Romans 5:5

KJV

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} hope {G1680} maketh {G2617} not {G3756} ashamed {G2617}; because {G3754} the love {G26} of God {G2316} is shed abroad {G1632} in {G1722} our {G2257} hearts {G2588} by {G1223} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} which {G3588} is given {G1325} unto us {G2254}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and this hope does not let us down, because God’s love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh who has been given to us.

Berean Standard Bible

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

American Standard Version

and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:5 declares the unwavering certainty of Christian hope, asserting that it will never lead to disappointment or shame. This steadfastness is grounded in the profound reality that God's love has been abundantly poured into the hearts of believers, a divine work accomplished and guaranteed by the indwelling Holy Spirit, who has been graciously given to them. The verse thus connects the believer's present experience of God's love with their future assurance of glory, all mediated by the Spirit.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the climax and explanation for the preceding verses in [Romans 5:1-4](/romans/5-1-4 "Romans 5:1-4 - Benefits of Justification"). Paul begins this chapter by establishing that believers, justified by faith, have peace with God and access into His grace ([Romans 5:1-2](/romans/5-1-2 "Romans 5:1-2 - Peace with God and Access to Grace")). He then introduces the paradoxical idea that even tribulations can be a source of rejoicing, as they produce endurance, character, and ultimately, a hope that does not disappoint ([Romans 5:3-4](/romans/5-3-4 "Romans 5:3-4 - The Refining Power of Suffering")). Verse 5 provides the theological bedrock for this audacious claim: the reason this hope is so reliable and will not lead to shame is the active, indwelling presence of God's love, poured out by the Holy Spirit. It transitions from the *process* of hope's development to its *foundation*.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing to believers in Rome, a city at the heart of the Roman Empire, where concepts of honor and shame were deeply ingrained in society. To be "ashamed" (G2617, _kataischýnō_) carried significant social weight, implying public disgrace, humiliation, or a failure to meet expectations. In this context, the early Christians often faced social ostracism, persecution, and the potential for public shame due to their faith. Paul's assertion that their hope "maketh not ashamed" directly counters these societal pressures, promising that their trust in God will ultimately be vindicated, not humiliated. The idea of a divine spirit "given" or "poured out" also resonates with Old Testament prophecies of the Spirit's outpouring in the last days (e.g., [Joel 2:28-29](/joel/2-28-29 "Joel 2:28-29 - Prophecy of the Spirit's Outpouring")), signaling the arrival of a new covenant era.
* **Key Themes:** [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope and the Love of God") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and Paul's theology. Foremost is the theme of **certainty of salvation and hope**, moving beyond mere intellectual assent to a felt assurance grounded in divine action. It emphasizes the **active and personal nature of God's love** for believers, not as an abstract concept but as an experienced reality. Crucially, the verse highlights the **indispensable role of the Holy Spirit** as the divine agent who mediates God's love and seals the believer's hope, echoing the Spirit's work throughout the believer's life, from regeneration ([Titus 3:5](/titus/3-5 "Titus 3:5 - Regeneration by the Holy Spirit")) to sanctification ([Romans 8:13](/romans/8-13 "Romans 8:13 - Life by the Spirit")). This verse also reinforces the **unity of the Trinity** in the work of salvation, with the Father's love poured out by the Spirit.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hope (Greek, _elpís_):** This word signifies not merely a wish or a desire, but a confident expectation or assurance, particularly concerning future good. In the New Testament, Christian hope is firmly rooted in God's promises and His faithfulness, making it a certainty rather than a mere possibility. It is a confident anticipation of future glory and salvation, as discussed in [Romans 5:2](/romans/5-2 "Romans 5:2 - Rejoicing in Hope").
* **maketh not ashamed (Greek, _kataischýnō_):** This verb means "to put to shame," "to disgrace," or "to confound." Coupled with the negative particle "not" (_ou_), it asserts that this hope will never result in disappointment, humiliation, or public disgrace. Unlike worldly hopes that often fail, the hope grounded in God's love is utterly reliable and will always be vindicated, ensuring that those who trust in it will never be put to shame.
* **shed abroad (Greek, _ekchéō_):** This powerful verb literally means "to pour out," "to gush forth," or "to diffuse profusely." It conveys the idea of an abundant, overflowing, and widespread distribution. When applied to God's love, it paints a vivid picture of His love not just being present, but being lavishly and generously poured into the hearts of believers, filling them to overflowing. This is not a trickle, but a deluge of divine affection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And hope maketh not ashamed;":** This opening clause presents the central affirmation of the verse. The Christian hope, which is a confident expectation of future glory and salvation, is utterly reliable. It will not lead to disappointment, humiliation, or public disgrace, unlike the false hopes of the world. This is a direct counter to the societal fear of shame, asserting the ultimate vindication of faith.
* **"because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts":** This clause provides the foundational reason for the steadfastness of hope. The certainty of Christian hope is not based on human merit or fleeting emotions, but on the objective and abundant reality of "the love of God." This love is not merely an abstract concept but is actively "shed abroad," or poured out profusely, into the innermost being ("our hearts") of believers. This signifies an internal, experiential knowledge of God's deep affection.
* **"by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.":** This final clause identifies the divine agent through whom God's love is poured out and made real in the believer's heart. The "Holy Ghost" (Holy Spirit) is the one who mediates this profound experience. His presence is not earned but is a gracious "gift" ("given unto us") to all who are in Christ. The Spirit's indwelling is the tangible proof and ongoing guarantee of God's love, solidifying the believer's hope and ensuring its ultimate fulfillment.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 5:5 employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Personification** is evident in the phrase "hope maketh not ashamed," attributing an active quality to hope as if it were an agent capable of preventing shame. This elevates hope from a mere concept to a dynamic force in the believer's life. The phrase "the love of God is shed abroad" functions as a powerful **Metaphor** and **Hyperbole**. It uses the imagery of liquid being poured out to describe the abundant, overflowing, and pervasive nature of God's love within the believer's heart, emphasizing its lavishness and saturation rather than a mere intellectual understanding. Furthermore, "hearts" serves as a **Synecdoche**, representing the totality of the inner person—their emotions, will, and intellect—where this divine love takes root and transforms.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:5 is a cornerstone verse, deeply integrating several core theological truths. It underscores the Trinitarian nature of salvation: the Father's love is poured out, the Spirit is the agent, and the ultimate object of our hope is Christ's glory. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as the one who "sheds abroad" God's love, is presented as the tangible, experiential evidence of our justification and adoption, providing an internal witness that transcends mere intellectual assent. This internal assurance of God's love, mediated by the Spirit, is precisely what anchors our hope, making it resilient even in the face of suffering, as discussed in the preceding verses. It links the objective reality of God's love to the subjective experience of the believer, demonstrating how divine truth becomes a personal reality.

