Romans 14:9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

For {G1063} to {G1519} this {G5124} end Christ {G5547} both {G2532} died {G599}, and {G2532} rose {G450}, and {G2532} revived {G326}, that {G2443} he might be Lord {G2961} both {G2532} of the dead {G3498} and {G2532} living {G2198}.

indeed, it was for this very reason that the Messiah died and came back to life, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

For this reason Christ died and returned to life, that He might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living.

Commentary

Romans 14:9 is a pivotal verse within Paul’s instruction on Christian liberty and unity, providing the foundational theological reason for the principles he outlines regarding disputable matters among believers.

Context

This verse is found in Romans chapter 14, where the Apostle Paul addresses tensions within the Roman church between "strong" and "weak" believers, particularly concerning dietary laws and the observance of special days. Paul emphasizes that believers should not judge or despise one another over these non-essential issues. The passage highlights that each believer is accountable to God, not to fellow Christians, for their personal convictions in these areas. Verse 9 serves as the ultimate justification for this perspective: because Christ is the supreme Lord, our ultimate allegiance and accountability belong to Him alone.

Key Themes

  • The Lordship of Christ: This is the central message. Christ's authority is universal, extending over all humanity, whether alive or dead. His death, resurrection, and revival were all purposed to establish and demonstrate this absolute sovereignty.
  • The Significance of Christ's Death and Resurrection: The verse explicitly links Christ's atoning death and His triumphant resurrection ("died, and rose, and revived") directly to His established Lordship. Without these historical events, His claim to universal authority would be unfounded. This echoes the core Christian message of Christ's victory over death.
  • Unity in Christ's Sovereignty: Despite individual differences in practices or convictions (as discussed in the preceding verses), all believers are united under the singular Lordship of Jesus Christ. This shared allegiance should foster mutual acceptance rather than judgment.
  • Ultimate Accountability: Because Christ is Lord of both the living and the dead, believers are ultimately accountable to Him. This frees them from the burden of judging others and encourages them to live in a way that honors their Lord.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "died, and rose, and revived" captures the full scope of Christ's triumph. The Greek word for "revived" here is related to anestē (ἀνέστη), meaning "He rose again" or "He stood up." It emphasizes the active, victorious rising from the dead, reinforcing the power and authority inherent in His resurrection. The term "Lord" (kyrios - κύριος) is a powerful designation, signifying supreme authority, master, and sovereign ruler, reinforcing His rightful dominion over all.

Practical Application

Romans 14:9 calls believers to a profound awareness of Christ's supreme authority in their lives. It encourages:

  • Living for Christ: Since Christ is Lord, our lives, decisions, and convictions should be oriented towards honoring Him, not pleasing ourselves or others.
  • Non-Judgmental Attitude: Understanding Christ's universal Lordship should lead us to refrain from judging fellow believers on non-essential matters, as they too are ultimately accountable to the same Lord (Romans 14:10).
  • Unity in Diversity: This verse provides a powerful basis for Christian unity. While there may be diverse practices and interpretations on secondary issues, the shared confession of Jesus as Lord is the unifying truth that binds all believers together.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 1:18 (7 votes)

    [I am] he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.

  • Luke 24:26 (5 votes)

    Ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into his glory?

  • Hebrews 12:2 (4 votes)

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • John 5:22 (4 votes)

    For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

  • John 5:23 (4 votes)

    That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.

  • Matthew 28:18 (3 votes)

    And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

  • Acts 10:42 (3 votes)

    And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God [to be] the Judge of quick and dead.