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.
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}.
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!
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.
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.
-
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,
Romans 8:34 stands as a powerful declaration of the believer's ultimate security in Christ, forming a key part of Paul's triumphant conclusion to Romans chapter 8. It answers the rhetorical question of who can condemn those whom God has justified, pointing definitively to the multifaceted work of Jesus Christ as the ultimate defense.
Context
Romans chapter 8 is often considered the pinnacle of Paul's theological exposition, moving from the freedom from condemnation found in Christ Jesus to the glorious hope of future redemption. Following the assurance that if God is for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31), verse 34 specifically addresses the question of accusation and judgment. It builds upon the preceding verses which establish God's unwavering love and proactive work on behalf of His chosen ones, leading to the climactic statement of God's inseparable love.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The term "intercession" (Greek: entynchano) implies coming alongside someone to plead on their behalf, or to mediate. It suggests an active, empathetic advocacy. This isn't Christ begging God on our behalf, but rather, as our advocate, He presents His finished work and our justified standing before the Father, ensuring our acceptance and ongoing standing.
Practical Application
Romans 8:34 offers immense comfort and strength to believers. It challenges feelings of guilt, shame, and fear of judgment. When believers face accusations, whether from their own conscience, others, or spiritual adversaries, this verse reminds them that Christ Himself stands as their ultimate defense. It encourages confidence in prayer, knowing that our High Priest is interceding for us. This truth frees us to live boldly, knowing our salvation is secured by the unchangeable work and position of Jesus Christ.