* [Galatians 4:6](/galatians/4-6 "Galatians 4:6 - Spirit Crying Abba Father")
* [2 Corinthians 1:22](/2-corinthians/1-22 "2 Corinthians 1:22 - Spirit as a Seal")
* [Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - Spirit as a Guarantee")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:5 offers profound comfort and a robust foundation for Christian living. In a world where hopes are often dashed and expectations lead to disappointment, this verse assures us that our hope in God's ultimate salvation and glory is uniquely steadfast because it is rooted in God's unchanging character and His active work within us. When doubts arise, or when the trials of life tempt us to despair, this verse calls us to remember the internal witness of the Holy Spirit, who continually pours God's lavish love into our hearts. This is not a fleeting emotion but a divine reality, a constant source of strength and assurance that empowers us to persevere. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is not about our performance, but about God's relentless love and the Spirit's faithful work, making our hope a certainty that will never result in shame.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "shedding abroad" of God's love by the Holy Spirit differ from merely knowing about God's love intellectually?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of hope, especially in the midst of personal suffering or global turmoil?**
* **How can you more intentionally acknowledge and lean into the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit as the source of God's love and the guarantor of your hope?**

### FAQ
**What does "hope maketh not ashamed" truly mean in this context?**

Answer: "Hope maketh not ashamed" means that the Christian's confident expectation of future glory and salvation, rooted in God's promises, will never lead to disappointment, humiliation, or public disgrace. In the ancient world, shame was a powerful social force, and to be "ashamed" implied a failure or a broken promise. Paul assures believers that their hope in Christ is not a flimsy wish that will ultimately fail them, but a certainty that will be fully vindicated, ensuring they will never be put to shame before God or the world. This is because their hope is grounded in the unfailing love of God, poured out by the Holy Spirit, as the rest of [Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope and the Love of God") explains.

**How is God's love "shed abroad" in our hearts?**

Answer: God's love is "shed abroad" (poured out profusely) in our hearts through the active, indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. This is not merely an intellectual understanding of God's love, but an experiential reality. The Holy Spirit acts as the divine agent who applies God's love to our innermost being, making it a tangible, comforting, and transformative presence. This internal witness of the Spirit assures us of our adoption as children of God and confirms His deep affection for us, as further elaborated in [Romans 8:15-16](/romans/8-15-16 "Romans 8:15-16 - Spirit of Adoption").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:5, while focusing on the Spirit's work in the believer's heart, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. The "love of God" that is "shed abroad" is most perfectly and profoundly demonstrated in the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. As Paul elaborates just a few verses later, "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")). The Spirit's indwelling, which pours out this love, is itself a gift made possible by Christ's ascension and His sending of the Comforter ([John 16:7](/john/16-7 "John 16:7 - Jesus Sends the Helper")). Thus, the Spirit's work in our hearts, assuring us of God's love and securing our hope, is a direct consequence of Christ's finished work. Our hope "maketh not ashamed" because it is a hope in the resurrected Christ, who has conquered sin and death, guaranteeing our future glory and vindication. The Spirit's presence is the down payment of our inheritance in Christ, sealing us for the day of redemption ([Ephesians 1:13-14](/ephesians/1-13-14 "Ephesians 1:13-14 - The Spirit as a Guarantee")).

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

Galatians 4:6

And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

Philippians 1:20

According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

Ephesians 3:16

That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

Ephesians 3:19

And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

2 Timothy 1:12

For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

2 Corinthians 1:22

Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

1 John 4:19

We love him, because he first loved us.