Romans 5:6

KJV

¶ For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} when we {G2257} were {G5607} yet {G2089} without strength {G772}, in due {G2596} time {G2540} Christ {G5547} died {G599} for {G5228} the ungodly {G765}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For while we were still helpless, at the right time, the Messiah died on behalf of ungodly people.

Berean Standard Bible

For at just the right time, while we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

American Standard Version

For while we were yet weak, in due season Christ died for the ungodly.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 5:6 masterfully encapsulates the core of the gospel, revealing God's profound initiative in salvation. It asserts that at humanity's most vulnerable and morally bankrupt state, precisely at the divinely appointed moment in history, Christ willingly offered His life as a sacrificial death for those who were utterly incapable of saving themselves and actively estranged from God. This verse powerfully underscores the depth of divine love, grace, and the absolute sufficiency of Christ's atoning work, establishing the foundation for the believer's peace, hope, and assurance in God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 5:6 is a pivotal statement within Paul's exposition on the glorious results of justification by faith, which began in [Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Peace with God through Christ"). Having established that believers have peace with God, access to grace, and a confident hope in God's glory (Romans 5:1-2), Paul then explains how suffering can refine this hope, which is secured by the Holy Spirit pouring God's love into our hearts (Romans 5:3-5). Verse 6 serves as the profound theological bedrock for this assurance, demonstrating *how* God's love was manifested. It sets the stage for the even more astonishing declaration in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"), which reiterates that "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us," and anticipates the grand theological contrast between Adam and Christ that dominates the latter half of [Romans 5](/romans/5 "Romans 5 - Justification and Reconciliation").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote this letter to the church in Rome, a diverse community of both Jewish and Gentile believers. The concept of "strength" or "weakness" would resonate with both groups: Jews understood human inability to perfectly keep the Law, and Gentiles were often aware of their moral failings despite philosophical or religious pursuits. The phrase "in due time" (Greek: _kairos_) is significant, contrasting with _chronos_ (linear time). _Kairos_ implies a specific, opportune, and divinely appointed moment. This would have been understood by a Hellenistic audience familiar with the idea of a propitious time for significant events. For Paul, this "due time" was the culmination of God's redemptive plan, foretold by prophets and perfectly executed in Christ's historical advent. The term "ungodly" (Greek: _asebēs_) was a strong descriptor, not merely of those who made mistakes, but of those who actively lacked reverence for God, were impious, or lived in opposition to His will, highlighting the radical nature of God's grace.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological themes in Romans and the broader New Testament. It underscores **Human Helplessness**, emphasizing humanity's utter inability to save itself or even contribute to its own salvation, a state of moral and spiritual incapacitation (cf. [Ephesians 2:1](/ephesians/2-1 "Ephesians 2:1 - Dead in Trespasses")). It highlights **God's Perfect Timing**, demonstrating that Christ's death was not an arbitrary event but the precise, sovereignly ordained moment in history when God's redemptive plan was fulfilled ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")). Central to the verse is **Christ's Sacrificial Death**, the voluntary, substitutionary atonement on the cross that paid the penalty for sin and reconciled humanity to God ([1 Corinthians 15:3](/1_corinthians/15-3 "1 Corinthians 15:3 - Christ Died for Our Sins")). Finally, it defines **The Object of Salvation** as "the ungodly," a crucial point that salvation is not for the righteous (for "there is none righteous, no, not one" as stated in [Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10 - None is Righteous")), but for those who are actively estranged from God, thus magnifying the nature of grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **without strength (Greek, _asthenḗs'_):** From G772 (asthenḗs). This word signifies a state of being "strengthless," "feeble," "impotent," or "weak." In this context, it denotes humanity's complete moral and spiritual inability to help itself or earn God's favor. It speaks to a profound state of helplessness, not merely a lack of effort, but a fundamental incapacity to overcome sin or achieve righteousness.
* **in due time (Greek, _kairós'_):** From G2540 (kairós). This term refers to an "occasion," a "set or proper time," or an "opportune season." It is distinct from _chronos_ (linear time) and emphasizes the divinely appointed, perfect moment in God's redemptive plan when Christ's atoning work was accomplished. It highlights God's sovereignty and meticulous timing in salvation history.
* **ungodly (Greek, _asebḗs'_):** From G765 (asebḗs). This word describes someone as "irreverent," "impious," or "wicked." It characterizes those who lack proper reverence or respect for God, who are actively hostile or indifferent to His will, and whose lives are marked by a disregard for divine authority. Christ died for those in this state, not for the righteous.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For when we were yet without strength":** This clause establishes the dire condition of humanity prior to Christ's intervention. "Without strength" (G772, _asthenḗs_) vividly portrays humanity's utter spiritual impotence and moral bankruptcy, unable to save itself or even contribute to its own salvation. The "we" includes Paul and all humanity, emphasizing a universal state of helplessness under sin.
* **"in due time":** This phrase (G2596, _katá_, and G2540, _kairós_) signifies God's perfect, sovereign timing. It was not a random event but the precise, divinely appointed moment in history when Christ's death would be most effective and fulfill all prophecy, demonstrating God's meticulous plan for redemption.
* **"Christ died":** This is the central, decisive action of the verse. "Christ" (G5547, _Christós_), meaning "Anointed One" or Messiah, identifies Jesus as the promised deliverer. "Died" (G599, _apothnḗskō_) refers to His physical death on the cross, which was a voluntary, substitutionary sacrifice, bearing the penalty for sin.
* **"for the ungodly":** This final phrase (G5228, _hypér_, and G765, _asebḗs_) specifies the beneficiaries of Christ's death. "For" (G5228, _hypér_) here means "on behalf of" or "instead of." "The ungodly" (G765, _asebḗs_) identifies those who are irreverent, impious, and wicked—those who are actively estranged from God. This highlights the radical nature of God's grace, as Christ died not for the deserving, but for His enemies.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 5:6 employs several powerful literary devices. **Contrast** is foundational, juxtaposing humanity's utter weakness and ungodliness with Christ's decisive, powerful act of dying. This highlights the magnitude of God's grace, as His intervention occurs not when humanity is strong or deserving, but precisely when it is at its worst. The phrase "in due time" employs **Emphasis** on divine timing, underscoring that Christ's death was not an accident but the culmination of God's sovereign plan, a perfectly orchestrated event in salvation history. The entire verse functions as a concise **Proclamation**, declaring a fundamental truth of the gospel with directness and authority, leaving no room for ambiguity about the source and object of salvation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 5:6 stands as a profound theological statement on the nature of divine love, grace, and atonement. It reveals that salvation is entirely a work of God's initiative, born out of His boundless love, rather than any human merit or effort. The verse dismantles any notion of human ability to earn salvation, emphasizing our complete spiritual bankruptcy and moral estrangement from God. It highlights the substitutionary nature of Christ's death – He died in the place of the ungodly, bearing the penalty for their sin. This act, executed at God's perfect timing, demonstrates the depth of God's commitment to reconciling humanity to Himself, even when we were His enemies. It assures believers that God's love is not conditional on their performance but was powerfully demonstrated when they were at their weakest and most undeserving, providing an unshakeable foundation for hope and security.

