¶ And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with [him], that we may be also glorified together.
And {G1161} if {G1487} children {G5043}, then {G2532} heirs {G2818}; heirs {G2818} of God {G3303}{G2316}, and {G1161} joint-heirs {G4789} with Christ {G5547}; if so be {G1512} that we suffer with {G4841} him, that {G2443} we may be {G4888} also {G2532} glorified together {G4888}.
and if we are children, then we are also heirs, heirs of God and joint-heirs with the Messiah — provided we are suffering with him in order also to be glorified with him.
And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.
and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified with him.
-
Galatians 4:7
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. -
Galatians 3:29
And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. -
Ephesians 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: -
Revelation 21:7
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. -
1 Peter 4:13
But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. -
1 Peter 1:4
To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, -
Titus 3:7
That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Commentary on Romans 8:17 KJV
Romans 8:17 is a pivotal verse in Paul's theological discourse, building upon the profound truth of believers' adoption as children of God. This verse beautifully articulates the glorious implications of that sonship, particularly regarding our inheritance and destiny alongside Christ.
Context
This verse flows directly from the preceding verses in Romans chapter 8, where Paul discusses the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Spirit testifies to our true identity as God's children (Romans 8:16), granting us a spirit of adoption rather than fear. In the Roman world, an adopted child had full legal rights to inheritance, underscoring the weight of Paul's declaration. The early church faced significant persecution, and Paul often needed to encourage believers by reminding them of their future hope and the purpose behind their present struggles.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "heirs" is klēronomoi, denoting someone who receives an inheritance, often by right of kinship. The term "joint-heirs" is synklēronomoi, with the prefix "syn-" meaning "with" or "together." This emphasizes the shared nature of the inheritance with Christ. Similarly, "suffer with" (sympaschō) and "glorified together" (syndoxazō) both use this "syn-" prefix, highlighting the inseparable union between Christ and believers in both their present experience of suffering and their future experience of glory.
Practical Application
Romans 8:17 offers immense comfort and motivation. For believers facing hardship or persecution, it provides assurance that their suffering is not meaningless but has eternal purpose, leading to ultimate glory with Christ. It reinforces our identity as beloved children of God with an incredible spiritual inheritance. This understanding should inspire perseverance, knowing that our present trials are temporary and our future glory is certain and shared with our Savior. It calls us to live in a way that reflects our status as heirs, valuing spiritual riches over earthly comforts, and being willing to endure for the sake of the Gospel.