King James Version

What Does Romans 8:31 Mean?

Romans 8:31 in the King James Version says “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:31 · KJV

Context

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?

33

Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
What shall we then say to these things? (Tí oûn eroûmen pròs taûta)—Taûta ("these things") references vv. 1-30, especially the golden chain of redemption. Paul asks rhetorically: given God's sovereign, comprehensive salvation—foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification—what conclusion must we draw? This introduces the triumphant finale (vv. 31-39), application of salvation's certainties.

If God be for us, who can be against us? (ei ho theòs hypèr hēmōn, tís kath' hēmōn)—Ei assumes the condition is true: God is for us (demonstrated in vv. 1-30). Hypèr hēmōn ("for us") means on our side, advocating for us. Tís kath' hēmōn ("who against us") is rhetorical—the expected answer is "no one who can prevail." Enemies exist (Satan, persecutors, sin), but none can overcome God's electing love. This isn't triumphalism denying suffering (vv. 17-18, 35-36) but confidence that no suffering can separate from God or thwart His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This verse sustained martyrs facing Rome's power. Stephen, facing stoning, saw Christ standing at God's right hand (Acts 7:55-56). Polycarp, burned alive (AD 155), refused to deny Christ: "Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?" God's advocacy guarantees victory despite temporal defeat.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does knowing "God is for us" sustain faith when circumstances suggest He is absent or opposed?
  2. Who or what feels "against us" in your life—how does this verse provide perspective?
  3. How does God being "for us" relate to the sufferings mentioned in vv. 17-18 and 35-36?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
τίς1 of 13

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν2 of 13

“then”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ἐροῦμεν3 of 13

“say”

G2046

an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say

πρὸς4 of 13

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ταῦτα5 of 13

“these things”

G5023

these things

εἰ6 of 13

“If”

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

ὁ7 of 13
G3588

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

θεὸς8 of 13

“God”

G2316

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

ὑπὲρ9 of 13

“be 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

ἡμῶν10 of 13

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

τίς11 of 13

“What”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

καθ'12 of 13

“can be against”

G2596

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

ἡμῶν13 of 13

“us”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 8:31 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 8:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 118:6Jeremiah 1:19Psalms 56:111 John 4:4Isaiah 54:17Jeremiah 20:11

Test Your Knowledge

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

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