Romans 8:11

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

But {G1161} if {G1487} the Spirit {G4151} of him that raised up {G1453} Jesus {G2424} from {G1537} the dead {G3498} dwell {G3611} in {G1722} you {G5213}, he that raised up {G1453} Christ {G5547} from {G1537} the dead {G3498} shall {G2227} also {G2532} quicken {G2227} your {G5216} mortal {G2349} bodies {G4983} by {G1223} his {G846} Spirit {G4151} that dwelleth {G1774}{G1774} in {G1722} you {G5213}.

And if the Spirit of the One who raised Yeshua from the dead is living in you, then the One who raised the Messiah Yeshua from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit living in you.

And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwelleth in you, he that raised up Christ Jesus from the dead shall give life also to your mortal bodies through his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

Context

This verse is a pivotal part of Romans chapter 8, often called the "Spirit chapter." Paul contrasts life "in the flesh" (governed by sinful desires) with life "in the Spirit" (governed by God's Spirit). Having established that believers are no longer condemned (Romans 8:1) and have the Spirit dwelling in them (Romans 8:9), Paul here draws a profound conclusion about the Spirit's ultimate work: the resurrection of the body.

Key Themes

  • The Indwelling Spirit: The verse emphasizes the presence of God's Spirit within believers. This indwelling is not passive; it signifies a dynamic, life-giving connection to God himself. The Spirit is the guarantee of our salvation and future hope, assuring us that we belong to Christ.
  • Resurrection Power: Romans 8:11 boldly declares that the same divine power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in those who believe. This highlights the immense, supernatural power available to Christians, not just for spiritual quickening but also for bodily resurrection. It underscores God's absolute sovereignty over life and death.
  • Transformation and Glorification: The phrase "quicken your mortal bodies" points to both a present spiritual revitalization and a future bodily transformation. While it primarily assures future physical resurrection, some interpretations also suggest a present aspect of the Spirit bringing life and vitality to our physical existence, enabling us to serve God. Ultimately, it looks forward to the day our bodies will be made immortal and glorious, mirroring Christ's resurrected body, as discussed in Philippians 3:21.

Linguistic Insights

The key term here is "quicken" (KJV), from the Greek word zoopoieō (ζωοποιέω), which means "to make alive," "to give life," or "to vitalize." It implies a resurrection or revitalization. When applied to "mortal bodies," it speaks to the process by which God will infuse them with new, immortal life, overcoming the decay and death inherent in our current physical state. The repeated emphasis on "his Spirit that dwelleth in you" underscores that this life-giving power is internal and continuous, a work of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Application

Romans 8:11 offers immense comfort and assurance to believers. It reminds us that our hope is not merely for a spiritual existence after death, but for a complete redemption that includes our physical bodies. This profound truth empowers us to:

  • Live with Hope: Knowing that the same power that conquered death dwells within us provides profound hope in the face of suffering, illness, and mortality. It assures us that physical death is not the end for those in Christ.
  • Walk in Newness of Life: The Holy Spirit's indwelling means we are not left to our own strength. He empowers us to overcome sin and live a life pleasing to God, impacting our choices and actions daily (Romans 6:4).
  • Anticipate Future Glory: This verse points to the ultimate promise of Christ's return and the resurrection of believers, giving us a grand perspective beyond our earthly struggles and a reason to look forward to eternity.
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 4:14

    Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present [us] with you.

  • Romans 6:4

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

  • Romans 6:5

    For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [his] resurrection:

  • 2 Corinthians 4:11

    For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.

  • Ephesians 1:19

    And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

  • Ephesians 1:20

    Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],

  • Romans 8:9

    But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
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