King James Version

What Does Romans 5:1 Mean?

Romans 5:1 in the King James Version says “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

Romans 5:1 · KJV

FaithPeace

Context

1

Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:

2

By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3

And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Read Romans 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore being justified by faith (δικαιωθέντες οὖν ἐκ πίστεως, dikaiōthentes oun ek pisteōs)—the aorist passive participle signals a completed divine act. Justification is God's forensic declaration, not a process but a definitive verdict pronouncing sinners righteous based on Christ's imputed righteousness. We have peace with God (εἰρήνην ἔχομεν πρὸς τὸν θεόν, eirēnēn echomen pros ton theon)—not merely subjective tranquility but objective reconciliation, the cessation of hostilities between the holy Judge and guilty rebels.

This triumphant 'therefore' concludes Paul's exposition of justification (3:21-4:25). The justified possess peace with God (not merely peace about God), through our Lord Jesus Christ—the exclusive mediator whose death satisfied divine wrath. The verse launches a crescendo of benefits flowing from justification: peace (v.1), access and hope (v.2), endurance through suffering (vv.3-4), assurance of God's love (v.5), and ultimately the demonstration of that love in Christ's substitutionary death (vv.6-11).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Paul wrote Romans around AD 57 during a three-month stay in Corinth, preparing to deliver the collection to Jerusalem before visiting Rome en route to Spain. The church in Rome comprised both Jewish and Gentile believers, with tensions over law-observance and table fellowship. Paul's systematic exposition of justification by faith alone addressed these divisions, establishing that both groups stand equally condemned before God and equally justified by faith—no room for ethnic or religious boasting.

Reflection Questions

  1. If justification is a completed past-tense verdict, how does this truth change your daily battle with guilt and condemnation?
  2. What is the difference between having 'peace with God' and merely feeling peaceful about your relationship with God?
  3. How does the exclusivity of Christ as mediator ('through our Lord Jesus Christ') challenge contemporary religious pluralism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
Δικαιωθέντες1 of 15

“being justified”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

οὖν2 of 15

“Therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐκ3 of 15

“by”

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

πίστεως4 of 15

“faith”

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

εἰρήνην5 of 15

“peace”

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

ἔχομεν6 of 15

“we have”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

πρὸς7 of 15

“with”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν8 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεὸν9 of 15

“God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

διὰ10 of 15

“through”

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦ11 of 15
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

κυρίου12 of 15

“Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ἡμῶν13 of 15

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ14 of 15

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Χριστοῦ15 of 15

“Christ”

G5547

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

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 5:1 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 5:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 32:17Romans 15:13John 16:33Acts 13:38-39Colossians 1:20Romans 6:23

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 5 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Romans 5 with CommentaryAll Romans ChaptersComplete Romans QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes