King James Version

What Does Romans 5:11 Mean?

Romans 5:11 in the King James Version says “And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. atone...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. atonement: or, reconciliation”

Romans 5:11 · KJV

Joy

Context

9

Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.

10

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11

And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. atonement: or, reconciliation

12

Wherefore , as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: for that: or, in whom

13

(For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.

Read Romans 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ—Paul returns to καυχώμεθα (kauchōmetha, 'we boast/rejoice/exult'), now with God Himself as the object. The progression is striking: we boast in hope of glory (v.2), in tribulations (v.3), and supremely in God. This is the ultimate reversal of human pride: our boasting is not in ourselves but in the God who justifies the ungodly (4:5).

By whom we have now received the atonement (δι' οὗ νῦν τὴν καταλλαγὴν ἐλάβομεν)—the aorist ἐλάβομεν indicates definite past reception. KJV's 'atonement' translates καταλλαγή (katallagē), better rendered 'reconciliation' (as in v.10). The word doesn't appear in Greek OT sacrificial texts; Paul uses it for the restored relationship, not merely ritual covering. The temporal νῦν (nyn, 'now') emphasizes present possession—reconciliation is current reality, not future hope.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The concept of 'boasting in God' echoes Jeremiah 9:23-24 (LXX), which Paul quotes in 1 Corinthians 1:31 and 2 Corinthians 10:17—'Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.' This was countercultural in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts: Jews boasted in law-keeping and covenant status (2:17-23), Greeks in wisdom and eloquence (1 Corinthians 1:22-23). Paul insists the only legitimate boasting is in what God has done through Christ, excluding all self-congratulation.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the difference between 'joy in God' and joy in religious experiences, spiritual gifts, or Christian service?
  2. How can you tell whether your 'boasting' is genuinely in God's work through Christ or subtly in your own spiritual achievements?
  3. What does receiving reconciliation 'now' teach about assurance versus waiting until death to know your standing with God?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 21 words
οὐ1 of 21

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

μόνον2 of 21

“only”

G3440

merely

δέ3 of 21

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἀλλὰ4 of 21

“so but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ5 of 21

“we also”

G2532

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

καυχώμενοι6 of 21

“joy”

G2744

to vaunt (in a good or a bad sense)

ἐν7 of 21

“in”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ8 of 21
G3588

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

θεῷ9 of 21

“God”

G2316

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

δι'10 of 21

“by”

G1223

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

τοῦ11 of 21
G3588

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

κυρίου12 of 21

“Lord”

G2962

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

ἡμῶν13 of 21

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

Ἰησοῦ14 of 21

“Jesus”

G2424

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

Χριστοῦ15 of 21

“Christ”

G5547

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

δι'16 of 21

“by”

G1223

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

οὗ17 of 21

“whom”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

νῦν18 of 21

“now”

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

τὴν19 of 21
G3588

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

καταλλαγὴν20 of 21

“the atonement”

G2643

exchange (figuratively, adjustment), i.e., restoration to (the divine) favor

ἐλάβομεν21 of 21

“received”

G2983

while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 5:18-19Romans 5:10Isaiah 61:10Philippians 4:4Habakkuk 3:17-18Psalms 149:2

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