Romans 8:29

¶ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

For {G3754} whom {G3739} he did foreknow {G4267}, he {G4309} also {G2532} did predestinate {G4309} to be conformed {G4832} to the image {G1504} of his {G846} Son {G5207}, that {G1519} he {G846} might be {G1511} the firstborn {G4416} among {G1722} many {G4183} brethren {G80}.

because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers;

For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.

For whom he foreknew, he also foreordained to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren:

Commentary

Romans 8:29 is a foundational verse within the Apostle Paul's profound theological discourse on the believer's security and destiny in Christ. It's part of a powerful chain of divine actions that assure believers of their ultimate glorification and union with God.

Context

This verse immediately follows the comforting promise of Romans 8:28, which states that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:29 then begins to explain *who* these "called" ones are and *what* God's purpose for them entails. It sets the stage for the famous "golden chain of salvation" in Romans 8:30, linking foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification.

Key Themes

  • Divine Initiative: Foreknowledge and Predestination: The verse highlights God's sovereign and eternal role in salvation. "Foreknow" (Greek: proginōskō) implies more than just knowing facts about someone; it signifies a prior, intimate, and loving relationship or choosing by God. "Predestinate" (Greek: proorizō) means to determine or mark out beforehand. For those God foreknew in this relational sense, He also pre-determined their ultimate destiny—to be like His Son. This speaks to God's purposeful plan for His people from eternity past.
  • Conformity to Christ's Image: The primary purpose of God's predestination is for believers to be "conformed to the image of his Son." This is the ultimate goal of salvation and sanctification. It means becoming like Christ in character, holiness, and moral likeness. It's a transformative process that begins in this life and will be perfected in glorification, when we shall be fully like Him (1 John 3:2). This spiritual transformation is key to our identity as Christians.
  • Christ as the "Firstborn Among Many Brethren": Jesus is described as the "firstborn among many brethren." This emphasizes His preeminence and unique status as the Son of God (Colossians 1:15-18), but also points to our inclusion in God's family. Through Christ, we become adopted sons and daughters, sharing a spiritual brotherhood with Him. He leads the way, and we follow in His likeness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word for "foreknow," proginōskō (προγινώσκω), is more than mere intellectual foresight. In biblical usage, it often implies a pre-ordained relationship, a choosing or setting apart by God, akin to "to know and choose beforehand."
  • "Predestinate" comes from the Greek proorizō (προορίζω), meaning "to mark out beforehand," "to determine in advance," or "to pre-ordain." It underscores the divine blueprint for the believer's destiny.
  • "Conformed" is from symmorphous (συμμόρφους), which means "sharing the same form," "fashioned alike," or "congruent with." It speaks to a deep, internal transformation that makes believers increasingly resemble Christ in their nature and actions, akin to the spiritual renewal described in 2 Corinthians 3:18.

Practical Application

Romans 8:29 offers profound assurance and purpose to believers. Knowing that our salvation and ultimate identity are rooted in God's eternal foreknowledge and predestination provides immense security, freeing us from anxiety about our standing with God. It also gives direction to our lives: the divine goal for us is to become more like Jesus. This calls us to actively pursue holiness, grow in Christian character, and reflect Christ's love and truth in the world. It reminds us that our journey of faith is not random but part of a glorious, divine plan orchestrated by a loving God who desires our ultimate good and His glory.

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Cross-References

  • Ephesians 1:4 (1268 votes)

    According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:

  • Ephesians 1:5 (1268 votes)

    Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will,

  • Jeremiah 1:5 (1143 votes)

    Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, [and] I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

  • Ephesians 1:11 (755 votes)

    In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

  • 2 Timothy 1:9 (732 votes)

    Who hath saved us, and called [us] with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

  • 1 Peter 1:20 (573 votes)

    Who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you,

  • Revelation 13:8 (414 votes)

    And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.