Romans 8:31
What does Romans 8:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:31 means
In light of God’s comprehensive saving work, Paul asks, “What shall we say to these things?” The answer is confident: if God is for us, no adversary can finally prevail. This is not bravado but faith in God’s committed favor. The focus is not on the size of our foes but on the greatness of our Ally. Hostility, accusation, and hardship are real, yet none can overturn God’s purpose. The verse invites believers to interpret every threat through the lens of God’s for-us stance revealed in the gospel. Courage flows from theology: the one who foreknew, called, justified, and glorified will not abandon his people midway.
Romans 8:31 in context
Romans 8 — No Condemnation, No Separation
The high-water mark of Paul's letters. There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. The Spirit of life sets us free from the law of sin and death; the same Spirit cries 'Abba, Father' in our hearts and assures us we are children and heirs. Suffering is real, but the glory ahead is incomparably greater. All things work together for good to those who love God. And nothing — neither death nor life nor angels nor things present nor things to come — shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Justification
- Indwelling Spirit
- Adoption
- Final perseverance
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?
KJV
King James Version · 1611What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949What may we say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862What, then, shall we say unto these things? if God <FI>is<Fi> for us, who <FI>is<Fi> against us?
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who is against us?
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890What shall we then say to these things? IfGod [be] for us, who against us?
Context
Verses 29–30 showcased God’s purpose and its effectual execution. Verse 31 draws the inference: divine favor outweighs all opposition. The next verse (v. 32) strengthens this assurance by pointing to the Father’s sacrifice of his own Son, arguing from the greater to the lesser—if he gave the Son, he will give all else needed. Verses 33–34 will then move into the courtroom to silence accusation and condemnation, consolidating the believer’s security.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 15:1
After these things the word of Jehovah came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
- Isaiah 54:17
No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, and their righteousness which is of me, saith Jehovah.
- Psalms 27:1
Jehovah is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? Jehovah is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?
- John 10:28
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, and no one shall snatch them out of my hand.
- Psalms 56:11
In God have I put my trust, I will not be afraid; What can man do unto me?
- 1 Samuel 14:6
And Jonathan said to the young man that bare his armor, Come, and let us go over unto the garrison of these uncircumcised: it may be that Jehovah will work for us; for there is no restraint to Jehovah to save by many or by few.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:31
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:31 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:31 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:31 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:31 teaches us about final perseverance
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