Romans 5:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:11 extends Paul's exposition on the profound benefits of justification by faith, revealing that beyond peace with God and access to grace, believers are granted a profound, active joy in God Himself. This joy is not circumstantial but is rooted in the accomplished work of reconciliation, which has been freely received through the mediatorial role of our Lord Jesus Christ, transforming our former enmity into a state of restored favor and intimate communion with the divine.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5 begins by establishing the foundational truth of justification by faith, leading to peace with God and access into His grace ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Justification, Peace, and Access")). Paul then explores the transformative power of suffering, which produces endurance, character, and hope, confirming that God's love is poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - The Benefits of Suffering")). The argument culminates in the profound reality of Christ's death for us while we were still weak, ungodly, and enemies, reconciling us to God ([Romans 5:6-10](/romans/5-6-10 "Romans 5:6-10 - Christ Died for Us")). Verse 11 serves as a triumphant capstone to this section, asserting that not only have we been reconciled, but this reconciliation enables us to "joy in God," adding an experiential and relational dimension to the legal and theological realities previously discussed. It transitions from the objective work of reconciliation to the subjective experience of the reconciled.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to a diverse community of believers in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile converts. The concept of "atonement" or "reconciliation" would resonate with both groups. For Jews, it would evoke the Old Testament sacrificial system, particularly the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where reconciliation with God was sought through prescribed rituals. Paul, however, redefines this through the singular, definitive sacrifice of Christ. For Gentiles, particularly those familiar with Roman society, the idea of reconciliation (Latin: *reconciliatio*) could be understood in terms of restoring a broken relationship, perhaps between individuals or even between a patron and client. The legalistic emphasis on justification and the relational emphasis on reconciliation would have significant implications in a society structured by law and social standing. The "joy in God" would contrast sharply with the often-fickle happiness derived from worldly success or pagan rituals, pointing to a deeper, more enduring source of delight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Reconciliation**, emphasizing the radical shift from enmity with God to a state of restored favor and peace, a concept central to Paul's understanding of salvation. Secondly, it highlights the **Sovereignty of God's Grace**, as reconciliation is not earned but "received" as a divine gift through Christ's initiative. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Joy in God**, distinguishing Christian joy from mere worldly happiness; it is a profound delight rooted in God's character and our restored relationship with Him, even amidst suffering, as explored in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Joy in Suffering"). Finally, it reinforces the **Centrality of Christ's Mediation**, unequivocally stating that all these benefits—peace, reconciliation, and joy—are accessible "through our Lord Jesus Christ," solidifying His indispensable role as the sole means of salvation and access to God, a truth echoed throughout Paul's epistles, such as in [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father Through Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **joy (Greek, _kaucháomai'_):** This verb means "to boast," "to glory," or "to rejoice." In this context, it signifies a profound and triumphant exultation. It's not merely a feeling of happiness but an active, confident, and often public expression of delight in something or someone. Here, the object of this boasting is God Himself, indicating a deep satisfaction and confidence in His character and work, stemming from the reconciliation achieved through Christ.
* **received (Greek, _lambánō'_):** This verb means "to take," "to obtain," or "to accept." It implies an active reception of something offered, rather than a passive experience or something earned. The use of the perfect tense ("have now received") indicates a completed action with ongoing results. Believers have definitively taken hold of this reconciliation, making it a present and permanent reality in their lives.
* **atonement (Greek, _katallagḗ'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to exchange" or "to change thoroughly," this noun signifies "reconciliation" or "restoration to favor." While the KJV translates it as "atonement," its primary meaning in Greek is the mending of a broken relationship, the transition from hostility to peace. It emphasizes the *result* of Christ's work – the state of being "at one" with God – rather than the specific means (like a payment or sacrifice), though Christ's sacrifice is indeed the basis for this reconciliation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And not only [so], but we also joy in God":** This clause serves as a powerful amplification, building upon the previous benefits of justification (peace, access, hope, being saved from wrath). Paul asserts that the Christian experience extends beyond merely escaping condemnation; it includes a dynamic and active "joy in God." This joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep, settled delight and boasting in God's character, His love, and His redemptive work on our behalf. It points to a restored, positive relationship with the Creator.
* **"through our Lord Jesus Christ":** This phrase is crucial, identifying the exclusive and indispensable means by which both the "joy in God" and the subsequent "atonement" (reconciliation) are made possible. Jesus Christ is the sole mediator, the channel through whom all divine blessings flow to humanity. His Lordship underscores His authority and saving power, while His name "Jesus Christ" points to His identity as the Messiah and Savior.
* **"by whom we have now received the atonement":** This final clause clarifies the basis for the believer's joy. The "atonement" (reconciliation) is not something we achieve but something we "have now received" as a completed gift. The "now" emphasizes the present reality and certainty of this reconciliation. It is through Christ's work that the broken relationship between God and humanity has been fully restored, transforming former enemies into beloved children, and this restored relationship is the wellspring of our profound joy.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to enhance the impact of Romans 5:11. The phrase "And not only [so], but we also..." functions as a powerful **Amplification** or **Climax**, building upon the preceding arguments about peace, access, and salvation from wrath. It signals that the benefits of justification extend even further, culminating in the profound experience of joy in God. The consistent repetition of "through our Lord Jesus Christ" or "by whom" across this section (e.g., [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace Through Christ"), [Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Saved by His Life and Death")) serves as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, underscoring the absolute centrality and exclusivity of Christ's mediatorial role in salvation. Furthermore, the term "atonement" (reconciliation) can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the effect (reconciliation, the state of being "at one" with God) stands for the cause (Christ's atoning work). The word "now" (G3568 - _nŷn_) provides a temporal **Emphasis**, highlighting the immediate and present reality of this received reconciliation, contrasting with a future hope or a past promise.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:11 powerfully articulates the profound shift in humanity's relationship with God, moving from alienation and enmity to intimate reconciliation and joyful communion. This verse underscores that salvation is not merely a legal declaration of "not guilty" but a relational transformation, a restoration of fellowship with the Creator. Our joy in God is a direct consequence of His sovereign grace, which initiated and accomplished this reconciliation through Christ's sacrificial work. It reveals God's character as one who actively seeks to restore His creation, not just to pardon, but to embrace. This joy is a spiritual fruit, distinct from worldly happiness, rooted in the secure knowledge of our standing with God, enabling believers to rejoice even amidst trials, as their ultimate hope and security are found in Him.

