King James Version

What Does Romans 8:28 Mean?

Romans 8:28 in the King James Version says “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his pu...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 · KJV

Love

Context

26

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. because: or, that

28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30

Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God (oídamen hóti toîs agapōsin tòn theòn pánta sunergeî eis agathón)—Oídamen ("we know") is confident certainty. Pánta ("all things")—not some things, not most things, but all things. Sunergeî ("work together") indicates cooperative action: all events, even evil and suffering, are woven by God's providence into a pattern for good. This isn't optimism ("everything is good") but confidence in God's sovereignty ("God causes all things to accomplish good").

To them who are the called according to his purpose (toîs katà próthesin klētoîs oûsin)—The promise is limited to toîs agapōsin tòn theón ("those who love God") and toîs katà próthesin klētoîs ("those called according to purpose"). Loving God and being called are twin marks of the elect. Próthesis ("purpose") is God's eternal plan, His sovereign decree to save specific individuals (Ephesians 1:11). The "good" God works toward is conformity to Christ (v. 29), ultimate glorification (v. 30).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse became central in debates over providence and evil. Augustine, Calvin, and Puritan theologians emphasized God's meticulous sovereignty—even Satan's attacks serve God's purposes (Job 1-2; Genesis 50:20). This doesn't make God the author of sin but affirms His sovereign orchestration of all events toward redemptive ends.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this promise sustain believers through tragedies that seem anything but "good"?
  2. What is the "good" God is working all things toward—what is the ultimate goal?
  3. How do "those who love God" and "those who are called" relate—which comes first?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
οἴδαμεν1 of 16

“we know”

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

δὲ2 of 16

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅτι3 of 16

“to them that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

τοῖς4 of 16
G3588

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

ἀγαπῶσιν5 of 16

“love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

τὸν6 of 16
G3588

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

θεὸν7 of 16

“God”

G2316

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

πάντα8 of 16

“that all things”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

συνεργεῖ9 of 16

“work together”

G4903

to be a fellow-worker, i.e., co-operate

εἰς10 of 16

“for”

G1519

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

ἀγαθόν11 of 16

“good”

G18

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

τοῖς12 of 16
G3588

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

κατὰ13 of 16

“according”

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

πρόθεσιν14 of 16

“to his purpose”

G4286

a setting forth, i.e., (figuratively) proposal (intention); specially, the show-bread (in the temple) as exposed before god

κλητοῖς15 of 16

“the called”

G2822

invited, i.e., appointed, or (specially), a saint

οὖσιν16 of 16

“to them who are”

G5607

being

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 8:28 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 8:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Peter 5:10James 1:12Genesis 50:20Romans 5:3-51 Corinthians 2:9Romans 8:35-39

Test Your Knowledge

Romans 8 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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