Romans 8:31

KJV

¶ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

KJV (with Strong's)

What {G5101} shall we {G2046} then {G3767} say {G2046} to {G4314} these things {G5023}? If {G1487} God {G2316} be for {G5228} us {G2257}, who {G5101} can be against {G2596} us {G2257}?

Complete Jewish Bible

What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

Berean Standard Bible

What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

American Standard Version

What then shall we say to these things? If Godisfor us, whoisagainst us?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:31 serves as a triumphant rhetorical climax to Paul's exposition on the believer's security in Christ, encapsulating the profound assurance that if the sovereign God of the universe is actively working on behalf of His people, then no opposing force can ultimately prevail against them. It is a powerful declaration of divine favor and an unshakeable foundation for Christian confidence amidst any challenge, summarizing the unassailable position of those who are in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8 is often called the "Magna Carta of Christian Liberty" or the "Mount Everest of Scripture," beginning by declaring "no condemnation" for those in Christ ([Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation")). The chapter systematically contrasts life in the Spirit with life in the flesh, building a powerful argument for the believer's present and future hope. Verses [Romans 8:18-30](/romans/8-18-30 "Romans 8:18-30 - Groaning, Hope, and God's Purpose") speak of the groaning of creation, the Spirit's intercession, and God's sovereign plan of salvation, famously culminating in the "golden chain" of [Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation") (foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification). Verse 31 directly follows this chain, serving as a logical and emotional crescendo, a triumphant conclusion to the preceding theological affirmations and setting the stage for the further declarations of God's unwavering love.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to the church in Rome, a diverse community of Jewish and Gentile believers facing various internal tensions and external pressures. While not explicitly under widespread state-sponsored persecution at this precise moment, believers lived in a pagan society often hostile to monotheism and the exclusive claims of Christ. They would have faced social ostracism, philosophical ridicule, and the constant temptation to compromise their faith. The language of "being against us" would resonate with their experience of opposition, whether from Jewish legalists who challenged their freedom in Christ, pagan societal norms that demanded idolatry, or the spiritual forces of darkness. Paul's assurance was a vital anchor in a world that could feel very much "against" them, providing divine perspective and courage.

* **Key Themes:** Romans 8:31 powerfully reinforces several overarching themes of the epistle and chapter. It underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, asserting God's ultimate control and active working for His people, as seen in [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good"). It highlights the **Believer's Security and Assurance**, a central comfort for those grappling with doubt or fear, building on the Spirit's witness to their adoption in [Romans 8:15-16](/romans/8-15-16 "Romans 8:15-16 - Spirit of Adoption"). Furthermore, it speaks to the **Triumph over Opposition**, a theme developed further in the subsequent verses of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), where Paul lists various adversaries that cannot separate believers from God's love. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian confidence, rooted in God's unwavering commitment to His elect.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **If (Greek, _ei'_):** A primary particle of conditionality, often translated as "if" or "whether." In this rhetorical question, it functions not to express doubt or uncertainty, but to set up a logical consequence: *given that* God is for us, what follows? It underscores the certainty of the premise, serving as a strong affirmation of an established truth rather than an open question.
* **God (Greek, _theós'_):** Refers to the supreme Divinity, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The identity of "God" here is crucial; it is not a lesser deity or a limited power, but the Almighty, omnipotent, and sovereign Lord. His support is therefore absolute, unchallengeable, and infinitely superior to any opposing force.
* **For (Greek, _hypér'_):** A primary preposition meaning "over," but here used in a causal or beneficial sense, "on behalf of," "for the sake of," or "instead." It denotes God's active, advantageous, and protective stance towards believers, indicating His full support, advocacy, and commitment to their ultimate good and glorification.
* **Against (Greek, _katá'_):** A primary particle, used prepositionally to denote "down" or "against." In this context, it signifies opposition, hostility, or an adverse stance. The rhetorical question implies that no opposition, no matter how formidable or numerous, can ultimately succeed when arrayed against those whom God Himself supports and defends.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"What shall we then say to these things?":** This rhetorical question serves as a powerful transition and a call to profound reflection. "These things" refers directly back to the magnificent declarations of God's unshakeable purpose for believers – His foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, and glorification ([Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation")). Paul is inviting his readers to consider the overwhelming implications and the triumphant conclusion that naturally arises from such magnificent divine promises. The question is not born of uncertainty but of triumphant affirmation, setting the stage for the definitive statement that follows.
* **"If God [be] for us":** This clause presents the foundational premise of the verse. The "if" (Greek *ei*) is not a condition of doubt but of certainty, meaning "since" or "given that." It assumes the absolute truth of God's favorable disposition towards His people, a truth established throughout Romans, especially in the preceding verses. "For us" (Greek *hyper hēmōn*) signifies God's active, beneficial, and protective stance. It means God is on our side, working on our behalf, advocating for us, and committed to our ultimate good and glorification. This is the bedrock of the believer's unassailable security.
* **"who [can be] against us?":** This is the logical and rhetorical conclusion drawn from the preceding premise. If the omnipotent, sovereign God is actively "for us," then any opposing force—whether human, demonic, circumstantial, or even our own weaknesses—is rendered ultimately powerless to thwart His divine purpose for us. The question anticipates the resounding answer: "No one!" It is a declaration of invincibility for those who are in Christ, not because of their own strength, but because of the infinite power and unwavering commitment of God on their behalf.

