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Romans 8:31

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

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}?

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

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

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

Commentary

Romans 8:31 (KJV)

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

Context

This verse stands as a powerful conclusion to the triumphant declarations made in the preceding verses of Romans chapter 8. Paul has just described the believer's assurance based on God's sovereign plan, which includes working all things together for good for those who love Him, predestination, calling, justification, and ultimate glorification (Romans 8:28-30). Having laid out this incredible chain of divine action on behalf of believers, Paul poses a rhetorical question.

Meaning and Themes

The core message is one of profound assurance and security for the believer. "What shall we then say to these things?" refers back to the glorious truths just stated about God's unshakeable purpose and work for His people. The question "If God be for us, who can be against us?" is not expressing doubt, but rather is a strong affirmation. It highlights the absolute supremacy of God's support. If the almighty Creator and Sustainer of the universe is on our side, actively working for our good (as described in the prior verses), then no opposing force, whether human, spiritual, or circumstantial, can ultimately overcome or defeat us in a way that thwarts God's ultimate plan for us.

  • Divine Sovereignty and Favor: It emphasizes that God's position is "for" His people, meaning He is actively supporting, defending, and working on their behalf.
  • Believer's Security: It underscores the profound security that comes from being in a right relationship with God through Christ.
  • Triumph Over Opposition: It declares that any opposition faced by believers is ultimately powerless to separate them from God's love or prevent His purposes for them.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "be for us" translates the Greek phrase hyper hēmōn (ὑπὲρ ἡμῶν), which literally means "on behalf of us" or "for our advantage." This indicates God's active and beneficial stance towards believers. The question "who can be against us?" uses the Greek kata hēmōn (κατὰ ἡμῶν), meaning "against us" in opposition or hostility. The rhetorical question structure powerfully implies that no opposition is ultimately effective when God is on one's side.

Significance and Application

This verse provides immense comfort and strength to believers facing trials, persecution, or doubt. It shifts the focus from the power of the opposition to the infinitely greater power of God who is "for us." It encourages faith and perseverance, reminding us that our ultimate victory and security are guaranteed by God's unwavering commitment to those He has called and justified. It is a foundational promise for facing life's challenges with confidence, knowing that God's support is decisive.

See also: Psalm 118:6, Isaiah 54:17.

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

  • Psalms 118:6 (264 votes)

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

  • Jeremiah 1:19 (209 votes)

    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 (170 votes)

    ¶ 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 (170 votes)

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

  • Isaiah 54:17 (135 votes)

    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 (129 votes)

    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 (103 votes)

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