Romans 1:4
What does Romans 1:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 1:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 1:4 means
Jesus was declared to be the Son of God with power by his resurrection from the dead, according to the spirit of holiness. The resurrection did not make him the Son, but publicly marked and vindicated him as such, displaying divine power. “According to the spirit of holiness” contrasts with “according to the flesh” (verse 3), pointing to the realm of the Spirit and Jesus’ holy, divine identity. The resurrection is God’s climactic proof that Jesus is Lord. The gospel proclaims not only a crucified Savior but a risen, reigning Lord—Jesus Christ our Lord—whose authority and power undergird the salvation Paul will unfold.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead; even Jesus Christ our Lord,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But was marked out as Son of God in power by the Holy Spirit through the coming to life again of the dead; Jesus Christ our Lord,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862who is marked out Son of God in power, according to the Spirit of sanctification, by the rising again from the dead,) Jesus Christ our Lord;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who was predestinated the Son of God in power, according to the spirit of sanctification, by the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890marked out Son ofGod in power, according to [the] Spirit of holiness, by resurrection of [the] dead) Jesus Christ our Lord;
Context
Verse 4 completes the two-aspect portrayal of the Son begun in verse 3: true humanity and powerful divine Sonship revealed in resurrection. With Jesus identified as Messiah and Lord, Paul is ready in verse 5 to explain his own commission flowing from Christ. The argument moves from Christ’s person and work to Paul’s apostolic mission, and then to the inclusion of the Roman believers themselves, preparing the way for gratitude (verses 8–12) and the gospel’s thesis (verses 16–17).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Peter 1:21
For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit.
- Acts 3:15
and killed the Prince of life; whom God raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.
- John 2:18
The Jews therefore answered and said unto him, What sign showest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
- Luke 24:26
Behooved it not the Christ to suffer these things, and to enter into his glory?
- 2 Corinthians 13:4
for he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth through the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him through the power of God toward you.
- Acts 4:10
be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even in him doth this man stand here before you whole.
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