King James Version

What Does Romans 8:29 Mean?

Romans 8:29 in the King James Version says “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstbo...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 8:29 · KJV

Context

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.

31

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?

Read Romans 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son (hóti hoùs proégnō, kaì proṓrisen summórphous tēs eikónos toû huioû autoû)—Proégnō ("foreknew") isn't mere awareness but electing love—God set His affection on specific individuals before creation (1 Peter 1:2, 20; Amos 3:2 uses "know" for covenant love). Proṓrisen ("predestined") means marked out beforehand, predetermined. The goal: summórphous tēs eikónos toû huioû ("conformed to the image of His Son")—believers transformed into Christ's moral likeness now (2 Corinthians 3:18), physical likeness at resurrection (Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2).

That he might be the firstborn among many brethren (eis tò eînai autòn prōtótokon en polloîs adelophoîs)—Prōtótokos ("firstborn") indicates both priority and preeminence (Colossians 1:15, 18). Christ is the prototype; believers are copies. He is the first to rise in glorified body; we follow. God's ultimate purpose in election is a redeemed family resembling the beloved Son, with Christ as the elder brother among countless siblings.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse anchors the "golden chain of redemption" (vv. 29-30). Pelagius denied predestination; Augustine affirmed it. The Reformation crystallized the doctrine: unconditional election based on God's sovereign will, not foreseen faith or works. Arminianism redefined foreknowledge as foresight of faith; Calvinism maintains it as electing love.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's "foreknowledge" as electing love differ from mere advance awareness of who would believe?
  2. What does being "conformed to Christ's image" involve—what specific character qualities?
  3. How does Christ being "firstborn among many brethren" provide assurance of your resurrection and glorification?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὅτι1 of 19

“For”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὓς2 of 19

“whom”

G3739

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

προέγνω3 of 19

“he did foreknow”

G4267

to know beforehand, i.e., foresee

καὶ4 of 19

“also”

G2532

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

προώρισεν5 of 19

“did predestinate”

G4309

to limit in advance, i.e., (figuratively) predetermine

συμμόρφους6 of 19

“to be conformed”

G4832

jointly formed, i.e., (figuratively) similar

τῆς7 of 19
G3588

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

εἰκόνος8 of 19

“to the image”

G1504

a likeness, i.e., (literally) statue, profile, or (figuratively) representation, resemblance

τοῦ9 of 19
G3588

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

υἱοῦ10 of 19

“Son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

αὐτὸν11 of 19

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἰς12 of 19

“that”

G1519

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

τὸ13 of 19
G3588

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

εἶναι14 of 19

“might be”

G1511

to exist

αὐτὸν15 of 19

“he”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρωτότοκον16 of 19

“the firstborn”

G4416

first-born (usually as noun, literally or figuratively)

ἐν17 of 19

“among”

G1722

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

πολλοῖς18 of 19

“many”

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

ἀδελφοῖς·19 of 19

“brethren”

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

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 8:29 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 8:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 1:4-5Jeremiah 1:5Ephesians 1:112 Timothy 1:91 Peter 1:20Revelation 13:8

Test Your Knowledge

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

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