King James Version

What Does Romans 8:17 Mean?

Romans 8:17 in the King James Version says “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God , and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may b... — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God , and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

Romans 8:17 · KJV


Context

15

For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

16

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

17

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God , and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

18

For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

19

For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ (ei tekna, kai klēronomoi; klēronomoi men theou, sugklēronomoi de Christou)—The logic is inexorable: children means heirs. Klēronomoi refers to legal inheritance rights. Believers are theou klēronomoi (God's heirs), inheriting not created blessings merely but God Himself as infinite treasure (Psalm 16:5; 73:25-26). Sugklēronomoi de Christou ("joint-heirs with Christ") is staggering: we inherit with Christ, sharing His inheritance—glory, honor, kingdom (Revelation 3:21; 21:7).

If so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together (eiper sumpaskhomen hina kai sundoxasthōmen)—The eiper clause assumes the condition is met: suffering with Christ is the path to glory with Christ. Sumpaskhō ("suffer with") and sundoxazō ("glorified together") use the sun- prefix ("with"), emphasizing union with Christ in both suffering and splendor. This isn't earning salvation but experiencing the pattern: cross before crown (Luke 24:26; Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 2:12).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The Roman world offered glory through military conquest, political power, or philosophical achievement. Christianity offered glory through suffering—a scandal to Roman values. Early martyrs embodied this: suffering for Christ brought eschatological glory. Tertullian wrote, "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church."

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to be "joint-heirs with Christ"—how does this surpass all earthly inheritances?
  2. How does suffering with Christ differ from mere hardship or persecution for other reasons?
  3. How does the certainty of future glorification sustain you through present suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
εἰ1 of 16

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δὲ2 of 16

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τέκνα3 of 16

children

G5043

a child (as produced)

καὶ4 of 16

also

G2532

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

κληρονόμοι5 of 16

heirs

G2818

a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor

κληρονόμοι6 of 16

heirs

G2818

a sharer by lot, i.e., inheritor (literally or figuratively); by implication, a possessor

μὲν7 of 16

of God

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

θεοῦ8 of 16
G2316

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

συγκληρονόμοι9 of 16

joint-heirs

G4789

a co-heir, i.e., (by analogy) participant in common

δὲ10 of 16

And

G1161

but, and, etc

Χριστοῦ11 of 16

with Christ

G5547

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

εἴπερ12 of 16

if so be

G1512

if perhaps

συμπάσχομεν13 of 16

that we suffer with

G4841

to experience pain jointly or of the same kind (specially, persecution; to "sympathize")

ἵνα14 of 16

him that

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

καὶ15 of 16

also

G2532

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

συνδοξασθῶμεν16 of 16

glorified together

G4888

to exalt to dignity in company (i.e., similarly) with


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 8:17 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 8:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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