Romans 13:11
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.
Original Language Analysis
Καὶ
And
G2532
Καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 21
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰδότες
knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
3 of 21
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
6 of 21
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἐξ
out of
G1537
ἐξ
out of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 21
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἐγερθῆναι
G1453
ἐγερθῆναι
Strong's:
G1453
Word #:
12 of 21
to waken (transitively or intransitively), i.e., rouse (literally, from sleep, from sitting or lying, from disease, from death; or figuratively, from
νῦν
now
G3568
νῦν
now
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
13 of 21
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
14 of 21
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 21
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.Ephesians 5:14Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.1 Corinthians 15:34Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame.Revelation 22:20He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.Luke 21:28And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.Revelation 22:12And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.Ecclesiastes 9:10Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.Jonah 1:6So the shipmaster came to him, and said unto him, What meanest thou, O sleeper? arise, call upon thy God, if so be that God will think upon us, that we perish not.1 Corinthians 10:11Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.Matthew 16:3And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times?
Historical Context
Early Christians lived with intense expectation of Christ's imminent return (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; 1 Corinthians 7:29-31). Paul wrote Romans circa AD 57; he expected Jesus' return within his lifetime (1 Thessalonians 4:15, 'we who are alive'). This 'not yet' tension—already justified, not yet glorified—shaped early Christian ethics. Two millennia later, Christ tarries, yet the call remains: live as those whose salvation is 'nearer than when we believed.' Every generation stands on the precipice of eternity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does eschatological urgency (<em>hōra ēdē</em>, 'the hour already') affect your daily priorities, relationships, and use of time?
- What does it mean to 'awake from sleep' (<em>ex hypnou egerthēnai</em>)—what spiritual drowsiness needs to be shaken off in your life?
- How should Christians live in light of salvation being 'nearer' each day—with anxiety, urgency, hope, or all three?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep—Kai touto eidotes ton kairon, hoti hōra ēdē hymas ex hypnou egerthēnai (καὶ τοῦτο εἰδότες τὸν καιρόν, ὅτι ὥρα ἤδη ὑμᾶς ἐξ ὕπνου ἐγερθῆναι). Kairon (καιρόν, time) is not chronos (chronological time) but opportune moment, eschatological urgency. Hōra ēdē (the hour already) signals imminence. Ex hypnou egerthēnai (to awake from sleep) uses hypnos (spiritual drowsiness, moral lethargy) and egeirō (awake/resurrect)—the same word for Christ's resurrection (Romans 6:4).
For now is our salvation nearer than when we believed—Nun gar engyteron hēmōn hē sōtēria ē hote episteusamen (νῦν γὰρ ἐγγύτερον ἡμῶν ἡ σωτηρία ἢ ὅτε ἐπιστεύσαμεν). Engyteron (nearer) indicates progressive approach. Sōtēria (salvation) here is glorification—Christ's return, resurrection, final deliverance (Romans 8:23-25). The aorist episteusamen (we believed) marks conversion; every day brings believers closer to consummation. Eschatological expectation fuels moral urgency—live as those whose redemption draws near (Luke 21:28).