Romans 8:34

KJV

Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G5101} is he that condemneth {G2632}? It is Christ {G5547} that died {G599}, yea {G1161} rather {G3123}{G2532}, that is risen again {G1453}, who {G3739} is {G2076} even {G2532} at {G1722} the right hand {G1188} of God {G2316}, who {G3739} also {G2532} maketh intercession {G1793} for {G5228} us {G2257}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who punishes them? Certainly not the Messiah Yeshua, who died and — more than that — has been raised, is at the right hand of God and is actually pleading on our behalf!

Berean Standard Bible

Who is there to condemn us? For Christ Jesus, who died, and more than that was raised to life, is at the right hand of God—and He is interceding for us.

American Standard Version

who is he that condemneth? It is Christ Jesus that died, yea rather, that was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 8:34 stands as a triumphant declaration of the believer's ultimate security and justification in Christ, forming a pivotal moment in Paul's climactic exposition on the Christian's assurance. It rhetorically asks who possesses the authority or ability to condemn those whom God has justified, immediately answering by pointing to the multifaceted, completed, and ongoing work of Jesus Christ—His death, resurrection, exaltation, and perpetual intercession—as the irrefutable basis for our freedom from all condemnation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 8:34 is nestled within the triumphant conclusion of Romans chapter 8, often regarded as the theological pinnacle of Paul's letter. This chapter begins with the foundational declaration of "no condemnation" for those in Christ Jesus [Romans 8:1](/romans/8-1 "Romans 8:1 - No Condemnation in Christ"). Paul systematically builds his argument, moving from the Spirit's work in sanctification, through the believer's adoption as children of God, to the glorious hope of future redemption. Verses [Romans 8:31-39](/romans/8-31-39 "Romans 8:31-39 - God's Unfailing Love") form a powerful crescendo, a series of rhetorical questions that affirm God's unwavering commitment to His elect. Verse 34 specifically addresses the potential accuser, providing the definitive answer rooted in Christ's finished work, thereby reinforcing the profound security articulated in the preceding and succeeding verses.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's audience in Rome included both Jewish and Gentile believers, grappling with issues of law, sin, justification, and their new identity in Christ. The concept of "condemnation" would have resonated deeply within both Jewish legal tradition, with its emphasis on divine judgment against sin, and Roman legal structures, where accusation and judgment were central to societal order. In a world where individuals faced various forms of accusation—from their own conscience, from religious adversaries, or even from spiritual forces—Paul's declaration offered radical assurance. The imagery of Christ "at the right hand of God" draws on ancient Near Eastern and Roman cultural understanding of a position of ultimate authority, honor, and power, signifying Christ's supreme rule and His ability to act decisively on behalf of His people.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Romans and the broader Pauline corpus. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Justification by Faith**, initiated in earlier chapters [Romans 3](/romans/3 "Romans 3 - Righteousness Through Faith") and culminating in the assurance that those declared righteous by God cannot be condemned by any other. Secondly, it highlights the **Comprehensive Work of Christ**, showcasing the multi-faceted nature of His salvation, from His atoning death to His ongoing intercession. This holistic view underscores that salvation is not merely a past event but a present reality sustained by Christ's continuous ministry. Finally, it powerfully articulates the **Security and Assurance of the Believer**, a core doctrine that permeates [Romans 8](/romans/8 "Romans 8 - Life in the Spirit"). The rhetorical question and its definitive answer leave no room for doubt regarding the eternal safety of those who are in Christ, sealed by God's love and Christ's perpetual advocacy.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **condemneth (Greek, _katakrínō'_):** From *katá* (down, against) and *krínō* (to judge), this word means "to judge against," or "to sentence." It carries the strong legal connotation of pronouncing a guilty verdict, leading to punishment or damnation. In this context, Paul uses it to challenge any entity—whether human, demonic, or even one's own conscience—that would attempt to declare a justified believer guilty before God.
* **risen again (Greek, _egeírō'_):** This verb means "to waken," "to rouse," or "to raise up." It describes Christ's resurrection from the dead, emphasizing His active triumph over death. This is not merely a resuscitation but a divine act of raising Him to new, indestructible life, validating His claims and empowering His ongoing work.
* **maketh intercession (Greek, _entynchánō'_):** This term implies "to chance upon" or "to confer with," and by extension, "to entreat (in favor or against)." Here, it specifically denotes Christ's active role as an advocate, coming alongside believers to plead their case before God. It signifies His continuous, empathetic advocacy on our behalf, presenting His finished work as the basis for our acceptance and ongoing standing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who is he that condemneth?"**: This rhetorical question serves as a powerful challenge, daring any entity to stand against God's justified ones. It implies that no one has the authority or power to successfully condemn those whom God has declared righteous.
* **"[It is] Christ that died"**: This clause immediately provides the first and foundational answer. Christ's death on the cross is the ultimate atoning sacrifice, satisfying divine justice and removing the penalty of sin for believers, thus eliminating any legitimate grounds for condemnation.
* **"yea rather, that is risen again"**: Paul emphasizes the resurrection as an even greater validation and proof of Christ's victory. The resurrection demonstrates Christ's triumph over sin and death, confirming the efficacy of His atoning work and providing the power for new life and justification.
* **"who is even at the right hand of God"**: This signifies Christ's ascension and exaltation to a position of supreme authority, honor, and power in the heavenly realms. His placement at the right hand of God indicates His active reign as Lord and King, ensuring His ability to protect and govern His people.
* **"who also maketh intercession for us"**: This final clause highlights Christ's ongoing high-priestly ministry. From His exalted position, He continually advocates for believers before the Father, presenting His perfect sacrifice and our justified standing, ensuring our perpetual acceptance and defense against all accusations.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several potent literary devices in [Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Who Can Condemn?"). The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "Who is he that condemneth?", which is not meant to be answered by an unknown party but to underscore the absolute impossibility of condemnation for the believer. This technique powerfully engages the reader and emphasizes the certainty of the truth that follows. The structure of the verse also demonstrates **Parallelism** and **Climax**, as Paul lists Christ's redemptive acts in a progression that builds in significance: death, resurrection, exaltation, and intercession. Each subsequent act deepens the assurance, culminating in Christ's continuous advocacy. This creates a sense of an unbreakable chain of divine protection. Furthermore, the verse is rich in **Theological Imagery**, particularly the depiction of Christ "at the right hand of God," which is a powerful visual metaphor for supreme authority, honor, and active rule, drawing on ancient concepts of royal power and divine sovereignty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 8:34 encapsulates the profound security of the believer, rooted in the comprehensive work of Christ. It asserts that because God Himself has justified us through Christ, no one—no human accuser, no demonic force, not even our own guilty conscience—can successfully condemn us. This declaration is a cornerstone of Christian assurance, emphasizing that our standing before God is not based on our fluctuating performance but on the unchangeable, perfect work of Jesus Christ. His death paid the penalty for sin, His resurrection validated His victory and our new life, His exaltation to God's right hand signifies His supreme authority, and His ongoing intercession ensures our perpetual acceptance and defense. This truth liberates believers from the fear of judgment and empowers them to live in the confidence of God's unwavering love.

