King James Version

What Does Romans 8:38 Mean?

Romans 8:38 in the King James Version says “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor th...” — study this verse from Romans chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 8:38 · KJV

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life (pépeismai gàr hóti oúte thánatos oúte zōḕ)—Pépeismai is perfect tense passive: "I have been persuaded and remain persuaded"—settled conviction, not wishful hope. Paul begins listing potential separators: thánatos (death, the last enemy, 1 Corinthians 15:26) and zōḗ (life, with its trials and temptations). Neither temporal state can sever believers from God's love.

Nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers (oúte ánggeloi oúte archaì oúte dunámeis)—Ánggeloi (angels) likely refers to fallen angels (demons), given the context of threats. Archaí (principalities) and dunámeis (powers) are ranks of spiritual beings (Ephesians 6:12; Colossians 1:16). No spiritual force, however powerful, can separate believers from God's love. Satan's accusations (v. 33), demons' attacks—all are impotent against electing love.

Nor things present, nor things to come (oúte enestōta oúte méllonta)—Enestṓta (present things) and méllonta (future things) cover all temporal categories. Present trials and future fears cannot separate. This includes unforeseen circumstances, unanticipated sins, unexpected persecutions—nothing in time can break the bond.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The list of spiritual powers reflects first-century cosmology, which recognized various ranks of angels/demons. Paul's point is comprehensive: whatever spiritual hierarchy exists, none can overcome God's love. This combats fear of fate, astrology, and demonic forces prevalent in Greco-Roman religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's "persuasion" (settled conviction) differ from mere optimism or positive thinking?
  2. Why include both "death" and "life" as potential separators—what threats does life pose?
  3. How does confidence that spiritual powers cannot separate you from God's love affect fear of Satan or demons?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
πέπεισμαι1 of 17

“I am persuaded”

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

γὰρ2 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὅτι3 of 17

“that”

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

οὔτε4 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

θάνατος5 of 17

“death”

G2288

(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)

οὔτε6 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ζωὴ7 of 17

“life”

G2222

life (literally or figuratively)

οὔτε8 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἄγγελοι9 of 17

“angels”

G32

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

οὔτε10 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἀρχαὶ11 of 17

“principalities”

G746

(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)

οὔτε12 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

δυνάμεις13 of 17

“powers”

G1411

force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)

οὔτε14 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

ἐνεστῶτα15 of 17

“things present”

G1764

to place on hand, i.e., (reflexively) impend, (participle) be instant

οὔτε16 of 17

“neither”

G3777

not too, i.e., neither or nor; by analogy, not even

μέλλοντα17 of 17

“things to come”

G3195

to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili

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 8:38 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 10:28Romans 14:82 Timothy 1:121 Peter 5:8-101 Peter 3:22Colossians 1:16

Test Your Knowledge

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

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