King James Version

What Does Romans 5:7 Mean?

Romans 5:7 in the King James Version says “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.”

Romans 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

6

For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. in due time: or, according to the time

7

For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die.

8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

9

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

Read Romans 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die—Paul contrasts human and divine love. Even extraordinary human sacrifice requires some worthiness in the object: one might die for a δίκαιος (dikaios, 'righteous/just' person, one who gives you your due) or ἀγαθός (agathos, 'good' person, one who goes beyond duty to show kindness). The distinction is subtle—the righteous are strictly just, the good are benevolent—but both possess qualities making them worthy of ultimate sacrifice.

Paul sets up the stunning contrast of verse 8: human love at its zenith might die for the worthy; divine love died for enemies. The word μόλις (molis, 'scarcely/with difficulty') emphasizes the extreme rarity even of dying for someone admirable. The apostle marshals human moral intuition to highlight the shocking superiority of God's love.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Greco-Roman culture celebrated heroic self-sacrifice but always for worthy causes: Socrates drinking hemlock for philosophical principle, soldiers dying for Rome's glory, friends dying for friends (John 15:13). Paul acknowledges this highest human achievement—then declares that God's love infinitely surpasses it by loving enemies. This would challenge both Jewish expectation of Messiah dying for righteous Israel and Greco-Roman celebration of noble death for noble ends.

Reflection Questions

  1. Can you think of someone 'good' for whom you might be willing to die—what qualities make them worthy of such sacrifice?
  2. How does meditating on Christ dying for you 'while you were His enemy' affect your willingness to love difficult people?
  3. What does the rarity of dying for even good people teach about the costliness and counter-intuitiveness of true love?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
μόλις1 of 15

“scarcely”

G3433

with difficulty

γὰρ2 of 15

“For”

G1063

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

ὑπὲρ3 of 15

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

δικαίου4 of 15

“a righteous man”

G1342

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

τις5 of 15

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀποθανεῖν·6 of 15

“die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

ὑπὲρ7 of 15

“for”

G5228

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

γὰρ8 of 15

“For”

G1063

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

τοῦ9 of 15
G3588

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

ἀγαθοῦ10 of 15

“a good man”

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

τάχα11 of 15

“peradventure”

G5029

shortly, i.e., (figuratively) possibly

τις12 of 15

“one”

G5100

some or any person or object

καὶ13 of 15

“even”

G2532

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

τολμᾷ14 of 15

“dare”

G5111

to venture (objectively or in act; while g2292 is rather subjective or in feeling); by implication, to be courageous

ἀποθανεῖν·15 of 15

“die”

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 15:131 John 3:16Romans 16:4Acts 11:242 Samuel 18:27Psalms 112:5

Test Your Knowledge

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

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