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Romans 5:5

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And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

And {G1161} hope {G1680} maketh {G2617} not {G3756} ashamed {G2617}; because {G3754} the love {G26} of God {G2316} is shed abroad {G1632} in {G1722} our {G2257} hearts {G2588} by {G1223} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} which {G3588} is given {G1325} unto us {G2254}.

and this hope does not let us down, because God’s love for us has already been poured out in our hearts through the Ruach HaKodesh who has been given to us.

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.

and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts through the Holy Spirit which was given unto us.

Commentary

Romans 5:5 (KJV)

And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

Commentary on Romans 5:5

Context

This verse follows immediately after Paul's discussion in Romans 5:1-4 about the benefits of being justified by faith. Having peace with God and access into His grace, believers can rejoice in the hope of future glory. Paul explains that even tribulations can strengthen this hope, producing patience, experience, and ultimately, a hope that is reliable. Verse 5 then provides the foundational reason why this hope is so steadfast and will not disappoint us or "make us ashamed."

Key Themes

  • Reliable Hope: The central assertion is that Christian hope is not a mere wish but a certainty that will not lead to disappointment or shame.
  • The Love of God as Foundation: The steadfastness of hope is grounded in the profound and active love of God for believers.
  • God's Love "Shed Abroad": This vivid phrase describes the abundant pouring out or diffusion of God's love into the believer's innermost being.
  • The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit) is the divine agent who makes the experience of God's love real and palpable in the hearts of believers.
  • The Gift of the Spirit: The presence of the Holy Spirit is a gift given to those who are in Christ, enabling them to know and feel God's love personally.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "shed abroad" translates the Greek word ekcheō (ἐκχέω), which means "to pour out," "to diffuse," or "to give profusely." It suggests an abundant, overflowing distribution of God's love, not just a trickle. The term "Holy Ghost" is the traditional KJV rendering for the Holy Spirit, emphasizing His divine nature and role as the active principle in conveying God's love and securing hope within the believer.

Reflection and Application

Romans 5:5 offers deep assurance. Our hope for future glory and salvation is not based on our own merits or feelings, but on the undeniable reality of God's love poured into us by His Spirit. When trials come and test our hope, this verse reminds us that the presence of the Holy Spirit within us is the concrete evidence and guarantee of God's unchanging love. This internal witness empowers us to persevere, knowing that the God who loves us so profoundly will certainly bring His promises to completion. The indwelling Spirit is God's seal on our hearts, confirming His love and securing our future.

This experience of God's love through the Spirit is what distinguishes Christian hope from mere optimism. It is rooted in a divine reality that is actively at work within the believer, making the hope of future glory a certain expectation that "maketh not ashamed."

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 4:6 (42 votes)

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  • Philippians 1:20 (33 votes)

    According to my earnest expectation and [my] hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but [that] with all boldness, as always, [so] now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether [it be] by life, or by death.

  • Ephesians 3:16 (31 votes)

    That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

  • Ephesians 3:19 (31 votes)

    And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12 (27 votes)

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:22 (23 votes)

    Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

  • 1 John 4:19 (20 votes)

    We love him, because he first loved us.