King James Version
What Does Romans 8:38 Mean?
“For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,”
Context
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,
39
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(38) **Neither death, nor life** **. . .**—The enumeration that follows is intended to include (poetically rather than logically) every possible category of being, especially those unseen powers of evil against which the warfare of the Christian was more particularly directed.
**Nor principalities.**—Comp. Ephesians 6:12, “We wrestle . . . against principalities, against powers;” terms belonging to the Jewish enumeration of angels. The critical evidence is however absolutely decisive in separating “powers” from “principalities” in this instance and placing it after “things present, nor things to come.” It would be better therefore to take it in a wider sense: “Agencies of every kind, personal or impersonal.”
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 8:38 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 8:38
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge