Romans 8:32

KJV

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

KJV (with Strong's)

He that {G3739}{G1065} spared {G5339} not {G3756} his own {G2398} Son {G5207}, but {G235} delivered {G3860} him {G846} up {G3860} for {G5228} us {G2257} all {G3956}, how {G4459} shall he {G5483} not {G3780} with {G4862} him {G846} also {G2532} freely give {G5483} us {G2254} all things {G3956}?

Complete Jewish Bible

He who did not spare even his own Son, but gave him up on behalf of us all — is it possible that, having given us his Son, he would not give us everything else too?

Berean Standard Bible

He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, freely give us all things?

American Standard Version

He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not also with him freely give us all things?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:32 stands as a profound declaration of God's immeasurable love and unwavering commitment to His people. Through a powerful rhetorical question, the Apostle Paul asserts that if God the Father was willing to offer the ultimate sacrifice of His own beloved Son for humanity's redemption, then He will assuredly and graciously bestow every lesser blessing necessary for the believer's life and spiritual well-being. This verse serves as an unshakeable anchor of assurance, demonstrating that the supreme act of divine self-giving guarantees God's ongoing, generous provision and care for those who are in Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:32 is situated within the triumphant climax of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, often celebrated as the pinnacle of Christian doctrine concerning salvation, assurance, and the Spirit-filled life. Having established that there is [no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ") (Romans 8:1) and detailing the transformative work of the [Holy Spirit](/romans/8-9-11 "Romans 8:9-11 - The Spirit Dwells in You") in believers, Paul moves to affirm God's ultimate commitment to their salvation and well-being. The preceding verses, particularly [Romans 8:28-30](/romans/8-28-30 "Romans 8:28-30 - God Works All Things for Good"), speak of God's sovereign plan to work all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:32 serves as the logical, irrefutable proof, building directly upon the challenge posed in [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "Romans 8:31 - God Is For Us"): "If God be for us, who can be against us?" This verse provides the ultimate answer and the foundational reason for the believer's security.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote to a diverse Christian community in Rome, comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. These early Christians faced significant challenges, including internal tensions, external pressures, and potential persecution, as hinted at by Paul's discussion of suffering in [Romans 8:17-18](/romans/8-17-18 "Romans 8:17-18 - Suffering and Future Glory"). The concept of a father sacrificing his son would have resonated deeply with both Jewish and Roman audiences. For Jews, it would evoke the profound narrative of Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac in [Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Genesis 22 - The Testing of Abraham"), where God Himself provides the ram, but tests Abraham's devotion. For Romans, while human sacrifice was abhorrent, the idea of supreme devotion or a patron's ultimate gift to secure loyalty and benefit was understandable. The rhetorical structure of arguing from the greater to the lesser was a common and persuasive logical device in ancient rhetoric, making Paul's argument particularly potent.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several core theological themes. Firstly, it highlights **God's Ultimate Sacrifice**, emphasizing the unparalleled love of God the Father in "sparing not his own Son." This refers to God's deliberate willingness to allow Jesus, His unique and beloved Son, to suffer and die on the cross as a propitiation for humanity's sins, a love beyond human comprehension, as articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"). Secondly, it underscores **Divine Generosity and Provision**. The rhetorical question, "how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?", posits that if God has given the greatest possible gift (His Son), He will surely give all lesser things necessary for life and godliness. "All things" here refers to spiritual blessings, divine guidance, strength in trials, and whatever is truly good and beneficial for believers, not necessarily every worldly desire, echoing promises found in [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God Will Supply All Your Needs"). Lastly, it provides profound **Assurance of God's Faithfulness**. If God has already demonstrated such immense love and commitment by sacrificing His Son, then there is no reason to doubt His continued care, protection, and provision for those He has redeemed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spared (Greek, _pheídomai'_):** This word (G5339) means "to be chary of," "to abstain," or "to treat leniently." When combined with the strong negative particle "not" (G3756, _ou'_), it emphasizes that God did not hold back, withhold, or show any leniency towards His Son in the face of the cross. It signifies a deliberate, unreserved act of giving, highlighting the immense cost and the Father's resolute will in the plan of salvation.
* **delivered him up (Greek, _paradídōmi'_):** This verb (G3860) means "to surrender," "to yield up," "to intrust," or "to transmit." While often used in contexts of betrayal or judicial surrender (e.g., Judas delivering Jesus to the authorities), here it describes God the Father's sovereign and voluntary act of handing over His Son to suffering and death. It was not a passive abandonment but an active, intentional act of divine will, fulfilling the redemptive purpose prophesied in passages like [Isaiah 53:6](/isaiah/53-6 "Isaiah 53:6 - The LORD Has Laid on Him the Iniquity of Us All").
* **freely give (Greek, _charízomai'_):** Derived from _charis_ (G5483), meaning "grace," this word emphasizes that God's giving is an act of unmerited favor and gratuitous kindness. The "all things" that God gives are not earned or deserved by believers but are bestowed out of His gracious nature, as a natural and inevitable outflow of the love and sacrifice demonstrated in Christ's offering. It underscores the divine generosity that flows from the cross.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"He that spared not his own Son":** This clause establishes the unparalleled magnitude of God's sacrifice. The phrase "his own Son" (G2398 _ídios_ and G5207 _huiós_) emphasizes the unique, intimate, and precious relationship between the Father and the Son. God did not spare what was most valuable and dearest to Him, indicating the depth of His love and the seriousness of humanity's sin that required such a costly atonement. This foundational act sets the stage for the logical conclusion that follows.
* **"but delivered him up for us all":** This segment clarifies the purpose and scope of the Father's action. The conjunction "but" (G235 _allá_) introduces a strong contrast to "spared not," highlighting the active and deliberate nature of God's surrender of His Son. The phrase "for us all" (G5228 _hypér_ and G3956 _pâs_) signifies that this divine act of delivering up the Son was on behalf of, and for the benefit of, all believers, providing the basis for their redemption and reconciliation with God.
* **"how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?":** This is the climactic rhetorical question that forms the core argument of the verse. It functions as an _a fortiori_ argument (from the greater to the lesser). If God has already given the greatest possible gift—His own Son—then it is logically inconceivable that He would withhold any lesser gift or blessing that is truly beneficial for those for whom the Son was given. The phrase "with him" (G4862 _sýn_) emphasizes that all subsequent blessings flow from and are intrinsically linked to the gift of Christ. "All things" (G3956 _pâs_) here refers to every spiritual blessing, every necessary provision, every grace, and every good thing that contributes to the believer's ultimate salvation, sanctification, and glorification, all freely given (G5483 _charízomai_) out of God's abundant grace.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Romans 8:32 is the **Rhetorical Question**. Paul does not ask this question to elicit information, but rather to make an emphatic assertion and to compel the reader to agree with an undeniable truth. The question, "how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?", functions as a powerful affirmation, leaving no room for doubt about God's boundless generosity. Closely related is the **Argument from Greater to Lesser (A Fortiori)**. This logical structure is central to the verse's persuasive power. Paul argues that if God performed the most difficult and costly act (giving His Son), then it is absolutely certain that He will perform the lesser acts (giving "all things"). This form of reasoning provides an irrefutable ground for assurance. Furthermore, there is a strong element of **Contrast** or **Antithesis** between "spared not his own Son" and "freely give us all things." This juxtaposition highlights the immense cost of the initial gift and the subsequent, abundant flow of grace, underscoring the radical nature of God's love and generosity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:32 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, profoundly revealing the character of God as supremely loving, faithful, and generous. It grounds the believer's assurance not in their own merit or performance, but entirely in the completed work of God through Christ. The verse posits that the Father's ultimate sacrifice of His Son is the irrefutable guarantee of His ongoing, comprehensive provision for His children. This divine act demonstrates that God's love is not merely sentimental but active and costly, providing the secure foundation for every spiritual and temporal blessing we receive. It assures us that if God has given the greatest, He will certainly give the lesser, reinforcing His unwavering commitment to our ultimate good and eternal salvation.

* [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs")
* [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:32 serves as a powerful antidote to anxiety, doubt, and fear in the life of a believer. When faced with overwhelming challenges, unmet needs, or the uncertainties of life, this verse calls us to look back to the cross as the ultimate, undeniable proof of God's boundless love and unwavering commitment. If God was willing to pay the highest, most costly price for our salvation—the sacrifice of His own Son—then we can utterly trust Him with our daily concerns, our future, and every single need. This profound truth encourages us to release our worries, rest in His sovereign care, and live with confident assurance. It reminds us that our security and hope are not founded on our own worthiness, performance, or strength, but solely on God's incredible, gracious act of giving His Son. This understanding should cultivate deep gratitude, foster unwavering trust, and empower us to live courageously, knowing that the God who gave His all for us will never withhold what is truly good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the sacrifice of God's Son, as described in Romans 8:32, deepen your trust in His provision for your daily needs and future?**
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to apply the truth that God will "freely give us all things," trusting His wisdom and timing?**
* **How does this verse strengthen your assurance of God's unwavering love and faithfulness, even amidst difficulties, suffering, or unanswered prayers?**

### FAQ
**What does "all things" mean in Romans 8:32?**

Answer: The phrase "all things" (G3956 _pâs_) in this context does not imply that God will grant every worldly desire or material wish a believer might have. Instead, it refers to all things that are truly good, necessary, and beneficial for the believer's spiritual growth, sanctification, and ultimate glorification. This includes spiritual blessings like grace, wisdom, strength to endure trials, guidance, peace, and ultimately, eternal life. It encompasses everything that contributes to God's purposes for us and our conformity to the image of His Son. It is a promise of comprehensive divine provision for our true well-being, both in this life and the next, all flowing from the greater gift of Christ Himself. This understanding aligns with other passages that speak of God's provision for His children, such as [Matthew 6:33](/matthew/6-33 "Matthew 6:33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God") and [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God Will Supply All Your Needs").

**How can God "deliver up" His Son without being unloving or evil?**

Answer: The "delivering up" (G3860 _paradídōmi_) of His Son by God the Father was not an act of betrayal or a sign of a dysfunctional relationship within the Trinity. Rather, it was a sovereign, voluntary, and profoundly loving act of divine will, central to God's eternal plan of redemption. This act was necessary to satisfy divine justice and to atone for humanity's sin. [Isaiah 53:10](/isaiah/53-10 "Isaiah 53:10 - It Pleased the LORD to Bruise Him") prophesies, "Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief." This indicates that the Father's decision was a deliberate, purposeful, and redemptive act of self-sacrifice for the sake of humanity's salvation, demonstrating the depth of His love. Christ willingly submitted to this plan, as seen in passages like [John 10:17-18](/john/10-17-18 "John 10:17-18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life Willingly"), where Jesus states, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself." Thus, the delivering up was a unified act of the Godhead, driven by perfect love and justice.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:32 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the supreme "gift" that God "spared not." The Father's willingness to "deliver him up for us all" points directly to the cross, where Christ, as the [Lamb of God](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bore the sin of the world. His atoning sacrifice is the foundation upon which all other divine blessings flow to believers. Indeed, Christ himself is the embodiment of "all things" that God freely gives. In Him, we receive [redemption through His blood](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood"), [righteousness](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Made Sin for Us"), [adoption as sons and daughters](/galatians/4-5 "Galatians 4:5 - Adoption as Sons"), and [every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed with Every Spiritual Blessing in Christ"). The argument of Romans 8:32 is that if God gave His most precious possession, His Son, then in Christ, we are already given all that truly matters for life and godliness. [Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness of God in Christ") beautifully articulates this fullness: "For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power." Thus, the giving of Christ is the ultimate act of God's love, guaranteeing that in union with Him, believers lack nothing essential for their spiritual flourishing and eternal inheritance.

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

John 3:16

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.

Psalms 84:11

For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

1 John 4:10

Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son [to be] the propitiation for our sins.

2 Corinthians 5:21

For he hath made him [to be] sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

1 Corinthians 2:12

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.

Romans 5:6

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