* [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")
* [1 John 2:1](/1_john/2-1 "1 John 2:1 - Christ Our Advocate")
* [Romans 5:9-10](/romans/5-9-10 "Romans 5:9-10 - Justification and Reconciliation")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 8:34 offers immense comfort and strength, serving as an anchor for the soul in a world prone to accusation and self-condemnation. When doubts arise, when past sins haunt, or when spiritual adversaries whisper lies, this verse reminds us that our defense is not in our own righteousness but in the perfect, finished work of Christ. It calls us to rest in the reality that the very One who died for us, rose for us, reigns for us, and intercedes for us is our ultimate advocate. This truth should transform our perspective on guilt and shame, freeing us from their debilitating grip. It empowers us to approach God with confidence, knowing that our High Priest continually pleads our case. Living in light of this security cultivates a deep sense of peace, courage, and gratitude, enabling us to serve God not out of fear of condemnation, but out of love for the One who has secured our eternal standing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's four-fold work (death, resurrection, exaltation, intercession) deepen your assurance of salvation?**
* **In what areas of your life do you most often feel condemned, and how can the truth of Romans 8:34 speak to those feelings?**
* **How does Christ's ongoing intercession impact your prayer life and your confidence in approaching God?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean that Christ is "at the right hand of God"?**

Answer: When the Bible states that Christ "is even at the right hand of God," it signifies His supreme exaltation, authority, and power. In ancient cultures, sitting at the right hand of a king or ruler was the position of highest honor, authority, and executive power. For Christ, it means He has completed His redemptive work on earth, ascended to heaven, and now reigns as King of kings and Lord of lords, wielding all authority in heaven and on earth [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus"). This position ensures His ability to rule, protect His people, and carry out His ongoing ministry as our High Priest and Advocate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 8:34 profoundly articulates the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, presenting Jesus as the singular answer to humanity's deepest need for justification and freedom from condemnation. Every aspect of Christ's work mentioned—His sacrificial death, victorious resurrection, glorious exaltation, and continuous intercession—points to His unique role as the Messiah and Savior. His death fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system, serving as the ultimate atonement for sin, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His resurrection validates His divine identity and power over death, confirming the hope of new life for all who believe, as seen in [1 Corinthians 15:20-22](/1_corinthians/15-20-22 "1 Corinthians 15:20-22 - Christ is Risen, the Firstfruits"). His exaltation to the right hand of God fulfills prophecies of a reigning King [Psalm 110:1](/psalms/110-1 "Psalm 110:1 - The Lord Says to My Lord"), establishing His supreme authority over all creation and His active role in the affairs of humanity and the church [Ephesians 1:20-23](/ephesians/1-20-23 "Ephesians 1:20-23 - Christ's Supremacy"). Finally, His ongoing intercession as our great High Priest fulfills the Levitical priesthood, providing perfect and perpetual advocacy before God, ensuring that believers are always represented and sustained in the divine presence [Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession"). Thus, in Christ, every accusation is silenced, and every believer is eternally secure, not by their own merit, but by His complete and perfect work.

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

Hebrews 7:25

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Romans 8:27

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Hebrews 9:24

For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, [which are] the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us:

Romans 8:1

¶ [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

Mark 16:19

¶ So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.

Hebrews 10:19

¶ Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus,