Romans 5:6

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

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}.

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

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

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

Romans 5:6 is a powerful verse that encapsulates the core of the gospel message: God's initiative in saving humanity through Christ's sacrifice, even in our most helpless state.

Context

This verse falls within the section of Romans where Paul is expounding on the glorious results of justification by faith. Having established that believers have peace with God through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1), Paul then highlights the assurance and hope that flow from this reality. He emphasizes the depth of God's love demonstrated not when humanity was worthy, but precisely when we were most incapable and undeserving. This sets the stage for the contrast between Adam and Christ later in the chapter.

Key Themes

  • Human Helplessness: The phrase "without strength" (KJV) or "powerless" signifies humanity's utter inability to save itself or even contribute to its own salvation. We were morally and spiritually dead in our trespasses.
  • God's Perfect Timing: "In due time" (or "at the proper time") points to God's sovereign plan and the perfect moment in history when Christ's atoning work took place, fulfilling prophecy and accomplishing salvation. This was God's appointed time.
  • Christ's Sacrificial Death: The central act is "Christ died." This refers to His crucifixion, the voluntary sacrifice that paid the penalty for sin and reconciled humanity to God. As 1 Corinthians 15:3 states, Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures.
  • The Object of Salvation: Christ died "for the ungodly." This is a crucial point – salvation is not for the righteous (because none are truly righteous, see Romans 3:10), but for those who are actively estranged from God. This underscores the nature of grace.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "without strength" is asthenōn (ἀσθενῶν), meaning weak, feeble, or powerless. It emphasizes a state of utter inability. "Ungodly" comes from asebōn (ἀσεβῶν), referring to those who lack reverence for God, who are impious or wicked. The combination highlights that Christ died for us not when we were merely struggling, but when we were completely unable to help ourselves and actively living in opposition to God.

Reflection and Application

This verse is a profound reminder of the depth of human sin and the even greater depth of God's love and grace. It assures us that salvation is entirely God's work, initiated when we were at our worst. It provides immense comfort and security for believers, knowing that God's love was demonstrated towards us while we were yet sinners. It should humble us and ignite gratitude for the incredible sacrifice made on our behalf.

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.

  • 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.

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