Romans 1:4
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὁρισθέντος
And declared
G3724
ὁρισθέντος
And declared
Strong's:
G3724
Word #:
2 of 17
to mark out or bound ("horizon"), i.e., (figuratively) to appoint, decree, specify
υἱοῦ
to be the Son
G5207
υἱοῦ
to be the Son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
3 of 17
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 17
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
δυνάμει
power
G1411
δυνάμει
power
Strong's:
G1411
Word #:
6 of 17
force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself)
κατὰ
according
G2596
κατὰ
according
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
7 of 17
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
πνεῦμα
to the spirit
G4151
πνεῦμα
to the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
8 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
G386
ἀναστάσεως
the resurrection
Strong's:
G386
Word #:
11 of 17
a standing up again, i.e., (literally) a resurrection from death (individual, genitive case or by implication, (its author)), or (figuratively) a (mor
νεκρῶν
from the dead
G3498
νεκρῶν
from the dead
Strong's:
G3498
Word #:
12 of 17
dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)
Ἰησοῦ
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
13 of 17
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Χριστοῦ
G5547
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Hebrews 9:14How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?2 Corinthians 13:4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.1 Peter 1:11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.2 Peter 1:21For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.Romans 1:3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;Acts 3:15And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnesses.Acts 2:32This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses.Acts 2:24Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.Revelation 19:10And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.Revelation 1:18I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.
Historical Context
Resurrection was not a common expectation in Greco-Roman religion. Greeks mocked the idea (Acts 17:32), preferring the immortality of the soul. Jews debated bodily resurrection (Pharisees affirmed it; Sadducees denied it). Paul's proclamation of a historical, witnessed, bodily resurrection of Jesus was revolutionary and scandalous. The Roman Empire would shortly face Christian martyrs who went joyfully to death because they believed in resurrection unto eternal life through Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the resurrection (ἀνάστασις) as objective historical event differ from subjective spiritual experiences, and why does this matter?
- What specific fears or hopeless situations in your life does the 'power' (δύναμις) demonstrated in Christ's resurrection address?
- How should belief in bodily resurrection shape your view of your physical body, sexuality, vocation, and material world?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
The verb horisthentos (ὁρισθέντος, 'declared/appointed/marked out') indicates powerful demonstration, not that Jesus became the Son of God at the resurrection but that He was publicly vindicated as such. Huiou theou en dunamei (υἱοῦ θεοῦ ἐν δυνάμει, 'Son of God with power') contrasts with verse 3's 'according to the flesh'—here is His divine nature displayed in resurrection power. The phrase kata pneuma hagiōsynēs (κατὰ πνεῦμα ἁγιωσύνης, 'according to the Spirit of holiness') is complex—likely referring to the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus (Romans 8:11) or to Christ's own divine nature characterized by holiness.
Ex anastaseōs nekrōn (ἐξ ἀναστάσεως νεκρῶν, 'by resurrection from the dead') is the linchpin of Christian faith. Paul later writes, 'If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile' (1 Corinthians 15:17). The resurrection validated Jesus's claims, defeated death, and guaranteed our justification (Romans 4:25). It was witnessed by over 500 people (1 Corinthians 15:6) and transformed cowardly disciples into bold apostles. This is not resuscitation (like Lazarus) but glorification—the firstfruits of new creation (1 Corinthians 15:20-23).