Romans 5:11

And not only [so], but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

And {G1161} not {G3756} only {G3440} so, but {G235} we also {G2532} joy {G2744} in {G1722} God {G2316} through {G1223} our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547}, by {G1223} whom {G3739} we have {G2983} now {G3568} received {G2983} the atonement {G2643}.

And not only will we be delivered in the future, but we are boasting about God right now, because he has acted through our Lord Yeshua the Messiah, through whom we have already received that reconciliation.

Not only that, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

and not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

This verse expands on the benefits received through faith in Jesus Christ, building upon the peace and access to grace mentioned in the preceding verses. It highlights a key result of justification: not just peace *with* God, but also joy *in* God.

Context

Romans chapter 5 begins by describing the blessed state of believers who have been justified by faith (Romans 5:1). Paul lists the immediate results: peace with God, access into grace, and hope of glory. Verse 10 speaks of being reconciled to God through the death of His Son while we were enemies. Verse 11 then adds another layer to this reconciliation and the resulting state – not just peace and hope, but active joy and celebration in God Himself.

Key Themes

  • Joy in God: The Christian life is not merely about escaping wrath, but about a positive, joyful relationship with God. This joy is distinct from worldly happiness and is rooted in God's character and our standing with Him.
  • Access Through Christ: Our ability to "joy in God" and receive "atonement" (reconciliation) is solely "through our Lord Jesus Christ." He is the mediator and the means by which we are brought into this relationship. This echoes the theme of access to the Father through Christ.
  • Received the Atonement: The word translated "atonement" in the KJV is katalagē (καταλλαγὴ) in Greek, which is more accurately translated as "reconciliation" in many modern versions. It signifies the change from a state of enmity to one of peace and favor. We have *received* this reconciliation, indicating it is a gift accepted by faith, not something we achieve.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's use of "atonement" here is significant. While today the word often implies making amends or satisfaction (as in the Old Testament Day of Atonement), its root meaning in English originally was "at-one-ment," signifying the state of being "at one" or reconciled. The Greek word katalagē (καταλλαγὴ) consistently means reconciliation or restoration to favor, emphasizing the mending of the broken relationship between God and humanity through Christ's work.

Reflection

Because we have been reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, our relationship with Him is fundamentally changed. We are no longer enemies but children, brought near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13). This restored relationship is the source of profound joy. Our joy is not in circumstances, but in God Himself, who has accepted us and brought us into His grace through His Son. This verse reminds us that reconciliation leads not just to peace and hope, but to a vibrant, joyful communion with our Creator.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Corinthians 5:18

    And all things [are] of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation;

  • 2 Corinthians 5:19

    To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

  • Romans 5:10

    For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

  • Philippians 4:4

    Rejoice in the Lord alway: [and] again I say, Rejoice.

  • Isaiah 61:10

    ¶ I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh [himself] with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth [herself] with her jewels.

  • Habakkuk 3:17

    Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither [shall] fruit [be] in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and [there shall be] no herd in the stalls:

  • Habakkuk 3:18

    Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

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