* [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")
* [Ephesians 2:4-5](/ephesians/2-4-5 "Ephesians 2:4-5 - God's Rich Mercy and Grace")
* [1 Peter 3:18](/1_peter/3-18 "1 Peter 3:18 - Christ Suffered for Sins")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 5:6 is a deeply humbling and profoundly comforting verse. It forces us to confront the stark reality of our utter helplessness and unworthiness before a holy God, stripping away any illusion of self-sufficiency or merit. Yet, in the very same breath, it floods our hearts with the overwhelming assurance of God's unconditional love and grace. To know that Christ died for us "when we were yet without strength" and "ungodly" means that our salvation is entirely His doing, a gift freely given, not earned. This truth should ignite an unceasing gratitude within us, compelling us to live lives that honor such an immense sacrifice. It also provides immense security, for if God loved us at our worst, how much more will He sustain us now that we are His children? This verse calls us to rest in the finished work of Christ, to abandon self-reliance, and to embrace the radical grace that transforms the ungodly into the beloved.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding your own "without strength" state deepen your appreciation for Christ's sacrifice?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God's "due time" for Christ's death strengthen your trust in His perfect plan for your life?**
* **How does knowing that Christ died "for the ungodly" impact your view of God's love and your identity as a believer?**
* **What practical implications does the truth of Romans 5:6 have for how you live out your faith daily?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that "we were yet without strength" when Christ died?**

Answer: The phrase "without strength" (Greek: _asthenḗs_) describes humanity's spiritual and moral inability to save itself or contribute anything towards its own salvation. It signifies a state of complete helplessness and impotence in the face of sin and God's righteous judgment. This isn't just about physical weakness, but a profound spiritual incapacity to choose good, overcome sin, or earn God's favor. It underscores that salvation is entirely God's work, initiated when humanity was at its most desperate and incapable, unable to bridge the chasm created by sin (see [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")).

**Why is the timing "in due time" significant for Christ's death?**

Answer: The phrase "in due time" (Greek: _kairos_) is highly significant because it emphasizes that Christ's death was not a random event but occurred at God's perfectly appointed, sovereignly chosen moment in history. This "due time" was the culmination of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies and aligning with divine wisdom. It signifies that God is in complete control of history and that Christ's sacrifice was the most opportune and effective moment for the redemption of humanity, demonstrating God's meticulous planning and unwavering faithfulness (compare with [Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - God Sent His Son in the Fullness of Time")).

**Who are "the ungodly" for whom Christ died?**

Answer: "The ungodly" (Greek: _asebḗs_) refers to those who are irreverent, impious, or wicked. It describes individuals who lack proper reverence for God, live in opposition to His will, or are simply indifferent to Him. This term encompasses all humanity, as "there is no one righteous, not even one" ([Romans 3:10](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10 - None is Righteous")). The profound truth is that Christ did not die for the righteous or the deserving, but for those who were His enemies, demonstrating the radical, unconditional nature of God's love and grace, which extends to all who are alienated from Him.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 5:6 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in Jesus as the perfect embodiment of God's redemptive love and the sole means of salvation. He is the "Christ," the Anointed One, whose very person and mission were divinely ordained to address humanity's "without strength" condition. Unlike Adam, who brought sin and death to all, Jesus, as the second Adam, perfectly fulfilled God's will, dying for the "ungodly" to bring righteousness and life ([Romans 5:12-19](/romans/5-12-19 "Romans 5:12-19 - Adam and Christ Contrast")). His death was not a mere historical event but the culmination of God's eternal plan, the "due time" when the Lamb of God took away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Jesus, the seemingly impossible reconciliation of a holy God with ungodly humanity is achieved, demonstrating the unparalleled depth of love that "God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the perfect sacrifice, the propitiation for our sins ([1 John 2:2](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2 - He is the Propitiation")), and the one through whom we receive peace and eternal life, transforming our helplessness into hope and our ungodliness into righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin 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

Ephesians 2:1

¶ And you [hath he quickened], who were dead in trespasses and sins;

Ephesians 2:5

Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Romans 5:8

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Colossians 2:13

¶ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;

Titus 3:3

For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, [and] hating one another.

Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

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.