King James Version

What Does Romans 8:36 Mean?

Romans 8:36 in the King James Version says “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:36 · KJV

Context

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.

37

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,

Read Romans 8 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter (kathṑs gégraptai hóti Hénekén sou thanathoúmetha hólēn tḕn hēméran, elogísthēmen hōs próbata sphagēs)—Paul quotes Psalm 44:22, where Israel laments persecution despite covenant faithfulness. Hénekén sou ("for your sake") indicates suffering because of allegiance to God. Thanathoúmetha hólēn tḕn hēméran ("killed all the day long") uses present tense: continuous, ongoing threat of death.

Elogísthēmen hōs próbata sphagēs ("accounted as sheep for slaughter")—believers are viewed by enemies as expendable, destined for killing like sheep led to butcher. Yet this echoes Isaiah 53:7: Christ as the suffering Servant, "led as a lamb to the slaughter." Union with Christ means sharing His sufferings (Philippians 3:10; Colossians 1:24). Far from disproving God's love, suffering confirms our identification with Christ.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Psalm 44 was used in synagogue liturgy during persecution. Paul applies it to Christian experience under Roman suspicion and Jewish hostility. The early church embraced martyrdom as participation in Christ's sufferings. Martyrs sang hymns and quoted Romans 8 as they faced lions, crosses, and flames.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does suffering "for Christ's sake" differ from general human suffering or self-inflicted hardship?
  2. What does being "accounted as sheep for slaughter" reveal about how the world views faithful Christians?
  3. How does this verse prepare believers for potential martyrdom while living in relative peace?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καθὼς1 of 13

“As”

G2531

just (or inasmuch) as, that

γέγραπται2 of 13

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

ὅτι3 of 13
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Ἕνεκά4 of 13

“sake”

G1752

on account of

σοῦ5 of 13

“For thy”

G4675

of thee, thy

θανατούμεθα6 of 13

“we are killed”

G2289

to kill

ὅλην7 of 13

“all”

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὴν8 of 13
G3588

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

ἡμέραν9 of 13

“the day long”

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

ἐλογίσθημεν10 of 13

“we are accounted”

G3049

to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)

ὡς11 of 13

“as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

πρόβατα12 of 13

“sheep”

G4263

something that walks forward (a quadruped), i.e., (specially), a sheep (literally or figuratively)

σφαγῆς13 of 13

“for the slaughter”

G4967

butchery (of animals for food or sacrifice, or (figuratively) of men (destruction))

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 8:36 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 8:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 44:22Isaiah 53:71 Corinthians 15:301 Corinthians 4:92 Corinthians 4:10-11Acts 8:32

Test Your Knowledge

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

Continue Your Study

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