection vindicates Christ's claims, guarantees our justification, and demonstrates His triumph over sin and death. It's an indispensable component of salvation, moving beyond merely dealing with the past (death) to inaugurating a new reality of life.

• is at the right hand of God

  • is (ἔστιν - estin): Simple present tense, denoting Christ's current, active status.
  • at the right hand of God (ἐν δεξιᾷ τοῦ Θεοῦ - en dexiā tou Theou): A pivotal theological phrase signifying a position of ultimate honor, authority, and power. It refers to Christ's ascension and enthronement. This physical location represents His reign as King, Lord, and active High Priest, making Him supreme over all cosmic and spiritual forces, rendering any condemnation from such powers null and void.

• and is also interceding for us.

  • is also (ὃς καὶ - hos kai): Emphasizes an additional, ongoing vital function.
  • interceding (ἐντυγχάνει - entygchanei): Present active indicative, meaning "He continuously meets with," "makes petition," or "pleads on behalf of." This is Christ's active priestly role as an advocate. He presents our case, ensures the application of His atoning work, and continuously represents us before God. His intercession guarantees the ongoing efficacy of His sacrifice and resurrection for believers, securing their status against all accusation. This living intercession completes the unbroken chain of divine acts guaranteeing our salvation.

Romans 8 34 Bonus section

The structure of Christ's redemptive work presented in Romans 8:34 (death, resurrection, exaltation, intercession) highlights a seamless flow, not just separate events, but integrated acts that guarantee salvation. It reflects a catena, or a chain, where each link strengthens the next, ultimately forging an unbreakable bond of security for the believer. This four-fold work directly counters any potential "accusers" (physical, spiritual, or internal), nullifying their claims by referencing God's own action through Christ. The judicial language throughout Romans 8 (condemns, justifies, charges, elect, advocate) emphasizes that the security Paul proclaims is not merely emotional but a declared, legal reality within the divine courtroom. This reality is both a source of peace and a mandate for joyful living, knowing that the ultimate judge is also our greatest defender.

Romans 8 34 Commentary

Romans 8:34 presents the unshakeable foundation of a believer's security, flowing directly from the preceding assertion that "It is God who justifies" (v. 33). Paul dismantles any possibility of condemnation by tracing a four-fold, integrated work of Christ.

First, Christ's death fully paid the penalty for sin, satisfying divine justice. This act extinguished the legitimate legal basis for any charge. Then, His resurrection vindicated His sacrifice, declaring Him righteous and victor over death, demonstrating God's acceptance and proving that His atonement was successful and complete, ushering believers into a new, justified life. Third, His ascension and seating at the right hand of God place Him in the supreme position of power and authority. From this position, no earthly or spiritual foe can successfully overturn the verdict God has pronounced. Finally, Christ's continuous intercession for us as our advocate completes the assurance. He does not just sit idly; He actively pleads our case, ensuring that the benefits of His death and resurrection are perpetually applied.

This verse therefore forms an unbreakable chain of divine provision—from death that justified, to resurrection that validated, to ascension that exalted, to intercession that sustains. The question "Who then is the one who condemns?" is not only answered with a resounding "No one," but the full array of Christ's finished and ongoing work provides the absolute, theological rationale for this ultimate certainty. This understanding transforms how believers approach God, casting out fear and empowering them to live in the confidence of an already-won verdict.