Romans 8:33
What does Romans 8:33 mean?
A plain-English look at Romans 8:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Romans 8:33 means
With courtroom imagery, Paul asks who can bring a charge against God’s elect. The implied answer is “no one,” because it is God who justifies. The judge himself has declared the verdict of righteousness over believers based on Christ’s work. No prosecuting voice—human, demonic, or the accusing conscience—can overturn that decree. This assurance does not excuse sin; rather, it silences despair by directing us to God’s judicial act. Our standing is not precarious, subject to the latest accusation. It is anchored in God’s decision, issued from his throne of grace. The elect are those identified by God’s calling and faith in Christ, secure under his justifying word.
Romans 8:33 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 · 2000Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Who will say anything against the saints of God? It is God who makes us clear from evil;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Who shall lay a charge against the choice ones of God? God <FI>is<Fi> He that is declaring righteous,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Who shall accuse against the elect of God? God is he that justifieth:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Who shall bring an accusation againstGod's elect? [It is]God who justifies:
Context
After establishing God’s generosity in giving the Son (v. 32), Paul moves into legal territory. Verse 33 declares that no charge can stick against those whom God has justified. Verse 34 continues the courtroom theme by addressing condemnation and pointing to Christ’s death, resurrection, exaltation, and ongoing intercession. These legal assurances clear the ground for the climactic question in verse 35 about separation from Christ’s love.
v.32He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?
v.33This passage
v.34who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4
knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election,
- Galatians 3:8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.
- Job 34:8
Who goeth in company with the workers of iniquity, And walketh with wicked men?
- Psalms 35:11
Unrighteous witnesses rise up; They ask me of things that I know not.
- Matthew 24:24
For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect.
- Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.
Sermon ideas from Romans 8:33
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What Romans 8:33 teaches us about justification
What Romans 8:33 teaches us about indwelling spirit
What Romans 8:33 teaches us about adoption
What Romans 8:33 teaches us about final perseverance
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