King James Version

What Does Romans 8:33 Mean?

Romans 8:33 in the King James Version says “Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

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.

35

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

KJV Study Commentary
Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? (Tís enkaleséi katà eklektōn theoû)—Enkaleséi is legal terminology: bring charges, accuse in court. Eklektōn theoû ("God's elect") are those chosen before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4). Who can successfully accuse them? Satan is "the accuser" (Revelation 12:10), conscience accuses (1 John 3:20), law accuses (Romans 7:7-13)—but accusations cannot condemn the elect.

It is God that justifieth (theòs ho dikaiōn)—This answers the question: no accusation stands because God Himself has declared the elect righteous. Dikaióō ("justify") is forensic: pronounce righteous, acquit in court. The Judge has declared "not guilty" based on Christ's righteousness imputed to believers (3:21-26; 2 Corinthians 5:21). No higher court exists to overturn God's verdict. Justification is God's final, irrevocable declaration.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Medieval Catholic theology made justification a process (progressive sanctification). Luther's breakthrough: justification is instantaneous legal declaration—God reckons Christ's righteousness to believers apart from works. This provides unshakable assurance: standing before God depends on Christ's merit, not ours.

Reflection Questions

  1. What accusations (from Satan, conscience, others) threaten your assurance—how does God's justification answer them?
  2. How does understanding justification as God's legal verdict rather than moral transformation provide assurance?
  3. What's the relationship between being "God's elect" and being justified—which comes first logically?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
τίς1 of 8

“Who”

G5101

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

ἐγκαλέσει2 of 8

“shall lay any thing”

G1458

to call in (as a debt or demand), i.e., bring to account (charge, criminate, etc.)

κατὰ3 of 8

“to the charge”

G2596

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

ἐκλεκτῶν4 of 8

“elect”

G1588

select; by implication, favorite

θεὸς5 of 8

“It is God”

G2316

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

θεὸς6 of 8

“It is God”

G2316

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

ὁ7 of 8
G3588

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

δικαιῶν·8 of 8

“that justifieth”

G1344

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

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

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 8:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 50:8-9Revelation 12:10-11Isaiah 54:17Romans 8:1Luke 18:71 Thessalonians 1:4

Test Your Knowledge

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

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