King James Version

What Does Romans 8:30 Mean?

Romans 8:30 in the King James Version says “Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justifie...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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.”

Romans 8:30 · KJV

Context

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?

32

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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 (hoùs dè proṓrisen, toútous kaì ekálesen; kaì hoùs ekálesen, toútous kaì edikáiōsen; hoùs dè edikáiōsen, toútous kaì edóxasen)—The golden chain: foreknowledge (v. 29) → predestination → calling → justification → glorification. Each link is connected: all predestined are called, all called are justified, all justified are glorified. No attrition, no loss between links—divine purpose cannot fail.

The aorist tense edóxasen ("glorified") is striking—glorification is so certain Paul uses past tense though it's future. This is the "prophetic perfect"—what God has determined is as good as accomplished. The chain demonstrates: (1) Salvation originates in eternity (foreknowledge, predestination), (2) Enters time (calling, justification), (3) Culminates in eternity (glorification). Justification (legal declaration) guarantees glorification (moral transformation). None justified will be lost—God finishes what He starts (Philippians 1:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

This passage has been central in sovereignty-freedom debates. Calvinism sees an unbreakable chain proving perseverance of the saints—all truly justified will be glorified. Arminianism argues believers can forfeit salvation through apostasy. Paul's grammar strongly favors perseverance: the same people move through every stage.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the unbreakable chain from predestination to glorification provide assurance of salvation's completion?
  2. Why does Paul use past tense ("glorified") for something still future—what does this reveal about God's purposes?
  3. How do effectual calling and justification relate—can someone be called but not justified, or justified but not glorified?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 18 words
οὓς1 of 18

“whom”

G3739

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

δὲ2 of 18

“Moreover”

G1161

but, and, etc

προώρισεν3 of 18

“he did predestinate”

G4309

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

τούτους4 of 18

“them”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

καὶ5 of 18

“also”

G2532

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

ἐκάλεσεν6 of 18

“called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

καὶ7 of 18

“also”

G2532

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

οὓς8 of 18

“whom”

G3739

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

ἐκάλεσεν9 of 18

“called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

τούτους10 of 18

“them”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

καὶ11 of 18

“also”

G2532

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

ἐδικαίωσεν12 of 18

“he”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

οὓς13 of 18

“whom”

G3739

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

δὲ14 of 18

“Moreover”

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐδικαίωσεν15 of 18

“he”

G1344

to render (i.e., show or regard as) just or innocent

τούτους16 of 18

“them”

G5128

these (persons, as objective of verb or preposition)

καὶ17 of 18

“also”

G2532

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

ἐδόξασεν18 of 18

“glorified”

G1392

to render (or esteem) glorious (in a wide application)

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 8:30 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 8:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Revelation 17:14Romans 8:28Ephesians 1:11Romans 9:23-24Ephesians 1:5Hebrews 9:15

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

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