Romans 13:11

KJV

¶ And that, knowing the time, that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep: for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that {G5124}, knowing {G1492} the time {G2540}, that {G3754} now {G2235} it is high time {G5610} to awake {G2248}{G1453} out of {G1537} sleep {G5258}: for {G1063} now {G3568} is our {G2257} salvation {G4991} nearer {G1452} than {G2228} when {G3753} we believed {G4100}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Besides all this, you know at what point of history we stand; so it is high time for you to rouse yourselves from sleep; for the final deliverance is nearer than when we first came to trust.

Berean Standard Bible

And do this, understanding the occasion. The hour has come for you to wake up from your slumber, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.

American Standard Version

And this, knowing the season, that already it is time for you to awake out of sleep: for now is salvation nearer to us than when wefirstbelieved.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 13:11 serves as a fervent call to spiritual vigilance and purposeful living for believers, urging them to awaken from complacency in light of the rapidly approaching culmination of their salvation. Paul emphasizes that a keen awareness of the present spiritual season, characterized by the progressive nearness of Christ's return and the full realization of God's redemptive plan, should profoundly motivate believers to abandon the deeds of darkness and embrace a life consistent with their identity in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 13:11 is strategically placed within Paul's broader exhortation on Christian ethics and conduct, following his discussions on submission to governing authorities ([Romans 13:1-7](/romans/13-1-7 "Romans 13:1-7 - Submission to Governing Authorities")) and the supremacy of love as the fulfillment of the law ([Romans 13:8-10](/romans/13-8-10 "Romans 13:8-10 - Love Fulfills the Law")). This verse marks a pivotal transition, shifting the motivation for righteous living from adherence to external commands or even the internal principle of love to an urgent awareness of eschatological time. It acts as a powerful bridge, leading directly into the practical implications of this spiritual awakening in the subsequent verses, which call believers to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ" and "make no provision for the flesh" ([Romans 13:12-14](/romans/13-12-14 "Romans 13:12-14 - Walk in the Light")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community in Rome faced unique pressures, including internal divisions between Jewish and Gentile believers, external persecution, and the pervasive moral laxity of Roman society. Paul's letter addresses these challenges by grounding Christian conduct in theological truth. The concept of "time" (Greek: _kairos_) would have resonated with a culture that understood moments of divine opportunity or critical junctures. The call to "awake out of sleep" would have been a vivid metaphor, contrasting the spiritual lethargy or moral compromise common in the pagan world with the alert, intentional living expected of those who awaited the return of their Lord. This urgency was particularly relevant for a community living under the shadow of the Roman Empire, where the temptations of worldly living were ever-present.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes in Romans and Pauline theology. It underscores the **Spiritual Urgency and Awareness** required of believers, emphasizing that a discerning understanding of God's unfolding timeline is crucial for ethical living. The phrase "knowing the time" highlights a critical awareness of the present spiritual season, which is presented as "high time to awake out of sleep," a potent metaphor for shaking off spiritual lethargy, complacency, or moral indifference. Secondly, it articulates the **Eschatological Hope and Nearness of Salvation**, clarifying that "our salvation is nearer than when we believed." This "salvation" refers not to initial justification by faith (which they already possessed, as discussed in [Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Justification by Faith")), but to the ultimate consummation of their redemption, often associated with the glorious return of Christ ([1 Thessalonians 4:16-17](/1_thessalonians/4-16-17 "1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 - The Lord's Descent")), the resurrection of believers, and their final glorification. This truth serves as a profound motivation for the **Call to Action and Righteous Living**, leading directly to the practical implications of shedding the "works of darkness" and putting on the "armor of light" ([Romans 13:12](/romans/13-12 "Romans 13:12 - Lay Aside Works of Darkness")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowing (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, used in the perfect tense here, implies a settled, experiential knowledge or awareness. It's not merely intellectual apprehension but a deep understanding that informs one's perspective and actions. The believer is called to a state of being aware, to perceive and understand the critical nature of the present time, not just intellectually, but with a conviction that shapes their life.
* **awake (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This word signifies to rouse, awaken, or raise up. It can be used literally for waking from sleep, but here it is clearly figurative, referring to a spiritual awakening. It implies a transition from a state of spiritual torpor, inactivity, or moral insensitivity ("sleep") to one of vigilance, alertness, and active engagement in righteous living. It's a call to shake off spiritual slumber and rise to action.
* **salvation (Greek, _sōtēría'_):** While "salvation" can refer to deliverance from sin (justification) or the ongoing process of sanctification, in this context, it specifically points to the future, completed aspect of salvation—the final deliverance, glorification, and full redemption of the believer at Christ's return. It is the ultimate realization of what was begun at conversion, the final and definitive rescue from all the effects of sin and the full experience of God's presence.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that, knowing the time":** This opening phrase connects the exhortation to the preceding principles of love and submission. "That" (G5124, _toûto_) refers back to the entire preceding section, implying that living out Christian responsibilities is rooted in a fundamental awareness. "Knowing the time" (G1492, _eídō_; G2540, _kairós_) emphasizes a perceptive understanding of the present moment as an opportune or appointed time, a critical season in God's redemptive plan, rather than merely chronological time. Believers are to live with an informed spiritual discernment.
* **"that now [it is] high time to awake out of sleep":** The conjunction "that" (G3754, _hóti_) introduces the reason or content of what is known. "Now" (G2235, _ḗdē_) stresses the immediate urgency. "High time" (G5610, _hṓra_) reinforces the idea of a decisive, opportune moment. To "awake out of sleep" (G1453, _egeírō_ G1537, _ek_ G5258, _hýpnos_) is a powerful metaphor. "Sleep" (G5258, _hýpnos_) here signifies spiritual apathy, moral indifference, or a state of unawareness regarding God's purposes and the implications of Christian faith. The call is to shake off this spiritual lethargy and become vigilant and active.
* **"for now [is] our salvation nearer than when we believed":** The particle "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the primary motivation for this awakening. "Now" (G3568, _nŷn_) again emphasizes immediacy. The core message is that "our salvation" (G2257, _hēmōn_ G4991, _sōtēría_), referring to the final, glorious consummation of redemption, is continually drawing "nearer" (G1452, _engýteron_) with each passing moment. This progressive nearness is compared to "when we believed" (G3753, _hóte_ G4100, _pisteúō_), marking the point of their initial conversion and justification. The future hope is not static but dynamically approaching, providing a powerful impetus for present action.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs **Metaphor** in this verse, most notably with the phrase "awake out of sleep." "Sleep" here functions as a powerful symbol for spiritual lethargy, moral complacency, or a state of unawareness regarding God's purposes and the urgency of the times. The call to "awake" is thus an exhortation to spiritual vigilance, active faith, and ethical living. The verse also utilizes **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the past moment of initial belief with the present reality of salvation drawing nearer, creating a sense of dynamic progression. Furthermore, the repeated use of "now" (Greek: _ḗdē_ and _nŷn_) emphasizes a strong sense of **Urgency**, compelling the reader to immediate action and a re-evaluation of their priorities in light of the unfolding divine timeline.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 13:11 profoundly connects to the broader biblical theme of eschatological awareness shaping present ethics. It encapsulates the "already but not yet" tension of Christian theology: believers have already received salvation in Christ, yet its full consummation (glorification) is still future. This verse teaches that the certainty of future hope should not lead to passive waiting but to active, vigilant living. It underscores the concept that time is not merely a linear progression but a divinely appointed series of moments (_kairoi_) pregnant with significance. The nearness of Christ's return and the final realization of God's redemptive plan serve as the ultimate motivation for sanctification, urging believers to live in a manner consistent with their future glory, shedding the "works of darkness" and embracing the "armor of light." This understanding of time transforms Christian duty into joyful anticipation and urgent obedience.