#### Literary Devices
The profound impact of Romans 8:31 is amplified by Paul's masterful use of several literary devices. The entire verse is structured as a powerful **Rhetorical Question**, particularly the second half, "If God be for us, who can be against us?" This device is employed not to elicit an answer, but to make a strong, emphatic statement. By posing a question whose answer is self-evident (no one can successfully be against us), Paul underscores the absolute certainty and invincibility of God's support for His people. Furthermore, there is a clear **Antithesis** presented between "God [be] for us" and "who [can be] against us." This stark contrast highlights the two opposing forces: the infinite power and favor of God versus any finite opposition. The juxtaposition emphasizes the overwhelming superiority of God's position, rendering all opposition futile. Finally, Romans 8:31 functions as a **Climax** within the broader argument of Romans 8. Following the "golden chain" of salvation (foreknowledge, predestination, calling, justification, glorification), this verse serves as the triumphant peak, summarizing and reaffirming the unassailable security of the believer. It is the logical and emotional culmination of Paul's profound theological declarations, leading into the further affirmations of God's unwavering love in the subsequent verses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:31 stands as a theological cornerstone, deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of God as a divine warrior and protector of His people, and profoundly connected to the New Testament's revelation of God's steadfast love in Christ. It affirms the absolute sovereignty of God, whose purposes cannot be thwarted, and whose commitment to His elect is unwavering. This verse underscores the doctrine of divine providence, asserting that God actively orchestrates all circumstances for the good of those He has called according to His purpose. The security it offers is not based on human merit or strength, but solely on God's character and His redemptive work in Christ. It assures believers that their ultimate victory is guaranteed, not by their own ability to withstand opposition, but by the omnipotent God who fights on their behalf. This truth is foundational for understanding Christian perseverance and the ultimate triumph of God's kingdom, reminding us that no external force can undo what God has eternally purposed and accomplished.

* [Psalm 118:6](/psalms/118-6 "Psalm 118:6 - The Lord is for Me")
* [Isaiah 54:17](/isaiah/54-17 "Isaiah 54:17 - No Weapon Formed Against You Shall Prosper")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Will Complete His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:31 offers profound comfort and immense practical strength for believers navigating the complexities and challenges of life. In moments of doubt, fear, or overwhelming opposition, this verse redirects our gaze from the magnitude of our problems to the infinite greatness of our God. It calls us to remember that our ultimate security is not found in favorable circumstances, human alliances, or personal strength, but in the unwavering, active, and omnipotent support of the Creator of the universe. When we face spiritual attacks, relational conflicts, professional setbacks, health crises, or societal pressures, this truth reminds us that if God is truly for us—and the preceding verses of Romans 8 confirm that He is—then no force can ultimately defeat His eternal purpose for our lives. This assurance empowers us to stand firm, to persevere in faith, and to live with courageous confidence, knowing that our God is our defender, advocate, and ultimate victor. It transforms our perspective from one of vulnerability to one of invincibility, not in ourselves, but in Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Romans 8:31 challenge your perspective on the difficulties or opposition you currently face?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to more fully embrace the truth that God is "for you"?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live with greater confidence, knowing that no one can ultimately stand against God's purposes for you?**

### FAQ
**Does "If God be for us" imply a conditional statement, suggesting God might not be for us?**

Answer: No, the "if" (Greek *ei*) in this context does not express doubt or uncertainty, but rather a logical premise or a statement of fact. It's better understood as "since" or "given that God is for us." Paul has spent the entire chapter of [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"), particularly [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation"), establishing the absolute certainty of God's unwavering commitment and active work on behalf of His people. The rhetorical question then draws an inescapable conclusion from this established truth: if this foundational premise is true, then the consequence is undeniable. It's a powerful affirmation, not a conditional possibility.

**Who are the "us" that God is for?**

Answer: The "us" refers to believers in Jesus Christ, specifically those described throughout [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit") as those who walk according to the Spirit, who are children of God, who have the Spirit of adoption, and who are called according to His purpose ([Romans 8:14-16](/romans/8-14-16 "Romans 8:14-16 - Children of God by the Spirit"), [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")). It encompasses all those whom God has foreknown, predestined, called, justified, and will glorify ([Romans 8:29-30](/romans/8-29-30 "Romans 8:29-30 - The Golden Chain of Salvation")). This is a specific group, united by their faith in Christ and their inclusion in God's redemptive plan, enjoying the benefits of His covenant love and redemptive work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:31 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. God's being "for us" is not an abstract theological concept but a concrete reality demonstrated supremely in the incarnation, life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection of His Son. It was "while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - Christ Died for Us")), proving God's unparalleled love and His active stance on humanity's behalf. Jesus, as the ultimate advocate, stands *for us* before the Father, having borne the full weight of sin and condemnation, thereby disarming any accusation or opposition. Indeed, [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession") explicitly states that it is Christ Jesus who died, was raised, is at the right hand of God, and is interceding *for us*. His victory over sin and death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Victory Over Death")) mean that no power, no principality, no force in all creation can truly stand *against* those for whom Christ has triumphed. The rhetorical question of [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us") is answered definitively by the cross and empty tomb: because God gave His Son *for us*, and because Christ lives to intercede *for us*, our security is eternally sealed, and our ultimate victory is assured in Him.

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

Psalms 118:6

The LORD [is] on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?

Jeremiah 1:19

And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I [am] with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.

1 John 4:4

¶ Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.

Psalms 56:11

In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.

Isaiah 54:17

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

Jeremiah 20:11

But the LORD [is] with me as a mighty terrible one: therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail: they shall be greatly ashamed; for they shall not prosper: [their] everlasting confusion shall never be forgotten.

Psalms 56:4

In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.