* [2 Corinthians 5:18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - Ministry of Reconciliation")
* [Colossians 1:21-22](/colossians/1-21-22 "Colossians 1:21-22 - Reconciled in Christ's Body")
* [Philippians 4:4](/philippians/4-4 "Philippians 4:4 - Rejoice in the Lord Always")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:11 calls believers to a profound, active posture of joy in God, a joy that transcends circumstances because it is rooted in the unchanging reality of our reconciliation through Christ. In a world often characterized by anxiety, despair, or fleeting pleasures, this verse reminds us that our deepest satisfaction and most enduring delight are found not in what we possess or achieve, but in who God is and what He has done for us. To "joy in God" means to find our boast, our glory, and our ultimate happiness in His character, His love, and His finished work of salvation. This reconciliation means we are no longer strangers or enemies, but beloved children, brought near by the blood of Christ. This truth should transform our perspective on life, empowering us to face challenges with confidence, knowing that our relationship with God is secure and that He is for us. It invites us to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude and worship, constantly acknowledging the immense gift of being "at one" with our Creator through Jesus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding reconciliation as a gift, "received" through Christ, deepen your sense of joy in God?**
* **In what ways does your "joy in God" differ from or complement worldly happiness, especially during difficult times?**
* **Considering that we "have now received the atonement," how should this present reality influence your daily walk and interactions with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "atonement" and "reconciliation" as used in this verse?**

Answer: In Romans 5:11, the King James Version uses "atonement," while many modern translations use "reconciliation." The underlying Greek word is _katallagḗ_ (G2643), which primarily means "reconciliation" or "restoration to favor." Historically, "atonement" in English originally meant "at-one-ment," signifying the state of being "at one" or reconciled. Over time, the word "atonement" came to be more strongly associated with the *means* of making amends or satisfying a debt (as in the Old Testament sacrificial system). However, in this specific New Testament context, _katallagḗ_ emphasizes the *result* of Christ's work: the mending of the broken relationship between God and humanity, moving from a state of enmity to one of peace and restored fellowship. So, while Christ's atoning sacrifice is the *means* by which reconciliation is achieved, the word in Romans 5:11 itself highlights the *state* of being reconciled. We have "received" this restored relationship with God [through Christ](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled by His Death").

**How can believers "joy in God" when they are experiencing suffering or hardship, as mentioned in earlier verses of Romans 5?**

Answer: The "joy in God" described in [Romans 5:11](/romans/5-11 "Romans 5:11 - Joy in God Through Reconciliation") is not dependent on external circumstances but is rooted in the secure and unchanging reality of our reconciled relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Paul himself explains earlier in [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Romans 5:3-5 - Rejoicing in Suffering") that believers can "rejoice in our sufferings," because suffering produces endurance, character, and hope. This hope does not disappoint because God's love has been poured into our hearts. Therefore, the joy in God is a deep, spiritual delight that transcends pain and difficulty. It is a joy derived from knowing that despite our struggles, God is sovereign, His love is constant, and our eternal destiny is secure because we have been brought into a right relationship with Him. It's a joy *in Him*, not in our circumstances, sustained by the Holy Spirit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:11 profoundly anchors the believer's joy and reconciliation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely the facilitator but the very substance of our "atonement" or reconciliation. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its annual Day of Atonement, foreshadowed a deeper reality, and Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of that shadow. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), the perfect and final sacrifice whose blood alone provides the propitiation necessary to appease God's wrath and restore humanity's broken relationship with Him ([Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness")). Through His obedient life, His atoning death on the cross, and His glorious resurrection, Jesus Christ perfectly accomplished the work of reconciliation, bridging the chasm between a holy God and sinful humanity. He is our [peace](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - He is Our Peace"), having broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Therefore, our ability to "joy in God" is entirely dependent on Christ's finished work, for it is "through our Lord Jesus Christ" that we have "now received the atonement." He is the [one mediator between God and mankind](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - One Mediator"), through whom we have bold access to the Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access with Confidence Through Christ")). In Him, the divine initiative to restore fellowship with humanity is fully realized, making our joy in God not just possible, but eternally secure.

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

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.