King James Version

What Does Romans 8:33 Mean?

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

Context

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

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?

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

Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather , that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(33, 34) **Who shall lay any thing** **. . .?**—The punctuation and arrangement of these clauses are somewhat difficult. It seems best on the whole to connect together the two clauses at the end of Romans 8:33, and beginning of Romans 8:34. The whole passage to the end of the chapter will then form a continuous proof of the certainty that all things shall be freely given to the Christian. Nothing can frustrate this: either on the side of *God,* for when He justifies none can condemn; or on the side of *Christy* whose death, and resurrection, and ascension, and intercession are pledges that nothing can separate us from His love. What have we to fear? When God pronounces our acquittal there is none who can pronounce our condemnation. Literally, *God is He who justifies, who then can condemn?* And answering to this in the next verse we have, Christ is He that died, &c. This is the two-fold answer to the question, “Who shall come forward to accuse God’s elect?” It is a conclusive reply to this to state the relation in which the accused stand to God and to Christ. **God’s elect.**—Christians as such with especial reference to the process which the Apostle has been describing in Romans 8:29-30.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 8:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.