Romans 8 39

Romans 8:39 kjv

Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 nkjv

nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 niv

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 esv

nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:39 nlt

No power in the sky above or in the earth below ? indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8 verses

Romans 8 39 Meaning

Romans 8:39 delivers the powerful affirmation that no force, condition, or entity in the entirety of creation, whether high or low, spiritual or physical, has the capacity to sever the believer's connection to the unchanging love of God. This divine love is specifically revealed and secured "in Christ Jesus our Lord," forming an unbreakable bond between God and those who are in Him.

Romans 8 39 Context

Romans 8 is a cornerstone of Paul's theology, culminating his discussion of salvation. It follows the argument for justification by faith in chapters 1-5 and the believer's freedom from the power of sin in chapters 6-7. Chapter 8 illuminates the reality of the Christian life "in the Spirit," marked by freedom from condemnation, adoption as children of God, and assurance of future glory despite present sufferings. Verses 31-39 form a magnificent climax, a rhetorical crescendo where Paul systematically discredits any possible adversary to the believer, affirming God's unfailing love and ultimate purpose. This final verse (8:39) serves as the grand, comprehensive conclusion to the unassailable security found in God's love through Christ, after enumerating many specific potential challenges in verses 35-38. The broader historical context includes a Jewish and Gentile Christian community grappling with legalism, persecution, and a proper understanding of their new identity and hope in Christ.

Romans 8 39 Word analysis

• nor height (οὔτε ὕψωμα - oute hypsoma): This Greek term literally means "height," "altitude," or "elevation." It can refer to physical heights like mountains, but in a cosmic or spiritual sense, it often suggests celestial powers, spiritual authorities dwelling in the heavenly places (like angels, demons, or principalities in other Pauline writings). It may also subtly allude to astrological influences or a state of spiritual exultation that could lead to pride, neither of which can detach the believer. Its inclusion here covers the 'upper' realms of reality.

• nor depth (οὔτε βάθος - oute bathos): Meaning "depth" or "abyss." It contrasts directly with "height." This can refer to the deep sea, the underworld (Hades), or the unseen forces of evil often associated with the 'lower' spiritual realms (demons, hellish powers). It may also allude to periods of spiritual despair, deep affliction, or hidden sins. This term assures that even the darkest, most profound challenges or the most formidable spiritual adversaries cannot separate from God's love.

• nor anything else in all creation (οὔτε τις κτίσις ἑτέρα - oute tis ktisis hetera):

  • κτίσις (ktisis): Means "creation" or "creature." It refers to everything that has been made by God, distinguishing it sharply from God Himself, who is the Creator.
  • ἑτέρα (hetera): Means "another," "different." This phrase, therefore, translates to "any other creature" or "any other created thing."
  • Significance: This is a powerful, all-encompassing phrase that acts as a capstone, sweeping up anything and everything imaginable that has not been explicitly mentioned. It broadens the scope beyond celestial and infernal powers to any created entity, circumstance, or spiritual influence. It emphatically states that absolutely nothing in the finite, created order, no matter its nature or origin, can disrupt the divine bond. It implicitly excludes God Himself, as God cannot be separated from His own love.

• will be able (δυνήσεται - dynēsetai): A future indicative of the verb "to be able," "to have power." It asserts a definitive, unalterable fact: these forces will lack the inherent power or capability to separate.

• to separate (χωρίσαι - chōrisai): Means "to separate," "to put apart," "to divide." It implies an active severing or disjoining of a connection. Paul affirms this action is utterly impossible regarding God's love.

• us (ἡμᾶς - hēmas): Refers to those who are "in Christ Jesus" – believers, those united with Him through faith, who are justified and sanctified by the Spirit as described throughout Romans 8.

• from the love of God (ἐκ τῆς ἀγάπης τοῦ Θεοῦ - ek tēs agapēs tou Theou):

  • ἀγάπης (agapēs): This is agape love, the unconditional, self-sacrificial, benevolent love. In the context of God, it signifies His profound, constant, and steadfast commitment to His people, not based on their worthiness but on His own character.
  • τοῦ Θεοῦ (tou Theou): "Of God." This is God's own love, emanating from His very being, not a love we generate. It's His initiative, His affection, His active care.

• that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (τῆς ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν - tēs en Christō Iēsou tō Kyriō hēmōn):

  • ἐν (en): "In," denoting location, means, or sphere. The love is found "in" or "through" Christ Jesus.
  • Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ (Christō Iēsou): Jesus, the Anointed One, the Messiah. He is the personification and mediation of this divine love.
  • τῷ Κυρίῳ ἡμῶν (tō Kyriō hēmōn): "Our Lord." This emphasizes His divine authority and sovereignty over believers. It highlights that the unbreakable nature of God's love is intimately tied to Jesus' identity and His redemptive work. He is the ground, the channel, and the guarantee of this love.

Romans 8 39 Bonus section

The Greek word "hypsoma" (ὕψωμα) and "bathos" (βάθος) here might echo common ancient world cosmological views, where a tiered universe of heavens and underworlds, populated by various powers, was believed to influence human fate. Paul’s declaration directly confronts these beliefs, asserting that none of these perceived influences—whether seen as controlling cosmic forces or spiritual entities—hold sway over the God who, in Christ, has already claimed His own. This means the believer’s destiny is not governed by fate, stars, or occult powers, but by the immutable love of God Himself. It also subtly rebuffs any tendency for believers to believe that extreme spiritual experiences (height) or profound temptations/failures (depth) could separate them, ensuring that the covenant of grace stands above all internal states.

Romans 8 39 Commentary

Romans 8:39 acts as the triumphant capstone to Paul's extensive argument in chapter 8 regarding the unbreakable security of believers in Christ. After enumerating various forms of tribulation, distress, persecution, and even cosmic powers, Paul delivers the definitive and absolute declaration that nothing within the created order—from the loftiest spiritual entities (height) to the deepest pits of despair or evil (depth), nor any other created being or circumstance imaginable—can possibly sever the bond of God's love for His elect. This is not a human love, susceptible to change or external pressure, but God's love (agape), which is by nature eternal, unwavering, and self-sacrificing. The crucial qualification, "in Christ Jesus our Lord," identifies the specific location and the secure foundation of this love. It is not a generic sentiment but a redemptive reality established by Christ's finished work, sealed by His resurrection and ascension, and maintained by His ongoing intercession. Through union with Him, believers are inextricably bound to the very heart of God, rendering them utterly safe from separation, now and forever. This verse offers the ultimate assurance, silencing all fear and doubt regarding God's commitment to His people.