Romans 14:8
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.
Original Language Analysis
ἐάν
and whether
G1437
ἐάν
and whether
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
6 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐάν
and whether
G1437
ἐάν
and whether
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
8 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
the Lord's
G2962
κυρίου
the Lord's
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
12 of 23
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἐάν
and whether
G1437
ἐάν
and whether
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
14 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
16 of 23
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἐάν
and whether
G1437
ἐάν
and whether
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
18 of 23
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Philippians 1:20According 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.1 Thessalonians 5:10Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.1 Corinthians 15:23But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.Acts 21:13Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.Revelation 14:13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.Philippians 2:17Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.Acts 13:36For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:John 21:19This spake he, signifying by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he saith unto him, Follow me.Philippians 2:30Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
Historical Context
This echoes 1 Corinthians 3:21-23, 'all are yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's'—the chain of ownership. Early Christians faced martyrdom ('dying unto the Lord') with confidence, even joy (Acts 7:59-60). Polycarp's martyrdom (AD 155) exemplified this: 'Eighty-six years I have served Him, and He has done me no wrong. How can I blaspheme my King who saved me?' Death 'unto the Lord' meant dying as worship. This text also shaped Christian burial practices: funerals as witness to resurrection hope, not pagan despair.
Questions for Reflection
- What areas of life do you treat as your own rather than living '<em>tō kyriō</em>' (unto the Lord)—career, relationships, leisure?
- How does understanding death as 'unto the Lord' change your perspective on mortality, suffering, or martyrdom?
- If 'we are the Lord's' (<em>tou kyriou esmen</em>) in life and death, how does this affect daily decisions in disputable matters?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's—Ean te gar zōmen, tō kyriō zōmen, ean te apothnēskōmen, tō kyriō apothnēskōmen. ean te oun zōmen ean te apothnēskōmen, tou kyriou esmen (ἐάν τε γὰρ ζῶμεν, τῷ κυρίῳ ζῶμεν, ἐάν τε ἀποθνῄσκωμεν, τῷ κυρίῳ ἀποθνῄσκομεν. ἐάν τε οὖν ζῶμεν ἐάν τε ἀποθνῄσκομεν, τοῦ κυρίου ἐσμέν). The fourfold repetition tō kyriō (to the Lord) emphasizes total consecration. Living and dying both belong to Christ—no moment is ours, all is His.
Tou kyriou esmen (τοῦ κυρίου ἐσμέν, 'we are the Lord's') is the foundation: believers are Christ's possession (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, 'ye are not your own'). This undergirds vv. 1-7: if we belong to the Lord, we have no right to judge His other servants. Whether they eat meat, observe days, abstain—they're doing it 'unto the Lord' as His property. This also grounds Christian confidence in death: even dying is 'unto the Lord,' not tragic loss but consecrated offering.