King James Version

What Does Romans 8:34 Mean?

Romans 8:34 in the King James Version says “Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather , that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of Go... — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

Romans 8:34 · KJV


Context

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?

36

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again (Tís ho katakrinōn? Christòs ho apothanṓn, mâllon dè egerthéis)—Katakrinō ("condemn") means pronounce guilty, sentence to punishment. Who can condemn? Christ Himself is the answer—but He died to remove condemnation! Apothanṓn (aorist: "died") emphasizes the completed sacrifice. Mâllon dè ("yea rather") adds climactic emphasis: egerthéis ("risen")—the resurrection vindicates Christ's sacrifice as accepted by God (Romans 4:25; 1 Corinthians 15:17).

Who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us (hos kaì estin en dexią̂ toû theoû, hòs kaì entugchánei hypèr hēmōn)—Christ's present session "at God's right hand" (Psalm 110:1; Acts 2:33; Hebrews 1:3) indicates sovereignty and finished work. Yet He entugchánei ("makes intercession")—ongoing priestly advocacy (Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1). Christ who died, rose, and reigns now represents believers before the Father. How can we be condemned when our Judge is our Advocate?

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Christ's heavenly intercession was crucial in Reformation debates over assurance. Roman Catholic theology emphasized Mary and saints as intercessors; Protestantism affirmed Christ as sole Mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). His intercession isn't begging an unwilling Father but presenting His finished work as basis for the Father's blessing.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's death, resurrection, and heavenly intercession provide triple assurance against condemnation?
  2. What is Christ interceding for—what does His priestly advocacy involve?
  3. How does knowing Christ (your Judge) is your Advocate change how you approach God with sin and failure?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
τίς1 of 22

Who

G5101

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

2 of 22
G3588

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

κατακρίνων;3 of 22

is he that condemneth

G2632

to judge against, i.e., sentence

Χριστὸς4 of 22

It is Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

5 of 22
G3588

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

ἀποθανών6 of 22

that died

G599

to die off (literally or figuratively)

μᾶλλον7 of 22

rather

G3123

(adverbially) more (in a greater degree)) or rather

δὲ8 of 22

yea

G1161

but, and, etc

καὶ9 of 22

also

G2532

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

ἐγερθείς10 of 22

that is risen again

G1453

to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from

ὃς11 of 22

who

G3739

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

καὶ12 of 22

also

G2532

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

ἐστιν13 of 22

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἐν14 of 22

at

G1722

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

δεξιᾷ15 of 22

the right hand

G1188

the right side or (feminine) hand (as that which usually takes)

τοῦ16 of 22
G3588

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

θεοῦ17 of 22

of God

G2316

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

ὃς18 of 22

who

G3739

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

καὶ19 of 22

also

G2532

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

ἐντυγχάνει20 of 22

maketh intercession

G1793

to chance upon, i.e., (by implication) confer with; by extension to entreat (in favor or against)

ὑπὲρ21 of 22

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

ἡμῶν22 of 22

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 8:34 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 8:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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