* [1 Corinthians 15:51-52](/1_corinthians/15-51-52 "The Mystery of Resurrection")
* [Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Our Citizenship in Heaven")
* [1 John 3:2-3](/1_john/3-2-3 "Children of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 13:11 serves as a timeless and urgent call for every believer to examine their spiritual state and live with intentionality. In a world often characterized by distraction, apathy, and moral compromise, Paul's words pierce through the noise, reminding us that our ultimate redemption is not a distant, abstract concept but an ever-approaching reality. This truth should not induce fear or idleness, but rather a profound sense of purpose and a renewed commitment to Christ-like living. It challenges us to shed any spiritual slumber, complacency, or indifference that might hinder our walk with God. Living with an awareness of the "time" means discerning the spiritual climate, recognizing opportunities for righteousness, and actively participating in God's kingdom work. It compels us to align our daily choices, priorities, and relationships with the values of the coming age, motivating us to pursue holiness and love with greater diligence, knowing that our final salvation is closer now than ever before.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be spiritually "asleep" or complacent, and what steps can I take to "awake"?**
* **How does the truth that "our salvation is nearer" impact my daily priorities, decisions, and pursuit of holiness?**
* **What specific "works of darkness" (as implied by the context of Romans 13:12-14) do I need to shed, and what "armor of light" do I need to put on?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's unfolding timeline and live more purposefully in light of His coming?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "knowing the time" in Romans 13:11?**

Answer: By "knowing the time," Paul refers to a spiritual discernment of the present era as a critical and opportune moment (Greek: _kairos_) in God's redemptive plan. It's not about predicting specific dates or times, but understanding the urgency and significance of the period leading up to Christ's return and the full consummation of salvation. This awareness should profoundly impact a believer's conduct and priorities, prompting them to live vigilantly and righteously, as highlighted in [Ephesians 5:15-16](/ephesians/5-15-16 "Ephesians 5:15-16 - Make the Best Use of Time").

**What "salvation" is Paul referring to when he says "our salvation is nearer"?**

Answer: In this context, "salvation" (Greek: _sōtēría_) refers to the future, completed aspect of the believer's redemption, often called glorification. It is the ultimate deliverance from the presence and power of sin, the resurrection of the body, and the full experience of God's presence in eternity. While believers are already saved (justified) by faith, Paul emphasizes that the final, glorious realization of that salvation is progressively drawing closer, serving as a powerful motivation for present holy living, as seen in [Hebrews 9:28](/hebrews/9-28 "Hebrews 9:28 - Christ's Second Coming for Salvation").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 13:11 finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "time" that believers are to "know" is defined by Christ's first coming, which inaugurated the "last days" ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrew/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")), and His promised second coming, which will bring about the full and final "salvation." Christ's atoning work on the cross secured our justification and initiated our spiritual awakening, pulling us "out of sleep" in sin and death and into new life ([Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - Made Alive in Christ")). The nearness of our ultimate salvation is entirely dependent on Christ's return, when He will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship in Heaven")) and we will be fully conformed to His image. Therefore, the call to "awake out of sleep" is fundamentally a call to live in light of Christ's finished work and His certain future reign, putting on "the Lord Jesus Christ" Himself as our very garment and way of life ([Romans 13:14](/romans/13-14 "Romans 13:14 - Put on the Lord Jesus Christ")). Our present vigilance and righteous living are a direct response to the glorious reality of who Christ is and what He has accomplished and will yet accomplish for us.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 5:5

Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

1 Thessalonians 5:8

But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.

1 Peter 4:7

¶ But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.

Ephesians 5:14

Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.

Mark 13:35

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

Mark 13:37

And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

1 Corinthians 15:34

Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak [this] to your shame.