King James Version

What Does Romans 14:9 Mean?

Romans 14:9 in the King James Version says “For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.”

Romans 14:9 · KJV

Context

7

For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.

8

For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living—Eis touto gar Christos apethanen kai ezēsen, hina kai nekrōn kai zōntōn kyrieuē (εἰς τοῦτο γὰρ Χριστὸς ἀπέθανεν καὶ ἔζησεν, ἵνα καὶ νεκρῶν καὶ ζώντων κυριεύσῃ). Eis touto (for this purpose) states Christ's redemptive goal: establishing universal Lordship. Apethanen kai ezēsen (died and lived) summarizes the gospel—death and resurrection. Some manuscripts add anestē (rose again), making the triad explicit: death, resurrection, life.

Hina kyrieuē (ἵνα κυριεύσῃ, that He might be Lord) expresses purpose—Christ's death-resurrection secured His rule over nekrōn kai zōntōn (dead and living). This is cosmic Lordship: Christ rules the living now, and He rules the dead (those who've died and await resurrection). Philippians 2:9-11 expands this: 'every knee shall bow...every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord.' His Lordship, purchased by blood, is the ground of mutual submission in Romans 14—we're all under one Lord, accountable to Him alone.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Early Christians confessed 'Jesus is Lord' (Kyrios Iēsous)—the first creed (Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:3). This was revolutionary: Caesar claimed 'Lord' (Kyrios Kaisar), but Christians gave ultimate allegiance to Christ. His Lordship, secured by resurrection, relativizes all earthly authorities and disputes. If Christ is Lord of the dead, death doesn't separate believers from Him (8:38-39). If He's Lord of the living, all of life is worship. This shaped Christian martyrdom theology: confessing 'Jesus is Lord' even unto death, because His Lordship transcends Caesar's sword.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's purchased Lordship (through death and resurrection) affect your daily acknowledgment of His authority?
  2. What does it mean practically that Christ is 'Lord of the dead and living'—how does this shape your view of death and life?
  3. If Christ is Lord of both you and the brother you disagree with, how should that reshape your attitude toward disputable matters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἰς1 of 16

“to”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοῦτο2 of 16

“this”

G5124

that thing

γὰρ3 of 16

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Χριστὸς4 of 16

“end Christ”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

καὶ5 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀπέθανεν6 of 16

“died”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

καὶ7 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνέστη8 of 16

“rose”

G450

to stand up (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

καὶ9 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἀνέζησεν,10 of 16

“revived”

G326

to recover life (literally or figuratively)

ἵνα11 of 16

“that”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ12 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

νεκρῶν13 of 16

“of the dead”

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

καὶ14 of 16

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ζώντων15 of 16

“living”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

κυριεύσῃ16 of 16

“he might be Lord”

G2961

to rule

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 14:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 14:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 1:18Luke 24:26Hebrews 12:2John 5:22-23Ephesians 1:20-232 Timothy 4:1

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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